Colombia is known for its rich biodiversity, a natural treasure that extends through its diverse ecosystems, from high mountains to the depths of the Amazon rainforest. This incredible variety of life makes the country one of the most attractive destinations for nature lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts.
Colombia: Home to Different Types of Forests
The Colombian territory hosts different types of forests, each with unique characteristics and ecological functions. Among these are dry tropical forests, Andean forests, gallery forests, mangrove forests, and the majestic tropical rainforests. The latter are of particular importance due to their high biodiversity and crucial role in regulating the global climate.
The Tropical Rainforest: Between Rain and Life
Tropical rainforests extend mainly through the Amazon-Orinoco region, the Pacific coast, and part of the Western Andes. They are characterized by a hot and humid climate. These extreme climatic conditions result in an ecosystem where temperatures range between 22 and 34 ºC throughout the year, with minimal variation between the warmest and coldest months. In these forests, the air is humid, and a variety of trees that can reach heights between 30 and 50 meters (98-193 ft) are present.
(Illustrators: Jhon Jairo Álvarez Valbuena, Steven Pinzón Rodríguez, María Jimena Tafur Cuartas, and Diego Bohórquez Novoa).
An extreme example of these conditions can be observed in the municipality of Lloró, in Chocó, known as the rainiest place on the planet. This phenomenon, known as the "Chorro del Chocó," is
due to winds that, when colliding with the Western Cordillera, discharge large amounts of water over the region.
Tropical rainforests are vital to the planet. These ecosystems store approximately 40% of the world's carbon, thus regulating the global climate. Additionally, these forests are home to more than half of the world's species of flora and fauna, including an impressive diversity of insects, plants, birds, and amphibians, many of which are endemic.
Parks and Reserves You Can Visit
Although some national natural parks (NNPs), such as the Serranía de Chiribiquete NNP and the Serranía de los Churumbelos Auka Wasi NNP, are closed to the public for their protection, Colombia has a variety of accessible reserves and parks that allow you to explore the splendour of these tropical rainforests in person.
Amacayacu National Natural Park
Located in the Amazonas department, the Amacayacu National Natural Park was the first protected area in this region. With more than 200,000 hectares of rainforest, this park is a biodiversity hotspot, home to indigenous communities such as the Ticunas, Cocamas, and Yaguas. The park protects more than 12 species of primates, over 150 mammals, and more than 400 bird species.
Here, you can engage in activities like hiking, wildlife and flora observation, and visits to indigenous communities, where you'll learn more about this ecosystem. It's a perfect destination for those seeking an immersive experience in the heart of the Amazon.
Río Claro Natural Reserve
In the department of Antioquia, three hours from Medellín, the Río Claro Natural Reserve is an example of sustainable development in the conservation of the tropical rainforest in the region. The area where the reserve is located protects a great diversity of endemic species of the Magdalena Medio: around 100 mammals, 350 birds, 70 reptiles, and 45 amphibians.
Here, you can enjoy activities such as rafting, canopy, hiking, bird watching, and caving, all while staying in a calm, well-preserved eco-friendly environment.
El Amargal Ecolodge Natural Reserve
This reserve, located in Nuquí, Chocó, is ideal for ecotourism lovers. Its 40 hectares of virgin tropical rainforest are in one of the rainiest areas in the world, housing a great variety of endemic species of plants, frogs, and birds.
The Ecolodge Nuquí offers the opportunity to enjoy the tropical rainforest while exploring the rivers and beaches surrounding the reserve. You can observe birds and other wildlife and flora and relax in a completely natural environment that is a preferred stop for humpback whales during the second half of the year.
Colombia, with its impressive biodiversity and vast tropical rainforests, is an unparalleled destination for nature lovers. Visiting its parks and natural reserves not only offers a unique and enriching experience but also contributes to the protection and conservation of these valuable ecosystems.
We invite you to travel through Colombia, a country that embraces life in its purest and most exuberant form, and to explore its natural beauty. Come and discover the magic of the tropical rainforests!
