In brief
Just a few kilometers from the center of Jardín, one of Colombia’s most picturesque villages, lies a place that will delight lovers of flora, and orchids in particular: the Reserva Natural Orquídeas (not to be confused with the Las Orquídeas National Park to the west of Medellín). Nestled in the Andes mountains of Antioquia department, this private reserve is a veritable sanctuary of biodiversity, renowned for its wild orchids, mysterious cloud forests and numerous hummingbirds that flutter freely in a protected environment.
Accessible by 4×4, the Orquídeas Reserve appeals to nature lovers, photography enthusiasts and travellers in search of authenticity. Here, there are no crowds or excessively marked trails: just the calm of a lush forest, the soothing humidity of the Andean mist, and the discreet song of wildlife. It’s a must-see for those who want to discover a different side of Colombia, far removed from traditional tours.
In this article, we take you on a tour of this ecological gem near Jardín: what to see, how to get there, what to pack and why this reserve deserves a place on your Colombian travel itinerary.
Reserva Orquídeas de la Sociedad Colombiana de Orquideología
- Department : Antioquia (Andes)
- Creation: 2017
- Area: 500 hectares
- Altitude: 2,470 m to 3,140 m
- Ecosystems: Andean and sub-Andean forests,
- Climate: equatorial
- Access from Jardín
Our verdict: a great place to discover flora, and help protect the environment ★★
The Reserva Orquídeas is not for lovers of long mountain hikes. Here, the experience is quite different: educational, accessible and focused on raising awareness of local biodiversity. This private nature reserve offers an ecological, almost playful approach, with a particular focus on orchids, the local emblems. The tour, guided in Spanish by an enthusiastic guide, begins with an introduction to the local fauna, illustrated by photos from camera traps. This is followed by a not-to-be-missed stop at the hummingbird feeders, a magical opportunity to observe these birds up close. The walk continues at a leisurely pace, punctuated by breaks to discover different plants and orchid species, before returning to the hut. The highlight of the visit: each participant plants a sapling from an endangered tree in an area dedicated to reforestation. A concrete, symbolic and meaningful gesture. The atmosphere is friendly, almost family-like, and the initiative is well worth spending a few hours on.
When should you visit the Reserva Orquideas?
The nature reserve can be discovered at any time of year. You just need to be prepared for any kind of weather.
Visitors to the Reserva Orquideas
The Reserva Orquídeas is not the most touristic spot in the Jardín region, which makes it still quite unspoilt. However, don’t expect to be alone: the visit is always made in a group, with a local guide who usually waits for several visitors before beginning the discovery. The experience is more akin to an educational and entertaining activity than a nature hike, as one would do in a national park. The atmosphere is friendly, and it’s an excellent opportunity to chat with Colombians: when we were there, there were around twenty of us… and the only foreigners in the group. A simple, warm and enriching immersion.
Climate at Reserva Orquideas
The equatorial climate is full of surprises. Expect changeable weather, from mild sunshine to sudden showers. Temperatures can range from pleasant (a t-shirt will do) to chilly (sweater/jacket required), all in the course of a single day. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year, with an impressive annual average of around 5,557 mm. That said, even during the rainy season, showers are often short and fall mainly in the late afternoon. For drier conditions, the best months are December to February and July to August.
Getting to know La Reserva Orquideas better
Sociedad Colombiana de Orquideología
After more than fifty years dedicated to the study and preservation of orchids, the Sociedad Colombiana de Orquideología has broadened its mission to include ecosystem protection as a top priority. Indeed, habitat destruction is today the main cause of the decline of this plant family. With this in mind, a 200-hectare plot of land has been acquired in the municipality of Jardín, dedicated to the active conservation of biodiversity.
Orchids are much more than just flowers: they are true indicators of forest health. Behind them lies a rich and fragile ecosystem, made up oftrees,water, pollinators and a multitude ofanimal species – some of which are particularly threatened. Protecting orchids means preserving their entire natural habitat and all the life forms that depend on it. This is one of the major commitments of the Colombian Orchid Society.
To achieve this, the Reserva Orquídeas was created in 2017, 10 km from Jardín, covering 200 hectares.
Wildlife monitoring
The Sociedad Colombiana de Orquideología is not only dedicated to the preservation of orchids: it also carries out rigorous monitoring of the fauna present in its Jardín nature reserve. To this end, photographic traps have been set up at various strategic points in the forest. These devices – cameras equipped with infrared motion sensors – are automatically triggered when an animal passes by, enabling valuable images to be captured without disturbing the wildlife.
Thanks to these cameras, the reserve has been able to confirm the presence of numerous emblematic species, some of them very discreet. These include the Mazama rufina (or Andean deer), the elusive spectacled bear, the olinguito – a small arboreal mammal recently discovered – and the puma, the great predator of the Colombian mountains.
The reserve is also a haven for a wide variety of birds, making it an exceptional place for ornithology. These include theIsidore’s eagle, the masked trogon, the black-billed toucan, the golden-cheeked conure and many species of hummingbird, the region’s winged jewels.
Please note: the main purpose of visiting the reserve is not to observe wildlife. Don’t expect to come across any of the animals mentioned above on your hike – you won’t! The only animals you’ll actually see are hummingbirds, which can be seen at the feeders near the reception pavilion.
Environmental education
Important conservation work is also carried out on a daily basis with local people. In particular, Jardín students have been welcomed as part of an environmental education program designed to raise awareness among young people of the need to preserve natural resources and promote sustainable development.
The themes addressed include the protection of the rainforest, reforestation actions and the conservation of species present in the reserve. The initiative aims to pass on concrete knowledge and encourage new generations to adopt responsible behavior in the face of environmental challenges.
Visitors are also given a warm welcome, designed to raise their awareness of the fragility and importance of cloud forests.
Visit La Reserva Orquideas
Our experience: an instructive and fun time!
It all starts with a departure from the picturesque village of Jardín at around 8:30 am. Don Dario, a man in his late sixties, loads us into his magnificent vintage Jeep Willys – with its apple-green paintwork. We quickly leave the village and set off on a well-maintained road that winds its way through the foothills of the Andes. Along the way, we pick up two female itinerant travelers, wandering through Colombia with their musical instruments.
But no more than 15 or 20 minutes later, we arrive at an intersection: on one side the beautiful asphalt road, on the other a steep path climbing up the mountain. This is where we drop off the two musicians, before picking up the pace on a chaotic track. Fortunately, Don Dario knows his machine inside out – and he’s as jovial as he is efficient.
Progress is slow, giving us time to admire the thickly forested mountains, their peaks shrouded in mist. The atmosphere is mystical, almost unreal. There’s not a trace of man, except our own.
After about twenty minutes in this enchanting setting, a few huts emerge between the trees. We’ve arrived. Don Dario parks his valiant Jeep next to the guide’s motorcycle. Not a soul in sight.
Well, yes: two dogs, half wild, half tame. They watch us calmly from a distance as we make our way to the main hut to meet the guide. We still have to wait for another group to arrive before starting the tour.
In the meantime – about 30 minutes or so – the guide, visibly passionate, begins to explain the site to us, while sipping a tinto. He then invites us to observe the hummingbirds circling the feeders. Several species are engaged in a captivating ballet. We can even hold little flower-shaped feeders in our hands, and the hummingbirds come to feed. You can feel the touch of their tiny legs on your skin, and have the privilege of observing them up close, with no one around. A magical moment – especially for hummingbird lovers.
Eventually, two cars arrive. About fifteen Colombians get out. The atmosphere promises to be lively. Once everyone has warmed up with a cup of coffee, the tour begins. The guide leads us to a sort of covered terrace where he projects a video on a small TV, showing the animals captured by camera traps. The video is interspersed with pauses where the guide comments on the rarity and importance of each species, while at the same time debunking certain local beliefs, such as that of eating zarigüeyas (a type of possum) to supposedly benefit from curative virtues.
One of the guide’s roles clearly emerges: to transmit a scientific, responsible and educational approach, especially to rural dwellers, where traditions sometimes have devastating effects on flora and fauna. He also takes the opportunity to recount a memorable face-to-face encounter with a puma.
The moment is lively, punctuated by the many reactions of the group – and with Colombians, every sentence of the guide triggers laughter, surprise or exclamation. Don Dario, always with us, adds his touch by sharing a few personal anecdotes.
After the video, back to the hummingbirds, which the rest of the group had not yet been able to admire. Meanwhile, the sky is getting darker. Mist engulfs the mountains, and the cold slowly sets in. We don our ponchos to keep warm, but fortunately the rain doesn’t spoil the mood.
Once the hummingbird moment is over, the guide takes us along a dirt path. We walk along the mountainside, alongside the reserve’s facilities. The path is punctuated by stops where the guide talks to us this time about the flora. And of course, as the name of the reserve suggests, he introduces us to several species of orchids, delicate flowers of which Colombia is world champion, with over 4,200 varieties! There are also lichens, mosses,epiphytes… Thanks to the ideal humidity, the biodiversity is spectacular.
After a walk of maybe 2 km (but which took us 1h20), we return to the hut. Time for the last activity: reforestation. A small meadow, once deforested, awaits our young shoots. We each take a pot containing a small tree (several species to choose from), and set off to plant in this piece of Andean land. The guide takes the opportunity to tell us about the association’s objectives: preserving the environment, buying back hectares and reforesting damaged areas. Every visit contributes to this fundamental project, which is precisely what the Reserva Orquídeas de la Sociedad Colombiana de Orquideología is all about.
The planting session, which took a little longer than expected(one shovel for around twenty people…), ended with the satisfaction of having “one’s” tree, planted in the Andes. A small but meaningful act.
Time to return to thereserve reception. It’ s the end of a very special experience, in a place where travellers to Jardín have yet to visit. And yet, what a wonderful discovery!
But after 5 hours on site – much longer than planned – it’s high time to return to the village to appease a deep-seated hunger. Always in good spirits, with dear Don Dario, a generous and remarkably patient man. Long live the Reserva Orquídeas!
Rates
The Orquídeas reserve is free. You can make a donation to plant a tree seedling from their nursery.
Booking & Schedules
If you want to discover the Reserva Orquídeas de Jardín, you’ll need to book in advance. We recommend that you do so the day before at the latest. As it’s a guided tour with precise timetables, the staff on site have to get organized and see the volume of visitors from one day to the next. The reserve welcomes visitors every day from 07:00 to 16:00.
You can book directly with the Reserva Orquídeas (their Facebook and Instagram). Beware, they sometimes reply 4-5 days later, so think ahead.
Or go through one of the tourist agencies in Jardín, which takes care of everything, including transport.
AGENCY AND RATES
Jardín de Aventura Jardín de Aventura: small local agency. Rates are 290,000 COP for a single person, 360,000 COP for 2 people, 540,000 COP for 4 people.
How to get to the Reserva Orquideas?
No public transport links Jardín directly to the Reserva Orquídeas. To get there, you have four options:
- Book an organized tour, which includes round-trip transportation (approx. 200,000 COP per person).
- Find a driver (Jeep) on the village square who can take you there (and pick you up – remember to take his phone number!).
- Go by rental car, if you have one (it’s better to have a 4*4, as part of the journey is a track in the mountains, and parking is in a meadow).
- For the more motivated, it’s a good idea to walk from Jardín (approx. 2h30).
Where to stay to visit the Reserva Orquideas?
The most convenient – and logical – starting point for exploring the Reserva Orquídeas is the charming village of Jardín.
Jardín
Jardín is undoubtedly one of Antioquia’s most emblematic villages, renowned for its colorful architecture typical of the region and the diversity of activities available in the surrounding area: visits to coffee fincas, hikes leading to waterfalls, paragliding… A real little paradise for travelers in search of nature and authenticity. Although a tourist destination, Jardín remains less crowded than Salento – for the time being.
Just a 30-minute drive from the Reserva Orquídeas, the village is an excellent place to spend the night. Here you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options, from friendly youth hostels and traditional hotels to peaceful lodges in the heart of nature.
LEARN MORE
$ – Economical budgeting
Hostal
Sergeant Pepper’s Hostel
Friendly hostel located in a renovated traditional house, with basic rooms. Close to the main square, it offers easy access to transport and amenities.
$ – Economical budgeting
Guest house
Hospedaje en Esplendor
Daniel, the host, has 6 rooms in a quiet street, but close to the main sites. The staff is top-notch. The rooms are simple but impeccable. Well-equipped kitchen.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Gulupa Ecolodge
This out-of-town ecolodge offers a peaceful getaway experience in a spectacular natural setting. It offers comfortable accommodation and outdoor activities.
$$ – Average budget
Hotel
Hotel Dulce Campestre
Beautiful hotel, architecture, colorful. Excellent location, in the center of town but away from the hustle and bustle of the park. Staff attention was excellent. Very good breakfast.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Casa Passiflora
Spacious, renovated rooms with modern and traditional Colombian decor, very warm and well-equipped. Very friendly and respectful staff. The breakfast included is delicious.
$$$ – High budget
Hotel
Hotel Plantación
You’ll be greeted by gentle staff in a beautiful setting, rich in plants, colors and Colombian decorations, reflecting their commitment to sustainability (and vegetarian food).
Notes on visiting La Reserva Orquideas
Reservations required
As the tour is guided, with only one or two guides on site, visitors are grouped by time slot to leave together. If you’re planning to go on your own, contact the reserve directly to find out when the tour starts, so you can plan your day well.
Low physical effort
You don’t have to be a great sportsman to visit the Reserva Orquídeas. It’s not a real hike, but an educational walk of around 2 km, punctuated by stops where the guide shares his knowledge. That said, the path is dirt, sometimes slippery in wet weather and slightly uneven.
Bring water
Remember to take a bottle of water with you, as there’s nothing around. You don’t need 10L, it’s not really hot, and the physical effort is low.
Suitable clothing
Opt for layered clothing to adapt easily to the often rapid weather changes in the region. It can be hot or cool as the day progresses.
Sunscreen + Sunglasses
Even if altitude softens temperatures, the sun remains intense at altitude: UV rays are particularly strong on blue-sky days. So it’s essential to protect your skin.
Raincoat (poncho, K-Way)
In the mountains, the weather can change rapidly, and sudden showers – sometimes intense – are common. So it’s best to bring waterproof clothing, such as a poncho or K-Way.
