Las Hermosas National Natural Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas |
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| Las Hermosas National Natural Park | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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Laguna Las Mellizas, Las Hermosas National Natural Park
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| Nearest city | Santiago de Cali, Colombia |
| Area | 1,250 km2 (480 sq mi) |
| Established | May 1977 |
| Governing body | SINAP |
The Las Hermosas National Natural Park (which means "The Beautiful Ones" in Spanish) is a special protected area in Colombia. It's located in the Valle del Cauca and Tolima regions. This park sits high up in the Central Mountain Range, which is part of the Andes Mountains. One of the coolest things about it is its many wetlands and 387 beautiful glacial lakes!
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Exploring Las Hermosas National Park
This amazing park is surrounded by two big rivers: the Magdalena River and the Cauca River. The land here goes from about 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) up to 4,400 meters (14,435 feet) above sea level. That's a huge change in height!
Canyons and History
The rivers have carved out a deep canyon in the park. It's a tough place to reach, but it holds a lot of history. Long ago, the native Pijao people bravely defended this area. They protected their lands against the Spanish Conquistadors who arrived in Colombia.
Rocks and Mountains
You can find three main types of rocks in the park. There are igneous rocks, which form when hot magma cools down. There are also metamorphic rocks, which change due to heat and pressure. Finally, you'll see rocks from more recent volcanic eruptions. This mix shows how much the Earth has changed here over time.
Climate in Las Hermosas
The weather in Las Hermosas National Park changes a lot depending on how high up you are.
Rainfall and Temperature
At lower parts of the park, it rains about 2,000 millimeters (79 inches) each year. Higher up, above 3,000 meters (9,840 feet), it rains less, around 1,500 millimeters (59 inches). The average temperature at lower elevations is about 24°C (75°F). But at the highest points, it's much colder, around 4°C (39°F).
Dry Seasons
The park has two main dry periods. One is from December to March, and the other is from July to August. During these times, there is less rain, which can affect the plants and animals.
Plants and Animals of Las Hermosas
Las Hermosas National Park is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. It's a great place to see Colombia's amazing wildlife.
Unique Plants
Some special trees and plants grow here. You might spot tall wax palm trees, which are very famous in Colombia. Other interesting plants include Podocarpus oleifolius, Aniba perutilis, Ocotea heterochroma, Chuquiraga jussieui, Passiflora tenerifensis, and the Andean Walnut. These plants are important for the park's ecosystem.
Amazing Animals
The park is especially rich in birds, with many different species flying around. Mammals and reptiles also live here. Some of the mammals you might see include the spectacled bear, the mountain tapir, and the cougar. Smaller animals like the oncilla, pudú, and white-tailed deer also call this park home.
Life in the Lakes
The 387 glacial lakes in the park are full of life too. Fish in these lakes eat tiny plants. These include green algae, blue-green algae, and other tiny single-celled algae that grow in the water.
See also
In Spanish: Parque nacional natural Las Hermosas para niños
