The tropical Andes host an incredible diversity of plants and habitats. According to Conservation International it is actually the most diverse region on earth. Within a few hours drive one can go from the alpine highlands and the Puna grasslands (reaching up to almost 5.000 m elevation) down to the lowland rainforest, and on the way passing the cloud forest and highland rainforest. It’s a journey through several climate zones with plants to find for a vertical garden in almost any location.

The image is taken on a terrace above the Rio Madre de Dios where the Los Amigos Biological Station is located. It was a clear day during a friaje – cold spells with temperatures going down to 10 degrees C. From the lowland jungle at an elevation of 250 m it was an impressive wall ahead with the Andean peaks at over 6.000 m elevation.