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Jardín Botánico del Quindío Armenia Colombia

4.7
·4k reviews·Calarcá, Colombia

Discover a lush paradise in Colombia's coffee region, famed for its unique palm species, vibrant butterfly garden, and abundant birdlife.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunny mornings

Butterflies are most active

CrowdMedium
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Ottosen Entry Garden

Jardín Botánico del Quindío Armenia Colombia

Best Time

Sunny mornings

Butterflies are most active

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a lush paradise in Colombia's coffee region, famed for its unique palm species, vibrant butterfly garden, and abundant birdlife.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"An amazing place with photographic opportunities, beautiful plants, birds, and butterflies."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Guided Tour

Tours are mandatory and offer great insights. Ask for Dora or Juan if you want an English-speaking guide!

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Expect walking and some inclines; good footwear is essential for exploring the trails.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Butterfly Garden

Butterfly Garden

A vibrant tented sanctuary teeming with diverse butterfly species. A must-see for nature lovers.

Reddit
Hummingbird Feeders

Hummingbird Feeders

Witness dozens of hummingbirds flitting around feeders, a dazzling spectacle of color and motion.

Reddit
Diverse Habitats

Diverse Habitats

Explore various ecosystems, from lush mini-jungles to elevated viewpoints, often accessed via hanging bridges.

Reddit
Unique Palm Collection

Unique Palm Collection

Discover a remarkable array of palm species, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the region.

TikTok
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Planning Your Visit

Guided Tours are Key

The botanical garden primarily offers guided tours, which are essential for understanding the diverse flora and fauna. While some find them long, they provide in-depth insights into the local ecosystem and its inhabitants. Reddit

Timing for Wildlife

To maximize your chances of seeing butterflies and hummingbirds, aim for sunny periods. The butterfly garden can be less active during rainy weather. Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunny mornings
Why
Butterflies are most active
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon
Why
Fewer crowds, good light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

¿Lo has visitado antes? 🤔 Si la respuesta es no, agregalo a tu próximo viaje al Eje Cafetero. Hay varios restaurantes temáticos muyyy chéveres y los atardeceres son increíbles. ❤️🇨🇴 . . . #ejecafeterocolombia #ejecafetero #armenia #pereira #salento #filandiaquindio #circasiaquindio #calarcaquindio #pueblitosmagicos #pueblitosmagicoscolombianos #pueblitoscolombianos #colombia #viajarporcolombia #co...
@leydiperdomo15
65.7K likes • 2M views

Book Guided Tour

Tours are mandatory and offer great insights. Ask for Dora or Juan if you want an English-speaking guide! Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Expect walking and some inclines; good footwear is essential for exploring the trails. Reddit

#LOÚLTIMO | Al menos nueve muertos deja un trágico accidente de tránsito en la vía entre Cajamarca y Calarcá en el departamento del Quindío. Más en noticiascaracol.com
@noticiascaracol
51.7K likes • 3.3M views
El jardín botánico del Quindío desde el año 2007 ha vinculado a niños y jóvenes de todas las instituciones educativas del país dentro de un ambicioso programa de educación ambiental. Desde entonces se han diseñado 24 eco pedagogías enfocadas a las ciencias naturales y han sido construidas bajo los lineamientos de los Derechos Básicos de Aprendizaje (DBA) del ministerio de educación. El desarrollo ...
jardinbotanicoquindio
78 likes • 2.1K views

Bring Your Camera

Abundant photo opportunities with plants, birds, and butterflies. Capture the vibrant scenery! Reddit

Check Tour Length

Tours can be long (up to 3 hours). If you prefer shorter visits, communicate this beforehand. Reddit

#Colombia: el país con más especies de #mariposas de todo el mundo! Y el mejor lugar para observar algunas de ellas es el #mariposario del Jardín Botánico del #Quindío @jardinbotanicoquindio, ubicado en el municipio de #Calarcá, a pocos minutos de #Armenia. Un imperdible cuando se visita el #EjeCafetero!
itinerant_lawyer.travel
331 likes • 6.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Guided Tour

Tours are mandatory and offer great insights. Ask for Dora or Juan if you want an English-speaking guide! Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

Expect walking and some inclines; good footwear is essential for exploring the trails. Reddit

Bring Your Camera

Abundant photo opportunities with plants, birds, and butterflies. Capture the vibrant scenery! Reddit

Check Tour Length

Tours can be long (up to 3 hours). If you prefer shorter visits, communicate this beforehand. Reddit

Consider the Weather

The butterfly garden is best enjoyed on sunny days; rain can affect sightings. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Jardín Botánico del Quindío for its stunning biodiversity, particularly the vibrant butterfly garden and abundant hummingbirds. The knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, offering deep insights into the local ecosystem. However, some find the entrance fee a bit high and the guided tours can be lengthy for certain preferences.

"After arriving in the coffee triangle 6 months ago I have finally made it to the botanical garden. What an amazing place. There were many photographic opportunities. The beautiful plants, birds, hummingbirds and butterflies offered an exciting visit. You are provided a guide that takes you through the gardens and explains everything in detail. I was lucky enough to have Dora assigned as the guide to my group. She is well informed, professional and speaks really good english. It is a bit of a walk and some of it is up and down hills across hanging bridges and such, but if this suits you, you will get to experience several different areas each containg different diverse habitats. You will get to see exotic birds from a little enclosed viewing area. Unfortunately you are seperated from the birds by large windows, but it is really pretty to see. There are also two hummingbird areas with feeders with lots of hummingbirds and a big tented area for the butterflies. It was a great tour and a great day. I cant wait to return. I hope Dora will be assigned to my group again."

Jerry Rita

"Exceptional plant collection amongst walking trails. There’s some nice architectural elements too, and a couple places to watch bird life and butterflies. Note they only have guided tours."

Jon Pate

"Juan was an excellent guide. He explained a lot about the animals and plants in the park. The scenery is stunning and has some fun elements with bridge crossings and a high floor look out. The butterfly garden was also amazing with different varieties and tortoises. The tour took 2 hours."

Sean Quirke

What People Like

Beautiful butterfly garden
Abundant hummingbirds
Knowledgeable guides

What People Dislike

High entrance fee
Long guided tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Jardín Botánico del Quindío is located in Calarcá, a short drive from Armenia. You can take a taxi or a local bus. Many visitors combine a trip here with other attractions in the Eje Cafetero. TikTokInstagram

Yes, local buses frequently run between Armenia and Calarcá, and the botanical garden is a short distance from the town center. Taxis are also readily available. TikTok

From Salento, you'll likely need to travel to Armenia first, then take a bus or taxi to Calarcá. The journey offers scenic views of the coffee region. TikTok

While the Eje Cafetero is generally safe, be aware of road conditions, especially during rainy seasons. There have been reports of accidents on the La Línea route, so drive cautiously. TikTok+1

Yes, driving is an option, and there is usually parking available. The roads leading to Calarcá are generally well-maintained. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission can be around 66,000 Colombian Pesos per person, which some visitors find a bit pricey. It's recommended to check the official website for the most current pricing. Reddit

While advance booking might not always be necessary, it's a good idea to check their official website or contact them directly, especially during peak tourist seasons. TikTok

Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is not widely publicized, but it's worth inquiring directly with the garden's administration. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but typically the garden is open during daylight hours. It's best to confirm the exact times before your visit. TikTok

The entrance fee is generally per person. Some guided tours might have group rates, but the standard admission is individual. Reddit

🎫 🦋 Wildlife & Nature

The garden is a haven for birdwatchers, with opportunities to see various exotic species, including hummingbirds at dedicated feeders. You might even spot an owl! Reddit

The butterfly garden houses a significant number of different butterfly species, offering a colorful and fascinating experience. InstagramReddit

Visitors have reported seeing tortoises in the butterfly garden area. The diverse habitats also support a variety of insects and plant life. Reddit

The garden is renowned for its collection of unique palm species and diverse flora representing various ecosystems. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! The garden has specific birdwatching spots and a rich variety of avian life, making it a prime location for bird enthusiasts. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

A guided tour, which is the primary way to experience the garden, can last up to 3 hours, though some visitors feel 2 hours would be sufficient. Reddit

The trails involve walking, some inclines, and crossing hanging bridges. While generally manageable, comfortable shoes are a must. It is noted as being accessible with a wheelchair or buggy. Reddit

English-speaking guides like Dora and Juan are available, but it's advisable to inquire about their availability in advance as not all tours may have English speakers. Reddit

Rain can affect the butterfly garden's activity. While the trails are still explorable, some outdoor experiences might be less vibrant. Reddit

The garden primarily operates with guided tours, which are essential for understanding the exhibits. Independent exploration might be limited. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The botanical garden features themed restaurants, offering a unique dining experience amidst nature. TikTok

The restaurants offer a variety of options, often with a thematic approach, providing a pleasant break during your visit. TikTok

Information on bringing outside food is not readily available. It's best to check with the garden's management or plan to dine at their onsite restaurants. TikTok

Thematic restaurants may offer diverse menus, but specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan should be confirmed directly with the dining establishments. TikTok

Besides the themed restaurants, there might be smaller cafes or snack bars available for lighter refreshments. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Jardín Botánico del Quindío offers a fantastic educational outing for families. Kids will be mesmerized by the butterfly garden and the hummingbird feeders, providing endless fascination. Reddit The guided tours, while potentially long, can be adapted to keep children engaged with stories about the plants and animals. Reddit The accessible trails also mean that families with strollers can navigate much of the garden comfortably. Reddit

Consider packing snacks and drinks, though onsite dining options are available. The opportunity to see exotic birds and learn about different tree species makes it a memorable and enriching experience for young learners. TikTokReddit

🚶 Budget Travelers

While some visitors note the entrance fee as a bit pricey (around 66,000 COP), the experience at the Jardín Botánico del Quindío is often considered worthwhile for the unique biodiversity and guided insights. Reddit To save money, consider packing your own lunch and snacks, as onsite dining can add to the overall cost. TikTok Utilizing local buses for transportation from Armenia or Calarcá is also a more economical choice than taxis. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

This botanical garden is a photographer's dream, offering a wealth of subjects from vibrant butterflies and darting hummingbirds to exotic flora and lush landscapes. Reddit The hanging bridges and elevated viewpoints provide unique angles for capturing the scenery. TikTok+1 The guided tours can sometimes be lengthy, but they also offer opportunities to learn about the best times and spots for photography. Remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards to capture all the beauty. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Importance of Guided Tours

At the Jardín Botánico del Quindío, guided tours are not just an option, they are the primary mode of experiencing the garden's wonders. Visitors consistently highlight the value of these tours, with guides like Dora and Juan receiving special mentions for their knowledge and English proficiency. Reddit These tours are designed to take you through various distinct habitats, offering detailed explanations about the local flora and fauna. While some find the tours lengthy (up to 3 hours), the depth of information provided about the unique palm species, birdlife, and the intricate ecosystem is invaluable for a comprehensive understanding of the garden's biodiversity. Reddit

It's important to note that while the garden is beautiful, the guided tour format means you're often in larger groups, which can sometimes make it harder to spot elusive wildlife. Reddit However, the guides are adept at pointing out hidden creatures and explaining their significance. For those who prefer a more self-paced exploration, it's advisable to communicate this preference beforehand, though the guided format is strongly recommended to fully appreciate the educational aspect of the visit. Reddit

Wildlife Encounters: Butterflies and Birds

The Jardín Botánico del Quindío is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, particularly for observing butterflies and birds. The dedicated butterfly garden, a large tented area, is home to a multitude of species, offering a vibrant spectacle of fluttering wings. InstagramReddit Visitors often describe it as an amazing experience, though its activity can be influenced by the weather; sunny days are best for spotting the most butterflies. Reddit

Birdwatching is another major draw. The garden provides specific viewing areas and feeders that attract numerous hummingbirds, creating a dazzling display of iridescent colors. Reddit Beyond hummingbirds, the diverse habitats within the garden support a wide array of exotic bird species. Keep an eye out, as you might even spot an owl or other unique avian residents during your guided walk. Reddit The presence of other animals, like tortoises, adds to the rich biodiversity you can encounter. TikTok

Navigating the Trails and Terrain

Exploring the Jardín Botánico del Quindío involves traversing a network of walking trails that wind through different ecological zones. These paths can include inclines and cross over hanging bridges, offering a bit of adventure and unique perspectives of the landscape. Reddit The terrain is varied, designed to showcase the diverse habitats within the garden. Reddit

Comfortable footwear is highly recommended to make the most of your visit. Despite the varied terrain, the garden is noted as being accessible with a wheelchair or buggy, making it a more inclusive experience for visitors with mobility considerations. Reddit The length of the guided tours means you'll be on your feet for a significant period, so prioritizing comfort is key to enjoying the natural beauty without discomfort. Reddit

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