Colombia, a country with lush and extraordinarily beautiful natural diversity, hosts some of the mightiest and most varied ecosystems on the planet within its National Natural Parks (NNPs), in Spanish: (Parques Nacionales Naturales (PNN)).
From the towering snowy heights of Los Nevados to the Amazonian depths of Chiribiquete and the northeastern area of El Cocuy National Natural Park, these protected areas offer a unique window into the ecological and cultural richness of the country. Colombian destinations that beckon adventurers, conservationists, and nature lovers to discover the beauty and conservation challenges of these vital spaces.
Content
List of Colombia’s National Parks
Biodiversity in the National Parks
Unique and Diverse Flora
Colombia’s National Natural Parks are home to a towering diversity of plants, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. This botanical richness is not only a visual spectacle for visitors but also a crucial resource for scientific research and ecological conservation.
Iconic and Endangered Fauna
The fauna of these parks is equally impressive, harboring species such as the jaguar, the spectacled bear, and numerous endemic birds. Observing these animals in their natural habitat is a transformative experience, underscoring the importance of conservation initiatives.
Regions and Ecosystems
Each region of Colombia offers a unique ecosystem that contributes to the richness of the national parks. From the coral reefs of the Caribbean to the Andean cloud forests, the variety of landscapes ensures that each visit is a new adventure.
Protected Areas of Colombia
The Colombian National Natural Parks System (SPNN) is composed of a total of 65 protected areas, distributed in different regions of the country.
The Colombian National Natural Parks System, known as PNN de Colombia, is a special administrative unit responsible for managing the National Natural Parks System and coordinating the National System of Protected Areas. It was established by Decree No. 3572 of 2011. This entity operates throughout the national territory, has administrative and financial autonomy, but does not have legal personality, being subject to the terms established in Article 67 of Law 489 of 1998.
These areas are intended for the conservation of Colombian biodiversity and natural heritage. Below is a list of the areas protected by region:
Amazon Region
- Alto Fragua – Indi Wasi National Natural Park
- Amacayacu National Natural Park
- Cahuinarí National Natural Park
- La Paya National Natural Park
- Río Puré National Natural Park
- Serranía de los Churumbelos – Auka Wasi National Natural Park
- Sierra de Chiribiquete National Natural Park
- Yaigojé Apaporis National Natural Park
- Nukak Natural Reserve
- Puinawai Natural Reserve
- Orito – Ingi Andé Medicinal Plants Flora Sanctuary
Caribbean Region
- Bahía Portete – Kaurrele National Natural Park
- Deep-Sea Corals National Natural Park
- Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park
- Macuira National Natural Park
- Old Providence McBean Lagoon National Natural Park
- Paramillo National Natural Park
- Cordillera Beata Natural National Park
- Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park
- Tayrona National Natural Park
- Acandí, Playón, and Playona Fauna Sanctuary
- Los Flamencos Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
- Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
- El Corchal "El Mono Hernández" Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
- Los Colorados Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
- Isla de Salamanca National Park
Northeastern Andes Region
- Los Estoraques Unique Natural Area
- Catatumbo Barí National Natural Park
- El Cocuy National Natural Park
- Pisba National Natural Park
- Los Yariguíes National Natural Park
- Tamá National Natural Park
- Guanentá Alto Río Fonce Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
- Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
Western Andes Region
- Doña Juana – Cascabel Volcanic Complex National Natural Park
- Cueva de los Guácharos National Natural Park
- Las Hermosas – Gloria Valencia de Castaño National Natural Park
- Las Orquídeas National Natural Park
- Los Nevados National Natural Park
- Nevado del Huila National Natural Park
- Puracé National Natural Park
- Selva de Florencia National Natural Park
- Tatamá National Natural Park
- Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
- Galeras Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
- Isla de la Corota Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
Orinoquía Region
- Cinaruco Integrated Management District
- Chingaza National Natural Park
- Cordillera de los Picachos National Natural Park
- Serranía de Manacacías National Natural Park
- Sierra de la Macarena National Natural Park
- Sumapaz National Natural Park
- Tinigua National Natural Park
Pacific Region
- Cabo Manglares, Bajo Mira y Frontera Integrated Management District
- Colinas y Lomas Submarinas de la Cuenca Pacífico Norte Integrated Management District
- Juruparí-Malpelo Integrated Management District
- Farallones de Cali National Natural Park
- Gorgona National Natural Park
- Los Katíos National Natural Park
- Munchique National Natural Park
- Sanquianga National Natural Park
- Uramba Bahía Málaga National Natural Park
- Utría National Natural Park
- Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary
Roles of Colombian National Natural Parks
The entity’s main function is the administration and management of the National Natural Parks System, as well as the coordination of the National System of Protected Areas. Among its responsibilities are:
- Administer and regulate the use of areas within the National Natural Parks System, in accordance with current regulations.
- Propose and implement policies and standards related to these systems.
- Formulate planning instruments and projects related to the management of these natural spaces.
- Conduct studies for the reservation, delimitation, and declaration of new protected areas.
- Coordinate the formation and operation of the National System of Protected Areas.
- Issue environmental authorizations and opinions in environmental licensing processes affecting these areas.
- Acquire assets and rights over lands within protected areas.
- Collect fees for the use of natural resources within these areas.
- Propose strategies for the financial sustainability of the organization.
- Exercise policing and sanctioning functions within the framework of environmental legislation.
- Administer the national registry of protected areas of the National System of Protected Areas.
These are some of the responsibilities assigned to the entity, in accordance with current regulations and the conservation needs of the country.
Iconic National Parks
Colombia boasts several parks that are true gems of nature and culture. Places like Tayrona National Natural Park, with its spectacular beaches and rich indigenous history, and the vastness of Chiribiquete, known for its ancient petroglyphs, are just the beginning of what visitors can explore.
Activities and Adventures in the Parks
National Natural Parks offer a wide range of activities, from hiking along ancient paths to diving in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. These experiences are not only thrilling but also promote a profound respect for nature.
See also
- https://www.minambiente.gov.co/ (Spanish).
- SINAP (Spanish).