The Inírida Flower Savannahs

In the region of the Colombian Amazon-Orinoco lies a natural treasure that captivates with its beauty: the Fluvial Star of Inírida. This area is part of the Guiana Shield, one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, which, in the case of Colombia, consists of ten ecosystems designated as Ramsar sites due to their international importance for plants, animals, and indigenous cultures.

Within this vast natural wealth, Inírida, the capital of the Guainía department, stands out as a destination that arouses the curiosity and fascination of travelers. Named after the legend of a beautiful indigenous princess, Inírida safeguards a flower with a unique value that has become a symbol of sustainable development in the department.

Inírida: A Vibrant Tourist Destination

Sunset on the Inírida River, Guainía, Colombia. — Photo by Fernando Torres

Inírida emerges as a tourist destination that combines nature, culture, and adventure. Located at the confluence of the Guaviare, Atabapo, and Inírida rivers, the municipality offers visitors a unique experience, whether exploring the natural wonders of the region or immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of its inhabitants.

Throughout the year, tourists can enjoy two different faces of Inírida: summer and winter. From April to November, the lands are flooded, creating a water oasis that attracts those seeking adventure and exploration by kayak, while from December to March, the river beaches are revealed, inviting travelers to relax and enjoy the sun.

Practical Details

1. Access to the Guainía department, or "Land of Many Waters" in Yurí, is recommended by air from Bogotá or Villavicencio to the César Gaviria Trujillo Airport in Inírida. Traveling by river or land can take several days. This may be ideal for adventure lovers seeking to experience some of Colombia's most beautiful and unexplored landscapes.

2. Flights to Inírida do not operate daily, so it is more appropriate to schedule all-inclusive plans: transportation, accommodation, meals, guidance, and activities with local guides.

3. The average temperature is 27°C. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing that protects you against the sun.

4. It is essential to have the yellow fever vaccine, which is administered free of charge at various points in the country such as El Dorado International Airport.

The Inírida Flower: Botanical and Ecotourism Treasure

In the floodable savannahs in Guainía, there is an ecosystem formed by the Orinoquía, the Amazon, and the Guiana Shield, where an endemic flower that has been preserved over time grows. This vibrant red flower is not only a marvel to behold but also an image of the diversity and beauty of the flowers native to Colombia, making its protection central to the ecological transformation of the region.

The winter and summer flower. — Images taken from Liwi.

This savannah flower is a botanical gem that stands as a symbol of the exuberance that has evolved, enduring the harsh conditions of the dry and rainy seasons of the region. Throughout the year, it is possible to find its two species: the Summer Flower (Schoenocephalium Teretifolium), resistant to high temperatures and droughts, and the Winter Flower (Guacamaya Superba), which grows during the rainy season and floods.

Symbol of Sustainable Development

This everlasting flower is a source of food and shelter for birds and butterflies.
The plant is used for medicinal and decorative purposes for rituals and festivities by the indigenous communities inhabiting the Inírida River region.
It is an ideal flower for export due to its durability, contributing to the growth of the local economy.
It holds great importance in the mythology of native peoples. The flower represents life and fertility.

The protection of the Inírida Flower is a priority, and its trade is strictly regulated to ensure its conservation. However, travelers can admire this wonder in its natural habitat through guided visits and tourist excursions. The Inírida Flower is not only a botanical wonder but also an invaluable resource for sustainable tourism in Colombia.

Discovering Guainía

The Guainía department offers a variety of attractions for adventurous travelers in lands yet to be discovered. From the majestic Mavecure hills to the ancient indigenous communities of Coco Viejo, every corner of this land holds a fascinating story and indescribable beauty.

1. KENKE - Guainía Natural and Cultural Park

At kilometer 11 on the Vitina Inírida - Guainía route lies an immense savannah protected by the Curripaco indigenous people, where thousands of Inírida flowers are planted. In the heart of the region, this park offers various experiences in ecotourism, birdwatching, ethnotourism, interpretive hiking, and rural accommodation, providing visitors with the opportunity to connect intimately with nature and local culture.

2. Remanso and the Mavecure Hills

One of Guainía's most precious treasures is the majestic Mavecure, Mono, and Pajarito hills, which rise like altars amidst the lush jungle. These can only be reached by river and the travel time is approximately two hours. Along the banks of the Inírida River, the hills are surrounded by white sand beaches where camping or water sports can be practiced, weather permitting.

The three monoliths are in the El Remanso reserve, inhabited by Puinave indigenous people. Here, travelers can enjoy the ecological trail and explore the rich biodiversity found in the surroundings of the rivers and lagoons that bathe this population's territory. With a bit of luck, it is possible to observe native fauna such as dolphins, otters, and caimans, or birds like the osprey.

3. Coco Viejo Community

Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Guainía by exploring the Coco Viejo community. Located in the Coayare - El Coco indigenous reserve, handicrafts (made of ceramics and chiqui-chiqui fiber weavings) drive the community's economy.

Ancient petroglyphs have been found here, narrating the ancestral stories of the region left, according to oral tradition, by indigenous ancestors from the Precambrian era. In addition to its cultural value, this enclave is a natural paradise where the yellow waters of the Guaviare River meet the black waters of the Inírida River.

4. Puinawai National Natural Reserve

In the heart of Guainía, the Puinawai reserve unfolds its beauty, covering over a million hectares of lush vegetation and wildlife. From the peaks of the Caranacoa mountain range to the depths of the Amazon jungle, this area is a sanctuary of biodiversity where life flourishes in all its forms.

The reserve, which is not open to the public for ecological reasons, takes its name from the Puinave language and means "Mother of Humanity." It is inhabited by indigenous communities such as the Curripacos and Cubeos and consists of a set of hills, plateaus, and rivers, the last refuges of the Guiana Shield to the west.

Exploring New Paths

Guainía and its capital Inírida are places that awaken the imagination and adventurous spirit of their explorers. From the mysterious Inírida Flower to the natural and cultural treasures guarded throughout the department by the indigenous communities that inhabit it, this destination offers an unparalleled experience that captivates the senses and enriches the soul.

This is a call to all intrepid travelers to discover the hidden secrets of this enchanted land. Prepare yourself and embark on an unforgettable adventure in the country of beauty!