Los Tunos Nature Reserve

On Sunday morning I met up with about 20 employees of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and joined them on an excursion to Los Tunos Nature Reserve. The reserve is located just about one hour by bus outside the city of Bogotá. Along the bus route, I was surprised at how quickly the city of Bogotá disappeared and gave way to a rural countryside of green hills and mountains. For example, just thirty minutes outside of the city the bus stopped and I took this picture of a beautiful waterfall and canyon!

When we arrived at the reserve we were treated to several tasty snacks (meat pastries, chocolate, fruit) and drinks before we headed out on our guided tour of the reserve. At Los Tunos, visitors can enjoy hiking, rock climbing, fishing at a trout farm, and relaxing within the confines of a beautiful and quiant bed and breakfast.

On our four-hour guided tour we hiked up the mountain along a steep and rocky mountain stream and into a "cloud forest." We even had to rely on ropes to climb several waterfalls! During our hike we learned about the many unique flowers, plants, and trees that grow on the reserve. One such beautiful but often deadly flower produces a neurotoxin that causes people to lose consciousness (and die) when the flower's aromatic pollen is inhaled. We all stayed plenty far away from that flower! Another poisonous plant has long been used by native people for fishing. When the plant's leaves are placed in a river or stream, poison paralyzes any fish in the area and causes them to float to the surface where they can then be collected. Amazing, right?

Our day at the reserve concluded with a delicious lunch that consisted of soup, fresh trout, fried yucca, rice, salad, fruit, and coffee served on an outdoor patio that was surrounded by a garden of beautiful of trees and flowers. In the end, I left the reserve quite amazed that such a beautiful place could exist just a short bus ride away from the hustle and bustle of Bogotá. It was a great day and I definitely recommend checking out the Tunos nature reserve if you ever find yourself in Bogotá!