El Topacio Environmental Education Center, Pance

El Topacio Environmental Education Center: waterfalls and Andean forest in Pance

El Topacio Environmental Education Center, run by the CVC (Valle del Cauca’s environmental authority), is one of the most impressive natural destinations near Cali: an Andean forest at the doorstep of Farallones de Cali National Natural Park, with waterfalls, interpreted trails and surprising biodiversity so close to the city.

Location and how to get there

El Topacio is in the Pance rural area, about 30 minutes from urban Cali and 6.5 kilometers from La Vorágine, at an elevation of 1,676 meters above sea level, with temperatures between 12°C and 28°C. You reach it on an unpaved road before the village of Pance, turning left and going up to the entrance; it can be reached by pickup truck, mid-size car, minibus or ATV, depending on road conditions.

Waterfalls and trails

The center has two main trails, El Barranquero and La Naturaleza, leading to waterfalls 30 and 135 meters high respectively. To protect the ecosystem, swimming in the pools and waterfalls is not allowed, so the experience focuses on hiking, wildlife watching and landscape photography.

Plants and wildlife

El Topacio protects more than 80 species of trees and shrubs, along with more than 40 kinds of medicinal plants. Its wildlife is just as rich: more than 150 bird species, including the emblematic Andean cock-of-the-rock, more than 43 butterfly species, and mammals such as sloths, howler monkeys and bats, as well as various reptiles. With its bird diversity, it is a perfect complement to our birdwatching guide to Km 18 and Dapa, and it shares its ecosystem with another nearby attraction, La Chorrera del Indio.

Permitted activities

• Educational recreation and hiking
• Environmental interpretation and education
• Nature photography
• Birdwatching
• Ecological workshops and training

Single-use plastics, pets, alcohol or drugs, drones (except with an educational permit) and swimming in the pools or waterfalls are not allowed.

Hours

Open Monday to Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with guided tours at 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. (subject to change due to weather).

Bookings

Visits require advance booking. If it is your first time, write to cea-eltopacio@cvc.gov.co with a copy of your ID or RUT (issued no more than 30 days earlier), full name, phone, address, city, email, visit date, number of people and preferred time. Processing takes about 5 business days. If you have visited before, just send the date and group size to receive the invoice the same day, subject to availability. The invoice must be paid before the visit and the printed receipt shown at the entrance.

El Topacio environmental education center is the gateway to Farallones de Cali, a place of well-preserved natural wealth. It is a buffer zone that protects the air and environment of the city.