Urrao and Frontino
In the southwestern and western region of Antioquia, Urrao and Frontino form one of the most important natural corridors for ecotourism in Colombia. These are rural and peaceful territories, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and native forests, where experiences are more closely connected to nature and local life than to mass tourism.
Urrao is one of the largest municipalities in the department and a strategic starting point to explore high mountain ecosystems, cloud forests, and rural conservation projects.
The Penderisco Valley offers accessible hiking routes, mountain biking, and water activities such as tubing and rafting, along with traditional agricultural landscapes where travelers can interact with local farms and rural production processes.
Frontino, known as the “Pearl of the West,” preserves its agricultural and mountain heritage. Its town center reflects traditional Antioquian architecture, and its identity is deeply tied to panela (unrefined cane sugar) production.
From here, you can access one of the most remarkable nature tourism destinations in Colombia: the Colibrí del Sol Reserve, managed by ProAves. This protected area is the only habitat of the Frontino Inca hummingbird, an endemic species that is critically endangered, making it an international reference point for birdwatchers and scientists.
The experience in both municipalities is complemented by everyday life: rural markets, artisanal food production, local ecotourism initiatives, and places like Nacho’s Orquideorama in Urrao. It is also worth trying typical products such as queso dulce, a local specialty that has gained recognition among travelers passing through the area.
Las Orquídeas National Natural Park
The municipality of Frontino is also home to part of Las Orquídeas National Natural Park, a protected area of remarkable biodiversity where visitors find humid forests, waterfalls, scientific trails, and a wide variety of orchids and Andean species that are difficult to see in other parts of the country. It is an ideal destination for hikers, nature photographers, and travelers interested in conservation.
Páramo del Sol
The most iconic attraction in the entire region is the Páramo del Sol, the highest point in Antioquia, reaching approximately 4,080 meters above sea level. Considered one of the most spectacular and least disturbed páramo ecosystems in Colombia, the ascent can be made from Urrao or via alternative routes from Frontino.
The trek crosses cloud forests, sub-páramo, and finally a landscape of giant frailejones, lagoons, and absolute silence.
Due to the altitude, weather, and terrain conditions, the hike is highly demanding and must be done with a guide and proper equipment. Beyond its beauty, the páramo is a key ecosystem for water regulation and the conservation of species such as the spectacled bear, the golden eagle, and a variety of endemic hummingbirds and amphibians.
How to Get There:
Access to Urrao and Frontino is primarily by land from Medellín, with an approximate travel time of five hours. Buses depart from the North Terminal, although travelers looking for a faster route may consider private transportation or, in the case of Frontino, small aircraft that land on its local airstrip. Since the tourism infrastructure is simple and rural in nature, it is recommended to plan ahead, book accommodations in advance, and check road conditions, especially during the rainy season.