Yotoco brings together natural sites with historical and gastronomic themes. The area spans from the wetland near the town center to the forest reserve within the municipality. This distinction identifies Madrevieja Chiquique and the Reserva Forestal Bosque de Yotoco as two different natural areas. Also featured are the history of the Gorrones and Calimas, a cultural tourism attraction, and a gastronomic experience.
Madrevieja Chiquique: Wetland near Yotoco
Madrevieja Chiquique is located in Vereda Hatoviejo on Hacienda Chiquique, on the left bank of the Río Cauca. It lies about two kilometers from the town center of Yotoco, east of the road and less than 50 meters from it. The wetland covers approximately eight hectares and is an average of five meters deep.
Activities associated with Madrevieja include wildlife watching, walks along ecological trails, learning about plant species, sport fishing, artisanal fishing, and hiking. These activities combine nature observation and learning about plants with exercise and two forms of fishing. The range of activities is therefore not limited to walks: observation, learning, and fishing are also among the themes associated with the wetland. If you plan to take part in one of these nature activities, check in advance on current visitor options.
Reserva Forestal Bosque de Yotoco
The Reserva Forestal Bosque de Yotoco is located within the municipality of Yotoco and covers approximately 559 hectares. Its average elevation is 1,200 meters, reaching 1,600 meters at its highest point. Ecologically, it is classified as subtropical humid forest (bh St), premontane forest, or sub-Andean rainforest. At around 559 hectares, the reserve is considerably larger in area than Madrevieja, which covers approximately eight hectares. This comparison illustrates the difference in scale between the two natural sites.
Activities associated with the reserve include wildlife watching, walks along ecological trails, learning about plant species, visits to food-growing areas, and hiking. Wildlife watching, ecological trails, plant species, and hiking are therefore features of both natural areas. Visits to food-growing areas are an additional option at the reserve. When choosing between the wetland and the forest reserve, you can therefore consider both their respective areas and the activities listed for each.
History, Culture and Gastronomy
The area around Yotoco formerly belonged to the Gorrones and Calimas, whose cultures were known for their goldsmithing. Yotoco long attracted grave robbers because treasures made from various valuable materials, especially gold, were thought to be buried in Indigenous tombs. Gold links these historical aspects in different ways: as a reference to goldsmithing and as a suspected treasure in tombs.
In the municipality of Yotoco, Hacienda Hato Viejo is one of the cultural tourism attractions. Grill y Taberna Caribe is among the gastronomic experiences in Yotoco. These themes complement the natural areas with cultural and culinary points of interest. Together, they offer travelers a choice of landscapes and nature activities, regional history, and cultural and gastronomic interests.
Discover more destinations: Buenaventura, Cartago, La Victoria, Roldanillo, Montezuma, Pance, La Leonera, La Cumbre
For the regional travel overview: Valle Del Cauca.
