The fascinating Putumayo: A natural and little explored destination

Putumayo is a department with great natural wealth. It has a wide variety of flora and fauna, including tropical jungles, wet forests, rivers, waterfalls, and mountains.

In this article, we will explore the wonders that Putumayo offers, from its rich fauna and flora to its impressive waterfalls and natural reserves.

Where is Putumayo located?

Putumayo is a department located in the southwest of Colombia, in the Amazon region. Its capital is Mocoa and its most populated city is Puerto Asís.

The Putumayo River, which gives its name to the department, is an important Amazonian river that originates in Colombia and flows into Brazil.

How to get to Putumayo from Bogotá?

The fastest way to travel from Bogotá to Putumayo is by plane. There are direct flights available from El Dorado International Airport with airlines such as Satena and Avianca to Puerto Asís International Airport. The flight lasts approximately 3 hours and ticket prices vary depending on the airline and the season, but can be found from $300,000 COP - $76 USD.

If you are looking for a more economical option, you can travel from Bogotá to Putumayo by bus. The route is operated by several ground transportation companies and the journey lasts approximately 12 hours. Tickets cost between $100,000 - $25 USD to $140,000 COP - $36 USD, depending on the company and the type of seat.

What to do in Putumayo?

Putumayo is an ideal tourist destination for nature and culture lovers. The department offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural and cultural beauty of the Colombian Amazon.

Here are some companies that offer tours in the Putumayo department:

• Eco Tourism Putumayo: Tourism operator company in the department of Putumayo.

• Eco Tourism Macarena: promotes ecological tourism at a national level.

• Walks in the open air: Ecotourism travel company throughout Colombia.

• Awake Travel: It is a nature tourism agency If you are looking to do tourism that directly benefits the local community.

Putumayo is a natural paradise

The department of Putumayo is in a privileged position, bordering Ecuador and Peru, and being part of the Amazon region.

Exceptional biodiversity in Putumayo

This department is home to a wide variety of endemic species and incomparable natural wealth. In 85% of its territory, which is part of the great Amazonian plain, you can find unique species of butterflies, birds, reptiles, and primates.

A destination for bird lovers in Putumayo

If you are passionate about birds, Putumayo is the ideal place for you. With more than 350 types of birds, this department is a paradise for bird watching. Natural reserves such as El Escondite, El Fin del Mundo and Donde se oculta el sol offer the opportunity to go hiking and admire the diversity of birds in their natural habitat.

From colorful toucans to majestic eagles, the sky of Putumayo is full of impressive plumages.

Photo by: Naturefreak

Impressive landscapes in Putumayo

Putumayo is home to some of the most impressive waterfalls in Colombia. The Fin del Mundo Waterfall, located in the Fin del Mundo reserve, is a must-see for nature lovers.

A department with great tourist potential. The department offers visitors the opportunity to experience the natural and cultural beauty of the Colombian Amazon.

The culture and community of Putumayo

Putumayo is not only a destination for nature lovers, but also a place where you can connect with the culture and local community.

‍Photo by: Hunter Productions

Their host model allows you to connect with the people who inhabit and build the territory, providing you with an authentic and meaningful experience.

Peacebuilding in Putumayo

Putumayo has been hit by the internal armed conflict in Colombia, but in recent years, there have been significant efforts by the Colombian government and various organizations to promote reconciliation, reconstruction, and development in Putumayo.

Conservation actions in Putumayo

The Putumayo community strives to conserve and protect its natural environment, implementing various impact actions. Some of these actions include:

• Allocate 483 hectares of forest for conservation.

• Carry out restoration processes of native species and plant more than 14,000 trees in collaboration with local communities.

• Constantly monitor and characterize biodiversity, especially birds, herpetos, and mammals.

• Implement sustainable livestock practices known as 'silvopastoral'.

• Contribute to species research to promote knowledge and conservation.

Happy travels! :)

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