The ornate pool was transformed from a rock quarry in 1923, and includes decorative canals, fountains, waterfalls and coral caves, while palm trees and porticos provide some welcome shade.

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About 25 km from Palomino, 30 minutes by bus, is the Quebrada Valencia park, where bamboo forests, enormous banyan trees and an impressive series of cascades provide shade from the oppressive heat.

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Ornamental tree varieties like Jacaranda were also planted on the terraces to provide shade, as well as palm trees and fruit trees like papaya.

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Trees and plants also play an important role to help induce airflow and provide shade on hotter days in courtyards, and water is a common element because it can help cool the air through evaporation and can have a calming effect on the space.

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