One of the great attractions of the country is, without a doubt, the beauty of the natural reserves in Colombia. These places offer a unique sensory experience where visitors can contemplate the landscapes, let themselves be carried away by the sounds of nature, participate in ecotourism activities, and disconnect from the routine and noise of the city.
Why are natural reserves important?
The largest biodiversity reserve in Colombia is El parque nacional natural (PNN) Serranía de Chiribiquete.
One of the main benefits of Colombia's protected areas is the preservation of natural resources and the promotion of the care of flora and fauna species, especially those at risk of extinction.
However, this does not mean that it is not possible to visit natural reserves for tourism or recreation purposes. In fact, thanks to the work of the Sistema de Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, travelers have the possibility to enjoy nature responsibly.
Of interest: Why do nature tourism in Colombia?
Currently, there are 59 protected areas in the country, which belong to the Sistema de Parques Nacionales Naturales. Here are some interesting facts:
- The 5 species with the highest priority in terms of conservation are the jaguar, the condor, the green turtle, the bear, and the yellow-eared parrot.
- The largest National Natural Parks (P.N.N.) in Colombia are the Serranía de Chiribiquete with 2,782,353 hectares, the Reserva Nacional Natural Puinawai with 1,092,000 hectares, the P.N.N. Yaigojé Apaporis with 1,056,023 hectares, the P.N.N. Rio Pure with 998,880 hectares, and the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Malpelo with 974,474 hectares.
- The oldest parks are the P.N.N. Cueva de los Guácharos (1960), Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca (1964), P.N.N. Tayrona (1964), P.N.N. Farallones de Cali (1968), and the P.N.N. Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (1971).
You may also be interested: Discover the orchids, the wealth of Colombia's regions.
Which National Natural Parks offer ecotourism?
Being protected areas, natural parks are an ideal destination to connect with nature and explore Colombia. These are some of the parks where ecotourism can be done in Colombia:
Be amazed by Gorgona, one of Colombia's most biodiverse natural paradises.
- Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona: its lush tropical jungle and the deep blue of its waters make Gorgona one of the most beautiful ecotourism destinations in the country. In this park, activities such as whale watching, diving, snorkeling, and bird watching can be practiced.
The most important coral formations in the Colombian Pacific are found on Malpelo Island.
- Santuario de Flora y Fauna Malpelo: this park was declared a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO. One of the visitors' favorite activities in this park is the observation of hammerhead sharks that swim freely around the island.
- Santuario de Flora y Fauna Iguaque: it is home to the Iguaque lagoon which, according to Muisca mythology, is the cradle of humanity. Although it is a protected area, activities such as fauna and flora observation, as well as hiking up to the lagoon, are allowed.
- Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona: the natural and cultural richness of Tayrona park has made it one of the favorite destinations for tourists seeking a unique experience in the midst of nature. Among the ecotourism activities offered are snorkeling at Playa del Muerto and Playa Cristal; scuba diving at Isla Aguja and Granate, bird watching, and hiking on the four trails available for this purpose.
Discover: Story of animal species in the Amazon, the heart of Colombia.
The biodiversity of the parks and natural reserves in Colombia offers the opportunity to live a unique journey, leaving behind the daily routine. Dare to explore the national natural parks of Colombia and let yourself be carried away by the rhythm of nature.
