Yotoco: Wetland, Forest and Culture

Yotoco is home to several natural attractions: Madrevieja Chiquique near the town and the Reserva Forestal Bosque de Yotoco in the municipality. Historical connections to the Gorrones and Calimas add another dimension. When looking for a holiday rental, your interests may guide your choice: would you like to focus your trip on observing wildlife and plants, outdoor activities, or cultural history?

Wetland near the town

Madrevieja Chiquique is located in Vereda Hatoviejo, on Hacienda Chiquique, on the left bank of the Río Cauca. The wetland is about two kilometres from the town of Yotoco, east of the road and less than 50 metres from it. It covers approximately eight hectares and is an average of five metres deep. These details describe a natural area distinct from the forest reserve in the municipality: here, the focus is on the wetland and its location near the town.

Activities associated with Madrevieja Chiquique include wildlife watching, walks along ecological trails, learning about plant species, sport fishing, artisanal fishing, and hiking. The range of activities extends from observing and discovering plants to different forms of fishing and enjoying nature on foot. If you plan your trip around these interests, this focus can be clearly distinguished from Yotoco’s forest and cultural attractions.

Forest and nature in the municipality

The Reserva Forestal Bosque de Yotoco is located in the municipality of Yotoco. The forest covers approximately 559 hectares, lies at an average altitude of 1,200 metres, and reaches 1,600 metres at its highest point. Ecologically, the area is classified as subtropical moist forest (bh St), premontane forest, or sub-Andean rainforest. Its size, elevation, and forest ecosystem give this natural area a different scale from the wetland near the town.

Activities associated with the Reserva Forestal Bosque de Yotoco include wildlife watching, walks along ecological trails, learning about plant species, visits to food-growing areas, and hiking. When planning your trip, you can consider whether you are more interested in a wetland or in the expansive forest and its different ecological classifications. Both natural areas are associated with Yotoco, but their locations are described differently: Madrevieja is near the town, while the reserve is in the municipality.

Cultural traces and history

The area around Yotoco once belonged to the Gorrones and Calimas, whose cultures were known for their goldsmithing. Grave robbing is also part of Yotoco’s historical narrative: the town long attracted grave robbers because indigenous tombs were believed to contain treasures made from various valuable materials, especially gold. This past offers another perspective on the area’s history alongside its natural attractions.

Hacienda Hato Viejo is listed as a cultural tourism attraction in Yotoco. Grill y Taberna Caribe is also associated with Yotoco as a gastronomic experience. This means that cultural and gastronomic attractions are also options for planning a trip, alongside the wetland and forest. If you are considering which holiday rental suits your plans, these interests can help guide you: nature watching, history, and a gastronomic connection each bring a different focus to your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Villa Gilmas, Riofrío, Dagua, Pance, Tuluá, La Gorgona, Peru, Modin.

Return to the main travel overview: Valle Del Cauca.