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Published: 10-05-2022
As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Colombia is home to an astounding 51 national parks, which vary from coral reefs, deserts, The Amazon Rainforest, páramos, the Andes Mountain range and indigenous protected lands. Here are some of the best National Parks to be explored on your visit to Colombia.
Chingaza National Park
Serranía de la Macarena
This 6,200sqkm national park is unique to Colombia. An isolated mountain range in the Meta Department is where the unique flora and fauna of the Amazon Rainforest, the East Llanos and the Andes Mountain range, all come together. The ecosystems of the rainforest, the dry forest and the shrubland savannas all merge forming an incredible array of flora, fauna and stunning scenery. The impressive combination of ecosystems is home to a large number of endangered and unique species: over 2,000 species of plants, 550 species of birds, 100 reptiles, 1,200 insects, anteaters, jaguars, cougars, deer and eight species of monkey inhabit this uniquely biodiverse environment. The most well-known section of the National Park is Caño Cristales, a 100km stretch of river that is a rainbow of magical colours from yellow, green, red, blue and black. It is dubbed the “Liquid Rainbow” for its ethereal beauty.
Caño Cristales
Chiribiquete National Park
The Chiribiquete National Park is located in an isolated Amazon region of Colombia and is Colombia’s largest national park with an area of 27,800 sqkm. The mountains provide the perfect habitat for a large number of different species and provide a home to a large variety of birds, including the endangered Chiribiquete emerald hummingbird. The national park is specifically designed to preserve and protect Colombia’s indigenous natives and to study their historical ancestry. The table mountains are home to over 600,000 traces of early petroglyphs, pictographs dating back thousands of years.
Petroglyph in Chiribiquete
Tayrona National Park
This 30 sqkm of sea area and 150sqkm of land, is home to one of Colombia’s most famous national parks. Located 34 km from Santa Marta on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Tayrona National Park is famous for having one of the best beaches in the world and is sacred to Colombia’s indigenous tribes. This biodiverse area is located next to the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, which creates a tropical climate, providing cool breezes from the mountains. The Tayrona National Park is home to 108 species of mammals, including 70 species of bat, 300 birds, 31 reptile species, 110 corals, 401 sea and river fish species and over 770 plant species. Tayrona National Park is unique in the fact it combines natural rainforest and pristine beaches, with the coastal areas that are excellent for swimming and snorkelling.
Tayrona National Park
Old Providence McBean Lagoon
Providencia is one of two Colombian Caribbean Islands located northwest of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. This island is surrounded by the Caribbean coral reef, the third largest reef in the world. The largest part of the reef is located just off the north-eastern shores of the island and covers an area of 10 sqkm of sea. This reef is protected due to its national park status and only small, certified boats are allowed within the area for diving purposes. Within the park’s boundaries are a collection of four islands, Crab Caye, and the Three Brothers Caye. This park is sometimes referred to as the “sea of seven colours” and the area is home to over 74 species of birds, mangrove forests and a large marine population.
Providencia
Sierra Nevada del Cocuy
The Cocuy National Park is located in The Andes Mountain Range and is comprised of 16 mountains, the highest of which are the following: Cóncavo at 5,200m; Ritacuba Blanco at 5,410m which has a glacier that can be scaled by experienced climbers and is accessed via nearby town of El Cocuy; Ritacuba Negro at 5,300m and Sirara found at 5,200m. This national park is sacred and protects the indigenous U’wa tribe. This national human and natural heritage site is designed to protect culture, history and the environment. The main activities in this area are farming, hunting, fishing and climbing.
El Cocuy National Park
Chingaza National Natural Park
Chingaza National Park is located 60km north-east of Bogotá and surrounds the towns of La Calera, Guasca, Fómeque and San Juanito. It is one of Colombia’s biggest natural reserves and páramos, covering 76,600ha. Páramo ecosystems are usually found on mountains above the tree line and the main purpose of this ecosystem is to bring water down to the earth. This national park serves the purpose of protecting and conserving the páramo ecosystem which in return provides up to 80 percent of Bogotá’s drinking water. This national park and ecosystem is home to over 2,000 species of endangered and native plants, such as frailejon and moss. These plants can reach hundreds of years old with a growing rate of one centimetre per year. Chingaza has over 40 lakes and streams running through it, as well as glacial lakes and most people visit to discover this unique ecosystem, explore the isolated, untouched lands and enjoy nature and fresh air.
