National natural parks in Colombia Which ones to visit?

Updated: Aug 28, 2020

Colombia has more than fifty natural parks in all its regions, however, not all of them can be visited; here we will tell you which ones are usually open to the public, but you should also ask before visiting each park.

Amacayacu National Natural Park.

Located in the south of the department of Amazonas, it is home to the largest concentration of primates, an incredible variety of birds and plants, and the home of the largest freshwater fish in the world, the Piracuru.

Los Nevados National Natural Park.

Located in the coffee region, it has three snow-capped mountains (until a couple of years ago there were six), Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado de Santa Isabel and Nevado del Tolima. To go there we recommend that you always have a specialized high mountain guide, maps and good equipment.

El Cocuy National Natural Park.

It is the largest glacier mass in the country with more than twenty peaks covered with ice and snow. Located between the departments of Boyacá and Arauca you will find all the thermal floors of the country. There are numerous lakes and waterfalls that you can visit on your tour, remember to hydrate well and rest to enjoy the tour to the fullest.

Chingaza National Natural Park.

A natural and cultural treasure, refuge of fauna and flora of the Andes, it was formerly a reserve of indigenous territory, its mountains keep secrets of the Muiscas and the Guayupes as well as peasant communities that until a couple of decades ago inhabited that region. It is very close to Bogota, visiting it is very easy, it could be a weekend plan.

Serranía de la Macarena National Natural Park.

Located in the department of Meta, it is one of the most popular natural parks for nationals and foreigners. Caño Cristales is considered the most beautiful river in the world and around it you will find an indescribable variety of fauna and flora, you will also see petroglyphs and pictograms of indigenous cultures that inhabited the area.

El Tuparro National Natural Park.

Considered as the home of the eighth natural wonder by Alexander Von Humbolt, if you are passionate about nature this is your next destination. Located in the department of Vichada, it has an incredible natural wealth that is still unknown to the Colombian population.

Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park.

Located on the Caribbean coast, it is a valuable submarine complex, the most extensive coral platform of the Colombian continental Caribbean. One hour from Cartagena you will find paradisiacal beaches, coastal swamps, mangroves and excellent places if you like snorkeling.

Tayrona National Park.

Located on the slopes of the highest coastal mountain in the world is this place that you must visit at least once in your life. White sand beaches bordered by mangroves and forests, a relaxing panorama. This same area is also home to ancestral indigenous peoples.

Puracé National Natural Park.

Volcanic zone (mountain range composed of eleven volcanoes) full of sulfur springs, where the main rivers of the country are born and also several dozens of lagoons. It is one of the few places where you can see the condor of the Andes.

Utría Cove National Natural Park.

Every year this area of Colombia receives hundreds of humpback whales that swim thousands of kilometers to reach these warm waters to have their calves. You can have the experience of being close to them and see up close how they behave.

Cueva de los Guácharos National Natural Park.

One of the first natural parks in Colombia, its name is due to the birds that inhabit the deep dark caves. Located in the south of the department of Huila is home to more than three hundred species of birds, this park was created in order to conserve the geological and natural value of this place.

Farallones de Cali National Natural Park.

There live more than five hundred species of birds, many of them endangered, if you are a fan of bird watching you can not miss going there, on clear days you can see the blue peaks from the city, it is the largest protected area of Valle del Cauca. Access to the park is regulated, you must ask before you go.

Gorgona National Natural Park.

This park is different from the others, it overflows diversity everywhere you look, an exuberant tropical rainforest in the Colombian Pacific. There you can not only walk, you can also dive, we recommend you always go with a specialized instructor. This park is made up of two islands called Gorgona and Gorgonilla, during the last century operated there one of the most feared maximum security prisons.

Now that you know the places you can visit full of nature and where you can recharge your batteries, what are you waiting for to schedule your visit?