When planning a trip to Puerto Asís, there are two distinct areas of focus to consider: nature observation and cultural events. The trails vary in terms of wildlife viewing, length and landscape; the Carnival takes place during the first week of January. Nearby, Playa Rica adds a trail with photo opportunities to the selection of nature activities. Consider whether wildlife observation, landscapes or a seasonal festival will be the main focus of your trip.

Birdwatching and Nature Trails

The Ruta Urbana de Aves runs within the municipality of Puerto Asís and offers opportunities to observe birds and primates. Another trail in the municipality, the Sendero Turpial Amazónico, is 2.97 km long and follows the Quebrada Singuillá. Along the trail, you can observe wetland birds such as Aramides cajaneus and Laterallus melanophaius, as well as other species associated with secondary forests. The route includes gallery forest vegetation, flood-prone areas and some cultivated land.

The two routes offer different experiences: bird and primate watching are the focus of the Ruta Urbana de Aves. The Sendero Turpial Amazónico offers a specified trail length, a stream and named landscape features. If you are specifically looking for examples of wetland birds, two species are named at the Sendero; the Ruta Urbana, by contrast, offers a broader focus for observation. This lets you choose nature activities according to the subject that interests you most.

Other Nature Activities

At Amazon’s Birds in Puerto Asís, activities range from bird and primate watching to nocturnal herpetofauna observation, nature photography and macro observation of fungi. Interpretive hikes and scientific tourism are also available. The activities cover a range of interests: wildlife observation, photography, and nature experiences with a scientific or interpretive focus. If you would like to plan a specific activity, check current opening hours and booking options in advance.

In Playa Rica, near Puerto Asís, the Sendero del Árbol que Camina winds through nature and offers an opportunity to take photographs. This adds another nature trail to consider alongside routes with their observation opportunities and species examples, with photography explicitly included. The Sendero Turpial Amazónico is described in more detail through its length and landscape features; in Playa Rica, the focus is on the nature trail and the opportunity to take photographs.

Carnival and Cultural Events

The Puerto Asís Carnival traditionally takes place every year during the first week of January. Festivities include parades, dances and typical foods. If you would like to experience the Carnival, plan your trip for this period. The various activities make it more than just an opportunity to watch a parade: dances and food are also part of the festival.

Another cultural event took place in the past: the Festival del Maguaré de Oro was a musical gathering in Puerto Asís, Putumayo, from May 5 to 7, 2017. This clearly distinguishes its date from the annual January Carnival. This difference is important when planning a cultural stay: the Carnival is a recurring event during the year, while the festival was a musical gathering in 2017.

Discover more destinations: Villagarzón, Orito, Santiago, Mocoa, San Miguel.

View the broader travel guide: Putumayo.