The Cocora Valley is a natural wonder, lying high in the marvelous Colombian Andes. The dense vegetation of the Los Nevados National Natural Park hides a marvelous wonder, challenging curious travelers to reveal its magnificence. We had the unique chance to explore the high-altitude valley that offers an abundance of biophilic inspiration. Although we have visited many incredible places around the globe, this destination opened the doors to a whole new “biophilic” reality.
THE BEAUTY OF COCORA VALLEY
After completing an exhausting hike through the dense greenery, you will witness the beauty of the Cocora Valley. As soon as you glimpse the mesmerizing landscape, all that effort will look reasonable. The lush valley has many giant wax palm trees that stretch up to the sky, creating a whimsical sight. We discovered a new hidden side of Colombia and borrowed biophilic inspiration for some of our upcoming projects. The select mix of natural colors, patterns, and textures look soothing to the eye. Therefore, we developed a Cocora Valley moodboard , reminiscent of the gorgeousness witnessed on our journey.
The Cocora Valley is the natural habitat for the wax palm, which proudly bears the reputation for being Colombia’s national tree. The wax palm is an impressive plant that can reach an impressive height of 200 feet. The trunk is slender and tall, with a light-colored surface and a thick wax coat.
THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE WAX PALM
Diseases, overharvesting, and habitat disturbance threaten the existence of these gorgeous giants. However, the plant is under the government’s protection to minimize such activity and preserve the species. The magnificent wax tree was of enormous value to the locals. However, the harvesting practices turned to exploitation, and the palm giants were threatened by extinction. Wax was the primary material for producing candles before the 19th century. The outer part of the palm leaves was used for building houses and as fuel.
Despite providing raw materials, the palms were an essential part of religious worship. The Christians harvested the palm leaves and used them for religious celebrations. The government and church worked together, coming up with a proclamation in 1985 meant to protect the palms. The government managed to save the palm trees so that the adventurous travelers could admire their unique beauty. Ever since the exploitation process stopped and the palms aren’t facing extinction.
The geographical features of this area make it quite humid. Although we visited Cocora Valley on a nice sunny day, we knew that things could get in another direction fast. The warm and sunny weather can quickly turn into a downpour, so be ready for any weather conditions. However, this is where the magic of the valley starts. Often, the area is misty and cloudy due to the high humidity. The magnificent valley can quickly turn into a cloud forest, and the tall trees will gracefully fade in the fog.
INSPIRING COLOR PALETTE
The unique appearance provides biophilic inspiration for designers seeking to introduce natural vibes to the space. We love the mix of colors and textures curated by nature. The slender trunk finishes with a cluster of leaves, ranging from dark green to gray. As we already mentioned, the leaves were a part of religious practices. The Christians waved with palm leaves during the Palm Sunday celebrations. However, these weren’t the only usages of the palm tree. The wax palm yields an orange-red fruit, and the locals used it as livestock food.
Our eyes couldn’t get enough of the fantastic sight. The combination of green tones and natural textures provides an abundance of biophilic inspiration. We borrowed as much inspiration as we could to use in our work. Our team is always on the go, seeking ideas and inspirations in nature, culture, and traditional craftsmanship. If you want to check more incredible wanderlust stories and travel inspiration, be sure to check our travel blog!
