NIRVANA NATURAL RESERVE
THE RESERVE
(Foto: David Calero)
The Nirvana Natural Reserve is a private company located in the South American Republic of Colombia, in the Central Andes in the department of Valle del Cauca. Cauca Alto biogeographical region – near the municipalities of Palmira and Pradera - in the watershed area of the river AGUACLARA. The village of Buitrera of El Arenillo, is at an altitude between 1,450 and 1,900 meters above sea level. It covers an area of 100 hectares. The annual average temperature is 20 ° C and it has a rainfall of 1,700 mL per year. 16 Km distance from the urban centers Palmira and Pradera, 40 km from Cali - Capital of the department - and 27 Km from the Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport.
BACKGROUND
Nirvana was a traditional region of the Antiochian colonization - Cauca, in the Central Cordillera in the early twentieth century was originally a coffee growing region. In 1986 a coffee crisis occurred in the country, existing coffee plantations were destroyed by the "rust" fungus, resulting in an interesting process of spontaneous and natural reforestation which led to its owners in 1996 to establish a forest reserve destined for the conservation of flora, fauna and ecosystem of the gorge "vilela". It was intended thus show a recovery model of nature through the phenomenon of natural reforestation, which today serves as an example that can be studied and researched by people dedicated to environmental education and interested in ecotourism. "For eight years, the work of the wind, seeds, pollinating birds and dark bats brought back natural cover of vegetation converting what was once a farm into an earthly paradise sure to fascinate visitors.
THE BUITRERA
The territory of La Buitrera is part of the upper basin of Aguaclara river, on the first foothills of the Cordillera Central, located within the limits of the municipalities of Palmira and Pradera. The place was favored as the first resort recreational site of Valle del Cauca because of its waters, mild climate and proximity to the cities of Cali and Palmira. La Buitrera has managed to retain the vocation and identity of the first recreational areas and continues today to be a privileged place to enjoy nature and ecotourism. The Nirvana Natural Reserve began operations in late 1997 within the territory of La Buitrera, strengthened by its natural surroundings and ideal proximity for tourism.
