Where does the water of the Amazon come from?

During a 12 hours walk across the Andes mountain of Putumayo, we had the chance to know for the first time a very special ecosystem: the páramo of la Juana. This sacred landscape is unique to the Andes mountains, found around 3000m high it is both cold and very humid. Here, on top of the Andes lies the source of the water of the Amazon.

Páramos are sacred landscape, yet endangered. They are filled with medicinal plants known and used by indigenous people since a long time. They host more than 4,000 vegetable species, one of which is the 'Frailejón' - also known as Espeletia - which grow only 1cm a year.Similar to other Páramo plants, Frailejones have the ability to absorb water from fogs and rains through an adaptation of their leaves, in order to funnel it into streams and contribute water storage back into the soil. Colombian Páramos supply over 70% of the water for its population.

Two important factors explaining the hydrology functions of the páramos. The first one is specific climate of this high ecosystem contribute to low evapotranspiration and a lot of rainfall, producing a surplus humidity. Secondly, the volcanic ash soils (andosols) have exceptional properties and a big water retention capacity with very fine pores. This is what makes the páramos exclusively found in the higher mountains of the Andes.

The air is so humid, filled with thousand of mini drops just waiting to condense that any disturbance will cause the rain to start. For that reason, silence reign through this sacred landscape and no talking is allowed - otherwise the rain will start as we experienced.

Páramos are mysterious, sacred and longed for. They are also exploited and are currently under multiple severe threats including large-scale mining and climate change. During our walk, we encountered many burned frailejon. A thorough regulation (Ley 1930) has been recently put in place to redefine their boundaries and restrict harmful activities.

Amazon Watershed

Group picture during a walk between Colón and Aponte, 10th of december 2022.

Encountering our first páramo.

Close up picture of a 'frailejon' spongy leave.

Close up picture of a 'frailejon' flower, every part of the plant absorb the water from the humid air.

During our walk, we encountered many burned frailejon.

A painting on a wall in Santiao, Putumayo.

Páramo, sacred landscape of the Andes.