Nature tourism trips, also known as natural tourism, primarily aim to engage in recreational activities in contact with nature and the communities that live around it.
In addition to offering the possibility of being in contact with nature, nature tourism enriches any traveler’s experience by promoting the protection of flora and fauna and fostering a greater appreciation for natural tourist attractions.
Ecotourism, a form of nature tourism
Colombia is known for being one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.
According to the Biodiversity Information System of Colombia (SIB), the country has a total of around 56,343 recorded species; among them 1,921 birds, 26,177 plants, 803 amphibians, 537 reptiles, 492 mammals, 3,435 fish, and 9,153 endemic species.
This wealth of flora and fauna, combined with its beautiful landscapes and diverse climate zones, makes Colombia one of the most visited tourist destinations for nature tourism; and although there are different types of nature tourism, such as adventure or rural tourism, the most practiced in Colombia is ecotourism, which—unlike other types of nature tourism—is practiced in protected natural areas.
According to The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), it is defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people.” In other words, when you participate in an ecotourism trip, you act responsibly to minimize the impact on the environment and the local community.
According to figures from the UNWTO World Tourism Organization, ecotourism is considered one of the fastest-growing sectors in tourism, with a 5% annual growth rate and accounting for around 6% of global GDP.
These figures represent an important opportunity, as the country currently has 59 natural areas that are part of Colombia’s National Natural Parks System; all of them offering unique attractions for unforgettable travel experiences.
Where to practice ecotourism in Colombia?
Colombia is the ideal destination for travelers seeking to explore and experience the world’s natural wonders up close. Although there are many places in the country where you can practice ecotourism, these are the most visited:
- Los Nevados National Natural Park
- Gorgona Island
- The Amazon
- Upper Guajira
- Utría Cove
- Puracé National Natural Park
- Tayrona National Natural Park
- Iguaque Fauna and Flora Sanctuary
- Cueva de los Guácharos National Natural Park
- Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park
Why practice ecotourism in Colombia?
- There are more than 3,000 species of butterflies.
- It has the largest extent of páramo ecosystems in the world (in the Andes and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta).
- It hosts the greatest diversity of birds in the world, with 20% of the planet’s total species.
- Between June and November each year, Colombia’s Pacific coast offers the opportunity to see newly hatched olive ridley sea turtles and humpback whales.
- It is home to the Andean condor, considered the largest bird in the world because, with its wings extended, it reaches a wingspan of up to 3.4 meters.
- Gorgona National Natural Park is home to the blue lizard, an animal that, due to its striking blue color, is a unique species in the world.
- Colombia is home to the largest number of bat species.
- The waters of Corales del Rosario National Park host unique marine species in the world.
- It is the second most diverse country in butterfly species worldwide.
- It has coastlines on both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Practicing ecotourism in Colombia is an experience you should live at least once in your life. The country’s charm, reflected in its biodiversity, gastronomy, and culture, will turn your journey through Colombia into an unforgettable adventure.
