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Colombia🇨🇴 | attractionsBioparque UkumaríAndean bears, jaguar trails, coffee-hill forest, butterfly garden | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Bioparque Ukumarí
👍 Recommendedattraction ranked #9
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

The Andean bear is what Bioparque Ukumarí is known for, and the name itself means “bear” in a Quechua-rooted word. The park sits west of Pereira in Colombia’s coffee region, on hilly land of forest and former farm. Crowds are thin on weekdays and heavy on holiday weekends, when the paths fill with school groups. The entry fee runs higher than a typical Colombian zoo, and the long uphill walks are tiring. Skip the gift shop and the food court. Back the bear and big-cat enclosures, which are roomy and densely planted. I bought a tinto from a kiosk for about US$1 and drank it watching a spectacled bear pick through a log. Ukumarí replaced the old Matecaña zoo, which closed in 2015, and spreads across a whole hillside.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #9 attraction in ColombiaThe unique appeal for travelers

Bioparque Ukumarí gives you Colombia’s wildlife in one place, which matters when most species are almost impossible to spot in the wild. The Andean bear, South America’s only bear, is shy in the cloud forests, yet here you can watch one for as long as you like. The park concentrates on native Colombian species, so jaguars, tapirs and monkeys feel like a preview of the places you may be heading next, from the Amazon to the Pacific coast. Pereira is a useful stop on the coffee triangle route, and this park fills a rainy afternoon when the farms and hiking are washed out. The enclosures follow the contours of the land, so you walk through mountain forest rather than past concrete cages. Wear proper shoes, because the slopes are real.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. Andean bear habitat: The signature animal. Large forested enclosures let the bears climb, forage and disappear into vegetation, so patience is rewarded.
  2. Jaguar and big cat trails: Raised viewing points give you a look at jaguars and other felines in thick cover. Go early, when they are most active.
  3. Tapir area: Lowland and mountain tapirs are rarely seen in the wild. Here you can see their size and odd flexible snouts up close.
  4. Primate zone: Native monkeys swing and call across the trees, and the noise carries a long way down the paths.
  5. Bird and raptor displays: Colorful parrots, macaws and birds of prey show off Colombia’s huge bird diversity, the highest of any country.
  6. Butterfly and insect garden: A calm, humid stretch where you can watch tropical butterflies feed. It suits a slow break from
… read more 👉
  1. Andean bear habitat: The signature animal. Large forested enclosures let the bears climb, forage and disappear into vegetation, so patience is rewarded.
  2. Jaguar and big cat trails: Raised viewing points give you a look at jaguars and other felines in thick cover. Go early, when they are most active.
  3. Tapir area: Lowland and mountain tapirs are rarely seen in the wild. Here you can see their size and odd flexible snouts up close.
  4. Primate zone: Native monkeys swing and call across the trees, and the noise carries a long way down the paths.
  5. Bird and raptor displays: Colorful parrots, macaws and birds of prey show off Colombia’s huge bird diversity, the highest of any country.
  6. Butterfly and insect garden: A calm, humid stretch where you can watch tropical butterflies feed. It suits a slow break from the hills.
  7. Forest walking trails: The shaded paths between exhibits take you through real mountain forest, with birdsong and views over the coffee hills.
Skip the butterfly garden if time is short and spend it with the bears and cats.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Bioparque Ukumarí

Coffee Tour at the Finca del Café

Coffee Tour at the Finca del Café

5.0(363) 3h
From €36
per personViator
Salento, Cocora and Filandia Private Tour from Pereira or Armenia

Salento, Cocora and Filandia Private Tour from Pereira or Armenia

5.0(99)
From €173
per personViator
2Day Coffee Region:Cocora, Salento, Filandia Coffee & Hot Springs

2Day Coffee Region:Cocora, Salento, Filandia Coffee & Hot Springs

5.0(50) 48h
From €373
per personViator
Salento, Cocora+Filand PREMIUM PLAN. exit: Pereira/Armenia.

Salento, Cocora+Filand PREMIUM PLAN. exit: Pereira/Armenia.

5.0(47)
From €233
per personViator
Salento and Cócora Tour plus Coffee Farm from Pereira or Armenia

Salento and Cócora Tour plus Coffee Farm from Pereira or Armenia

4.9(45) 7h
From €208
per personViator
Cocora Valley, Salento & Filandia Private Full-Day Tour

Cocora Valley, Salento & Filandia Private Full-Day Tour

5.0(35)
From €208
per personViator
One way transfer from Pereira to Salento AND/OR Salento to Pereira

One way transfer from Pereira to Salento AND/OR Salento to Pereira

4.9(34)
From €39
per personViator
Explore the Coffee Process_From Tree to Cup & Fun by Jeep

Explore the Coffee Process_From Tree to Cup & Fun by Jeep

5.0(29) 4h
From €123
per personViator
Private Cocora Valley, Salento & Coffee Farm Tour

Private Cocora Valley, Salento & Coffee Farm Tour

5.0(24)
From €226
per personViator
Pereira Organic Coffee Tour

Pereira Organic Coffee Tour

5.0(21) 4h
From €73
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Bioparque Ukumarí

  • Dry Months (December to February): Clearest skies and the firmest trails and walkways, with daytime highs around 27 to 30°C (81 to 86°F) and cooler mornings near 17°C (63°F). Colombian holiday crowds peak around late December and early January, so expect school groups and families.
  • Short Dry Spell (June to August): Mostly dry, a little breezier, and a good time for the animal shows. Weekends and July school holidays bring queues at the main exhibits.
  • Wet Months (March to May, September to November): Afternoon downpours are common and paths get muddy, but weekdays are quiet and the forest looks greener. Animals are often more active in the cooler, cloudy hours.
Daylight stays steady all year, so arrive at opening on a weekday for the lightest crowds and the best animal activity.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: highly recommended for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: excellent for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
when-to-go

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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Pereira is the place to sleep, and the best bet is the Pereira Zona Rosa and Circunvalar area. This part of the city has the most social hostels, plus restaurants, bars and ATMs within walking distance, and it feels safe for solo travelers in the evening. Taxis and rideshares to the park take about 20 to 30 minutes, with fares around US$6 to 10 each way. The city center near Plaza de Bolívar is cheaper and handy for buses, but it gets quiet and sketchy after dark, so it suits short stays only. If you want fewer crowds and more nature, the coffee region around Santa Rosa de Cabal or Salento is … read more 👉
Pereira is the place to sleep, and the best bet is the Pereira Zona Rosa and Circunvalar area. This part of the city has the most social hostels, plus restaurants, bars and ATMs within walking distance, and it feels safe for solo travelers in the evening. Taxis and rideshares to the park take about 20 to 30 minutes, with fares around US$6 to 10 each way. The city center near Plaza de Bolívar is cheaper and handy for buses, but it gets quiet and sketchy after dark, so it suits short stays only. If you want fewer crowds and more nature, the coffee region around Santa Rosa de Cabal or Salento is a good alternative, with small hostels and thermal springs. Salento is about 1.5 hours away by road and fits travelers combining the park with the Cocora Valley. Book ahead on holiday weekends, when Pereira beds fill quickly.
Best hostels in Colombia


Best quality hotels in Colombia

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A day at Bioparque Ukumarí runs about US$39 to 72 for a backpacker, including a bed, food, transport and entry. Prices are paid in Colombian pesos and change slightly each year.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance ticketUS$14 to 20Adult pass covers the zoo-style trails and shows; some extra attractions cost more.
Extra activitiesUS$3 to 10Optional rides or special experiences are priced separately.
TransportUS$6 to 12Taxi or rideshare from Pereira, about 20 to 30 minutes; a shared option can cut the cost.
Food and drinkUS$6 to 12Park cafés charge more than city menus; a set lunch in Pereira costs US$3 to 5.
Accommodation (high season)US$10 to 18Hostel dorm in Pereira; low season is closer to US$8 to 14.
Total Daily BudgetUS$39 to 72Lower end for weekday visits with packed snacks.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

FAQFrequently asked questions about Bioparque Ukumarí

Plan on 4 to 6 hours at Bioparque Ukumarí, which is enough for the main animal trails, the shows and the lunch break. The park sits near Pereira, so a half day works well, but a full day suits those who linger at the exhibits. Arrive at opening to see animals at their most active.
Bioparque Ukumarí is a fair deal at roughly US$14 to 20 for adults, since the ticket covers a large park of Andean and tropical species and the conservation programs. Its focus on rescued and native animals sets it apart from standard zoos. Go on a weekday and skip add-on rides if you are watching your budget.
Reach Bioparque Ukumarí from Pereira by taxi or rideshare in about 20 to 30 minutes, paying roughly US$6 to 10 each way. Buses from Pereira toward Cartago and local routes pass nearby, though a taxi is simpler for the last stretch. From Salento or Armenia, allow 1.5 to 2 hours via Pereira.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Colombian attractions near Bioparque Ukumarí

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We 💚 feedbackFinal thoughts on visiting Bioparque Ukumarí

Bioparque Ukumarí suits wildlife lovers, families and anyone who wants to see Colombian animals they will never spot on a trek. Travelers chasing thrills or nightlife will find it slow. I would arrive at opening, wear shoes with grip, carry water and aim for a weekday.

✈️ When did I visit Colombia?
Did a good 3-week trip around Colombia in August 2014.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Colombia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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