[1] The reserve is set among oak forest on the eastern slopes of the Magdalena River.
It was established to provide an area of protected habitat for migratory birds from North America such as the cerulean warbler as well as locally threatened species.
As well as the cerulean warbler, critically endangered local birds found there include the gorgeted wood-quail, chestnut-bellied hummingbird and mountain grackle.
Other threatened species include the rusty-faced parrot, white-mantled barbet, black inca, Upper Magdalena tapaculo, turquoise dacnis and the recurve-billed bushbird.
Other animals of conservation interest include the spectacled bear, crab-eating fox and Santander poison dart frog.