A public space in the city of Armenia, where you can connect with nature, is the Parque de la Vida. This 8.2-hectare destination features paved trails, waterfalls, and guadua bridges. It is relaxing to approach the lake surrounded by trees to watch ducks and geese. The park also has a skating rink, an acoustic shell, and occasionally hosts craft fairs.

How to get there?

Located in the north of the city of Armenia, in the Department of Quindío, the Parque de la Vida truly lives up to its name. In this space of extraordinary natural beauty, the guadua forest, the lake, and lush vegetation create a habitat that allows different magnificent animals to be observed and even fed up close by visitors.  

Various species of birds, guatines, squirrels, fish, and some reptiles can be seen, allowing visitors to experience a true connection with nature.

You may also be interested in: Landscapes and Bicycle Adventures in the PCC

The tour of the park includes a visit to five areas called "scenarios." "Garden Birds", "Forest Birds", "Birds of Our Home", "Our Traveling Friends", and "Magical Places for Birdwatching" are the names of each of these zones, which, as the name suggests, are ideal for birdwatching.

Tanagers, robins, motmots, ducks, and pigeons are some of the bird species that can be observed from the birdwatching hut located in this place. 

The park’s vegetation includes a tropical mountain forest and various ornamental gardens full of flowers. The park’s paths are decorated with a wooden bridge and another made of guadua. Palms, ferns, moss, guaduas, and tropical plant species create a rich ecosystem amidst the city’s noise.

Attractions of the Parque de la Vida

At the park entrance, food is sold for the animals that live there. The fish gather in the lake to receive food directly from visitors' hands, a unique experience that delights both adults and children. In this body of water, there is an acoustic shell surrounded by stands, an ideal stage for artistic performances.

You may also be interested in: Well-being and Sublime Sensations in Antioquia and the Coffee Cultural Landscape

Another great attraction of this small forest reserve is the waterfall with terraces where the water cascades over reflecting pools and finally into a small stream. A water mill adorns the traditional coffee-style building that houses the craft festival, a store selling beautiful handmade crafts from the region. The buildings in the park are typical of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, and their walls are decorated with murals representing this rich expression of our culture.

An area with arcade games, kiosks, playgrounds, and even a skating rink encourages visits from people of all ages, making this space a multifunctional setting attractive to all tastes. At Christmas, the park is adorned with colorful lights, a decorated tree, and a large nativity scene, transforming it into a special place to share and enjoy with family, especially at night.

The Parque de la Vida has been open since 1989, a gift from the National Federation of Coffee Growers to the city to commemorate its 100th anniversary.

You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy a relaxing afternoon surrounded by nature. The largest park in Armenia and the city's green lung is a must-visit destination for all visitors to Armenia. Come to the Parque de la Vida and enjoy an unforgettable day!