Selva de Florencia

Selva de Florencia is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including several endangered and endemic species. The park provides habitat for rare amphibians, including the golden poison frog, various monkey species, and numerous bird species. Notable residents include the mountain tapir, spectacled bear, and several endangered butterfly species. The park is particularly recognized for its exceptional amphibian diversity.

The park hosts an exceptional variety of plant species adapted to its humid tropical forest ecosystem. Notable flora includes numerous orchid species, bromeliads, and endemic plants unique to this region. The forest structure is characterized by multiple vegetation layers, from towering canopy trees to dense understory growth, with many species still being discovered and documented by researchers.

The park's geological formation is characterized by steep mountainous terrain within the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes, with elevations ranging from 850 to 2,400 meters above sea level. The landscape features dramatic valleys, numerous water sources, and volcanic-sedimentary rocks. This varied topography has created diverse ecological niches and contributed to the area's remarkable biodiversity.

The Selva de Florencia National Natural Park experiences a humid tropical climate with average annual rainfall exceeding 6,000mm, making it one of Colombia's wettest regions. Temperatures typically range from 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F), with high humidity levels throughout the year. The park's weather patterns are influenced by its location in the eastern slopes of Colombia's Central Cordillera, creating distinct microclimates across different elevation zones.

Established in October 2005, Selva de Florencia National Natural Park was created to protect one of the last remaining mid-elevation Andean rainforests in Colombia's central cordillera. The area has historical significance as a refuge for diverse species and has been the subject of extensive biological research since the 1990s. Local communities have traditionally used the area for sustainable activities, contributing to the park's current conservation model.

The park's most distinctive features include its extensive network of rivers and streams, pristine waterfalls, and remarkable biodiversity hotspots. Its location in the Central Cordillera creates unique ecological corridors vital for species movement. The park also serves as an important water source for surrounding communities and hosts several research stations dedicated to studying its unique ecosystem.