A country famed for its exceptional natural wealth, Colombia promises beguiling natural beauty that spans rugged Andean peaks, wildlife-rich tropical rainforests, vast grasslands of wax palms, and sparse highland paramo.
Following two decades of concerted efforts to strengthen its protected areas, the country now has 59 national parks and protected areas, covering a total of 200,000 sq km (77,220 sq miles) – adding up to a whopping one-sixth of Colombia’s land mass. Venturing into one of these national parks offers an escape into remote, pristine, and often hard-to-access lands. However, the effort is always worth it.
From encounters with an unsurpassed richness of wildlife to hiking trails offering majestic mountain views, and remarkable indigenous stories, these treasures dazzle travelers. Here is our guide to the 9 best national parks in Colombia.
1. Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona – The Best National Park for White-Sand Beaches
An exquisitely beautiful stretch of white-sand beaches, vast rock formations, and untouched rainforest—Tayrona National Natural Park lies in the north of the country, between the skirts of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range and the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Colombia’s most visited park extends across 12,000 hectares (29,650 acres) of land, with an additional 3000 hectares (7413 acres) of ocean protected. Glorious swimming and snorkeling are available at select beaches; however, treacherous currents make many others too dangerous for a dip. The trail from the entrance at Cañaveral into the park traces the coast, leading to beaches where you can take shade beneath a coconut palm or catch sight of the critically endangered cotton-top tamarin monkeys that call the adjoining jungle home.
At night, choose a hammock, beachside tent, or rustic cabin so close to the ocean that the crashing waves will lull you to sleep.
Planning tip: For maximum tranquility, avoid visiting in December and January when the park is packed with backpackers and pleasure seekers.
2. See One of the Last Untouched Places on Earth at Parque Nacional Natural Serranía del Chiribiquete
One of the last unexplored corners of the planet, Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park is the world’s largest tropical rainforest park. Covering 44,000 sq km (17,000 sq miles), the park was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2018 thanks to its incredible biodiversity (with approximately 3000 animal and plant species) and unique topography in the form of table-top mountains known as tepuis.
However, human history is what makes this place special. Deep within the park lie 75,000 cave paintings dating back to 20,000 BCE, which depict hunting scenes and other ceremonial events. They are believed to still be used by the five uncontacted tribes residing within the park’s borders.
Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park first opened to visitors only in 2019, with access solely by a limited number of 1-hour flyovers run by local tour operators, allowing you to see the breathtaking topography and lush jungle from the air.
3. Enjoy Exciting High-Altitude Hiking at Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados
Dappled with snow-swept volcanic peaks, Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados is one of Colombia’s most dramatic and high-altitude national parks. Adventurous travelers flock here to tackle the summit of Nevado del Tolima, a 5200m (17,060ft) volcanic crater that requires technical mountaineering experience. For more casual hikers, gentler trails pass through the striking paramo landscapes, leading to serene lagoons and age-old glaciers.
In the southern skirts of the national park, the more accessible Valle de Cocora is a verdant wonderland surrounded by Colombia’s rolling hills dotted with coffee plantations. The main attraction is the Quindío wax palm, Colombia’s national tree, reaching heights of up to 60m (196ft). Admire it from the meandering trails that take you to stunning viewpoints of the Cocora Valley and the craggy peaks of the park’s northern reaches.
4. Explore the Beautifully Barren Páramo at Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza
Tucked into the eastern Andes, Chingaza National Natural Park is a vital water source, with its 60 lagoons providing 80% of the water consumed by Bogotá’s residents. This park is one of the easiest to access from the capital, showcasing Colombia’s unique paramo. This tundra-like ecosystem sits between the tree line and snow line and is dotted with curious-looking frailejón plants.
However, no public transport operates here, so exploring this 76,600-hectare (189,300-acre) park requires assistance from a Bogotá-based tour operator or your own vehicle. Five hiking trails, each with daily visitor caps, allow you to explore the park, with the most popular being the challenging climb to Lagunas de Siecha.
5. Summit an Active Volcano at Parque Nacional Natural Puracé
In the far south of Colombia, Parque Nacional Natural Puracé protects a slice of the Andes, showcasing volcanoes, dazzling waterfalls, soaring condors, and sparse highland paramo. The best way to experience these remote yet beautiful landscapes is on foot. The prime route involves hiking to the edge of the crater of the 4650m (15,255ft) Volcán Puracé, the only active volcano in Colombia with a summit that’s safe to reach. Keep your eyes on the skies for the unmissable vast wingspan of Andean condors introduced to the park in 2002.
6. Discover Shrinking Glaciers at Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy
Remote and untouched, Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy is a challenging destination to reach. Consequently, the effort of a 10-hour bus journey northeast from Bogotá pays big dividends, granting access to a 3060-sq-km (1180-sq-mile) park that houses 15 magnificent peaks over 5000m (16,404ft), electric-blue lakes, and the largest expanse of glaciers in the country.
While many hiking trails are closed due to objections from the resident U’wa people, the park still has plenty to offer. Notable trekking highlights include the 12-hour trail to El Pulpito del Diablo, where stunning alpine tundra, glacial valleys, and vertiginous mountains unfold.
7. Swim in Magenta-Hued Rivers at Parque Nacional Serranía de La Macarena
Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de La Macarena is home to one of Colombia’s most curious natural attractions. Each year within the tropical reaches of this park, rivers spring to life in shades of magenta.
Better known as Caño Cristales or the Liquid Rainbow, this river blooms uniquely between July and October, thanks to the Macarenia clavigera plant. Visitors can swim in the water to witness this mesmerizing phenomenon up close. Accessible only through a guided tour, a trail of waterfalls and swimming holes awaits within the park.
8. Enjoy Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Parque Nacional Old Providence McBean Lagoon
Measuring just 1485 hectares (3670 acres), Parque Nacional Old Providence McBean Lagoon is one of Colombia’s smallest national parks. It envelops the mangrove forests of Providencia and surrounding waters, which protect part of the third-longest coral reef in the world.
The park includes Cayo Cangrejo, a magical island known for remarkable snorkeling and diving experiences. Beneath the crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs teem with schools of tropical fish, and you may even spot four species of turtles and manta rays.
9. Visit Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta for Intriguing Archaeological Sites
The birthplace of the Tairona people, Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is best known as the home of Ciudad Perdida, the once-thriving Tairona city buried deep in the jungle. This national park contrasts taken to extremes, where the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range rises sharply into deep river valleys and impenetrable jungle.
Descendants of the Tairona still inhabit this national park and consider these mountains sacred. You may encounter them while trekking through the rainforest to reach fascinating archaeological sites. Conditions can be hot, humid, and muddy; therefore, consider visiting between December and February for drier ground underfoot.
