PLANES SAN RAFAEL is part of the Risaralda Departmental System of Protected Areas. It is located in the western mountain range of the coffee-growing region, in the San Rafael district of the municipality of Santuario, Risaralda, just two hours from Pereira.

It serves as a buffer zone for the Tatamá National Natural Park, preserving an Andean Forest ecosystem.

The San Rafael Community Action Board is the community organization responsible for providing ecotourism services in the area, thanks to an agreement between the Risaralda Regional Autonomous Corporation (CARDER) and the Community Federation for the Planning and Management of Protected Areas of Risaralda (FECOMAR). This organization brings together more than 22 community organizations in the department that, in addition to ecotourism, also serve as forest rangers.

NOTE: The suggested hikes can be changed to more challenging options.
NOTE 2: By joining this tour, visitors contribute directly to the local community—through entrance fees and by supporting local businesses.

Several guided tours are offered, including the following:

• Enchanted Lagoon Trail: Learn about the mysterious history of this lagoon. Details: 6.5 km, 3 hours, easy.
• La Cascada Trail: A waterfall within the Tatamá National Park, with stunning landscapes. Details: 9.6 km, 7 hours, easy.
• Veredal Trail: Visit agricultural production systems linked to conservation. Details: 1.5 km, 2 hours, easy.
• Birdwatching: In the company of young local experts from the ecological group. One of the most representative species is the Candela Cacique (Hypopyrrhus pyrohypogaster). Details: 2 km, 3 hours, easy difficulty.

Watch the video here!

This tour can be added after a visit to Salento, before continuing to Pereira or vice versa.