The Cueva de los Guácharos National Natural Park is one of the oldest protected areas in the country, was founded in 1960. Its name comes from a species of birds called Guácharos that lives in the caves of the park. In the Quechua language, Guácharos means to scream or to cry, this, according to the sounds that these birds produce.
HOW TO GET TO THE CAVE OF THE GUÁCHAROS NATIONAL NATURAL PARK?
This tourist site is located in Huila, to reach the Natural National Park Cave of the Guácharos you must go to Pitalito- Huila, being in Pitalito you must take a bus from the transport terminal that moves you to the municipality known as Palestine, there you must take a campero service to the Vereda la Mensura.
In the trail La Mesura the next thing is to walk until the park, this walk is of approximately 4 hours. For this tour is required to be in good physical condition as the difficulty of the walk is high. You have the option of renting horses to help you load your luggage.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE IN CAVE OF GUÁCHAROS PARK
In the Cave of the Guácharos Park is located at an altitude between 800 and 4020 meters above sea level, therefore, has an average temperature of 16°C with a temperate climate – cold. It is recommended to wear warm clothes, the chances of rain are wide, so have raincoat and rubber boots. It is important to carry a flashlight.
WHAT TO DO IN THE GUÁCHAROS CAVE PARK?
The Cave of the Guácharos National Natural Park was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1980, it is one of the last places with hectares of virgin forest, this interesting tourist site is very attractive because, as its name indicates, the caves where the birds called guácharos live, when you enter these caves you will hear the deafening fluttering of the birds, this species is nocturnal, so it has a location system similar to the bats, it is quite an event to admire these mysterious birds.
In addition, you will be able to spot different species of mammals such as deer monkeys, tiger bears, tigers and even pumas, as well as more than 200 species of birds.
The park has 7134 hectares in which visitors can take guided walks through areas such as the Quebrada Cristales, the Cuevas del Indio, del Hoyo and de los Guácharos and the mirador, a variety of beautiful places with dazzling landscapes.
GASTRONOMY IN CAVE OF LOS GUÁCHAROS NATIONAL PARK
The Cave of the Guácharos National Natural Park has a restaurant, however, it is recommended that you bring provisions and hydration.
HOTELS AND CAMPING AREAS IN GUÁCHAROS CAVE PARK?
In the Cave of the Guácharos National Natural Park there are multiple rooms with capacity for 46 people, a VIP family cabin for 8 people, and camping areas where 10 tents can be set up, in addition, you can sleep in hammocks.
COSTS
Information taken from www.parquesnacionales.gov.co in May 2019
National or foreign resident in Colombia from 5 to 25 years old: 14,500 colombian pesos
National or foreign resident in Colombia older than 25 years: $18,500 colombian pesos
Nonresident foreigner in Colombia: $49.500 colombian pesos
