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Best National Parks in Colombia
Home to expansive paramos, towering mountains, barren deserts, vibrant coral reefs and the lungs of the world, Colombia is a country like no other. With an astonishing 51 national parks, Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and the perfect destination for adventure seekers. Go mountain climbing, rock climbing, hike the breathtaking landscapes and stumble upon hidden ruins encased in thick jungle. Here’s our pick of the best national parks in Colombia.
Tayrona National Park
Sprawling coastlines of white sand backed by dense vegetation, Tayrona National Parks is one of the most famous in Colombia. Situated on the Caribbean coast, Tayrona National Park has one of the best beaches in the world. Nestled below the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains, this park has some of the most spectacular scenery in Colombia. Vibrant reefs, powder-white sand and clear, warm water make this an excellent place for swimming and snorkelling.Serranía de la Macarena National Park
Serrania de la Macarena has some of the most iconic landscapes in Colombia and is home to the famous Cano Cristales river or the ‘river of five colours’. When algae below the surface blooms, the river is transformed into a rainbow of spectacular colour. As well as Cano Cristales, you'll find rainforest, scrubland and savannah, and hundreds of species of flora, fauna and birds. If you're lucky, you might spot jaguars and giant anteaters lurking in the bushes!
Did you know?
Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world!
Sierra Nevada del Cocuy National Park
The stark, raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy makes it one of the most unique places in Colombia. Situated amid the mighty Andes Mountains with the iconic Paramo landscape stretching for miles in every direction. Snow-capped peaks hide frozen lakes and tracks explore every inch of this vast wilderness. It’s an excellent place for hiking, rock climbing and mountain climbing.
Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Park
Found just off the coast of Cartagena is one of the most beautiful national parks in Colombia, Rosario and San Bernado Corals National Park. This little stretch of Caribbean Sea is home to a vibrant coral which attracts a huge variety of colourful fish, making it a spectacular destination for snorkelling. And there’s no better way to end a day of searching the seas than with a delicious, coconut fish curry under a canopy lining the shore.
Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
Famous as being the home of the Iguaque Lagoon, this national park is one of the most popular in Colombia. Thought to be a sacred location by indigenous tribes that occupy the area, this lake is apparently the place where all life began. And what better place could they have picked? The landscape is simply breathtaking. Gaze across lagoons, trek through winding trails and search for unique flora and fauna that you can’t find anywhere else in the world.
Chingaza National Park
Chingaza is a national park in the Andean region, protecting one of the most essential paramo ecosystems in the world. Just outside Bogota, lies one of Colombia’s biggest national parks, complete with dense forests, gentle streams and stunning glacial lakes. It’s also an excellent place for wildlife watching. Come to see bears and white-tailed deer hiding in the woods amidst native, endangered plants.
Isla Gorgona National Park
Gorgona Isla is a volcanic island in the Colombian Pacific coast. Even though it's only six miles long, it has a diverse ecosystem and a considerable amount of endemic species. This wild island has a certain natural beauty that you won’t find anywhere else. Jungles hide remains of an old, creepy prison, lizards and snakes crawl through the thick forests and tropical fish swim the crystal shores lining the island. It’s an excellent place for diving with frequent reports of hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and humpback whales.