Paramos are high-altitude ecosystems found in the Andes Mountains. They are found in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and Bolivia. In Colombia, paramos cover an area of about 3.8 million hectares (9.4 million acres).

The amount of water that paramos supply to Colombia is significant. It is estimated that paramos provide about 70% of the water that is used for drinking and irrigation in the country. Paramos also play an important role in regulating the climate and providing habitat for a variety of plants and animals.

Paramos are found at altitudes of between 2,500 and 4,000 meters (8,200 and 13,100 feet). They receive an average of 1,000 to 2,000 millimeters (39 to 79 inches) of rainfall per year. The temperature in paramos ranges from 5 to 15 degrees Celsius (41 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit).

The plant life in paramos is dominated by grasses, shrubs, and small trees. Some of the most common plants in paramos include frailejones, a type of giant rosette plant, and yaretas, a type of cushion plant.

The animal life in paramos is also unique. Some of the most common animals in paramos include hummingbirds, guans, and spectacled bears.