"El Guácharo" Cave

El Guacharos Cave, nestled in the Cueva de los Guacharos National Natural Park in Colombia, is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers. This cave system, one of Colombia’s oldest national parks, offers a deep dive into the country’s rich biodiversity and geological wonders.

### History
El Guacharos Cave was first explored by the German scientist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt back in 1799. He discovered the cave and its unique resident, the guacharo (oilbird), and conducted the first scientific study of this bird. Today, the cave is a protected area, recognized for its role in preserving the guacharo population and its unique ecosystem.

### How to Get There
To reach El Guacharos Cave, start your journey from the town of Pitalito. From there, you can either bikepack 23 kilometers to the village of Palestina or hop on a local jeep. Once in Palestina, follow the trail leading to the park’s headquarters, which is inside the protected area. The hike to the cave entrance takes about four hours through the forest, with some steep slopes along the way.

### List of Attractions
1. **Guacharo Cave**: The main highlight of the park, this limestone cavern stretches over 10 kilometers and features large chambers and stunning rock formations. It’s home to thousands of guacharo birds, which nest inside the cave from June to January.
2. **La Cristalina Waterfall**: A beautiful waterfall within the park, perfect for a serene and picturesque break.
3. **La Mensura**: The starting point of the hike, involving a two-hour descent followed by an ascent to the park.
4. **Giant’s Pavement**: Known as Lapiaz, this unique geological formation offers breathtaking views and an interesting geological experience.

### Ticket Information
– **Entrance Fee**: The entrance fee to the park is usually included in guided tours, but it can vary depending on the tour operator. Booking a guided tour is recommended to ensure access to the cave.
– **Guided Tours**: Official park guides offer tours of the cave, ensuring a safe and informative experience. The tour includes visits to Cueva del Indio and the Guacharos Cave, along with other park attractions.

### Tips for Visiting
1. **Physical Condition**: The hike to the cave entrance is challenging and requires good physical condition. Be prepared for steep slopes and long walks.
2. **Guided Tours**: Visiting the cave with a guide is essential for safety and to learn about the unique ecosystem and geological formations.
3. **Weather**: The park is located at an altitude of 1900 meters, so the weather can be cool. Dress accordingly and bring necessary gear.
4. **Respect the Environment**: As a protected area, visitors should respect the environment by not disturbing the wildlife or damaging natural formations.
5. **Evening Experience**: One of the best parts of visiting the cave is watching the guacharo birds exit the cave in large flocks at dusk to search for food. Plan your visit to catch this unique sight.

By following these tips, visitors can have a memorable and enriching experience at El Guacharos Cave, fully immersing themselves in the natural beauty and unique history of this Colombian national park.