Mocoa, situated in the Putumayo department in the southwest of Colombia, serves as a crucial geographical and ecological junction within the Amazon Rainforest. This town lies at the foothills of the Andes Mountains, where the highland terrain transitions into the vast, biodiverse lowlands of the Amazon Basin. This unique positioning makes Mocoa a gateway to diverse ecosystems, blending mountainous landscapes with dense tropical rainforests. The department has a large altitude range that varies from 160 meters above sea level to 3,560 meters.

The region around Mocoa is characterized by a rich network of rivers, including the Mocoa River, which flows into the larger Putumayo River. These waterways are vital for the region’s biodiversity, supporting a wide array of plant and animal species. The humidity and elevation gradients in the area create a variety of microclimates, each supporting different types of flora and fauna. This diversity is crucial for the Amazon Rainforest’s ecological balance, offering habitats to numerous species, some of which are endemic and critically endangered. There are currently three national parks in Putumayo: Alto Fragua Indi-Wasi National Natural Park, La Paya National Natural Park Serranía de los Churumbelos Auka-Wasi National Natural Park.