Visit these Colombian national parks and enjoy the biodiversity they offer.
Two of Colombia's greatest attractions are the variety of climates that can be found throughout its territory and its biodiversity. These two characteristics come together so that those who visit the country can delight - at any time of the year - in places with varied temperatures, landscapes, and activities that allow them to connect with nature.
That's why we present five National Natural Parks where diversity is the protagonist:
El Cocuy National Natural Park
Located in the Andes mountain range is the El Cocuy National Natural Park. It covers over 300,000 hectares and its terrain spans various climates: its lowest point is 600 meters above sea level (masl) and its highest is 5330 masl, thanks to Colombia's tropical location, allowing visitors to observe warm, temperate landscapes, paramos, and at its highest point, the snowy peaks. The Nevado del Cocuy, part of the Sierra Nevada de Güicán, is accompanied by several snowy peaks: Campanillas Blanco, Pan de Azúcar, Púlpito del Diablo, Cóncavos, Ritakuwas, and Güicán, among others, forming a line that reaches Laguna Grande de los Verdes. The journey to the peaks is demanding, but enchanting as it allows for a deep connection with nature. There are shelters in the park for overnight stays during the journey, and in nearby towns, comfortable and family-friendly hotels are available.
Enjoy the wonderful landscapes you'll find in El Cocuy National Natural Park.
Sierra de la Macarena National Natural Park
In the middle of Colombia's eastern plains rises the Sierra de la Macarena. A mountainous system with an average height of 1600 masl. This park holds one of Colombia's most attractive natural landscapes: Caño Cristales, known as the most beautiful river in the world. This watercourse is notable for an algae that, when hit by sunlight, turns shades of red, orange, and yellow. In addition to this surprising phenomenon, La Macarena boasts a list of over 1100 native species (both animals and plants), representing more than 4% of Colombia's plant biodiversity. To reach this magical place, it's necessary to take a small plane, as there are no roads. This remote location away from the city allows visitors to disconnect from daily life and strengthen their bond with nature. While there is no lodging within the park itself, there are hostels, ecolodges, and hotels nearby that participate in programs for protecting and conserving the region's ecosystems.
Discover the most beautiful river in the world at Sierra de la Macarena National Natural Park.
You might also be interested in: Discover the orchids, richness of Colombia's regions.
Chiribiquete National Natural Park
One million hectares amidst the jungle of Guaviare and Caquetá departments were declared as the Chiribiquete National Natural Park. Within its over 4 million hectares of territory, it houses a wide diversity of Amazonian flora and fauna. The mountain system ranges from 200 to 400 masl, and amidst these mountains, majestic rock paintings dating back 20,000 years can be visited by park visitors, evidence of human presence in the area.
Explore Chiribiquete National Natural Park, declared a World Heritage site.
Chingaza National Natural Park
Located nearly 4 hours by car from Bogotá, Chingaza National Natural Park is a nature reserve where you can experience the fauna and flora of the Andean highlands. Here, you'll find one of the world's most harmonious ecosystems: the paramo, a landscape ranging from 3400 to 5000 masl, exclusive to the Andes and home to plant species like the frailejón and animals such as the white-tailed deer and the spectacled bear. The park offers camping areas and shelters where you can spend the night or rest during hikes. Silence reigns here, making peace one of its greatest attractions.
Discover animals like the white-tailed deer and the spectacled bear in Chingaza National Natural Park.
You might also be interested in: Discover equestrian tourism in Colombia.
Tayrona National Natural Park
The Tayrona Park is one of Colombia's most globally recognized tourist attractions thanks to its nearly deserted beaches and because within its territory lies the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: the highest coastal mountain range in the world (5775 masl). This is a place of contrasts, where you'll encounter all climates: starting with the tropical heat of the Caribbean coast, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 33 degrees, and ending in the mountainous area where the minimum temperature is 10 degrees. Within the park lies Ciudad Perdida, a construction dating back to the 7th and 8th centuries, built by the Tayrona indigenous community before the arrival of the Spanish. Within the park, you can find accommodation in comfortable ecohabs: cabins designed specifically to provide visitors with a cozy place that respects the local fauna and flora.
Visit Ciudad Perdida, a construction by the Tayrona indigenous community.
These five parks are examples of Colombia's diversity. Dare to visit them and explore spaces away from the city where nature takes center stage.
