Top 4 National Parks for Ecotourism in Colombia that you cannot miss.

It is becoming more common to find curious travelers that are willing to take on adventures. That is why ecotourism has become a way to go beyond a comfortable vacation, and explore aspects like sustainability, social responsibility and social consciousness.

In this article, you will find four places to explore ecotourism in Colombia, while getting to know some of the most beautiful natural treasures.

Ecotourism in Colombia: what to do

1.    Amacayacu National Park

This beautiful park in the Amazon department of Colombia was created with the intent of protecting an important area of national natural heritage, as well as some wildlife species. The aim was also to preserve the diversity and ecological balance in the area.

Amacayacu National Park is home to 150 species of mammals, including some endangered species like jaguars and sea lions. There are about 500 types of birds as well as fish.

      Ecotourist activities

For a long time, this park has worked to open up ecotourism in Colombia, with the purpose of educating people and creating sustainable practices that help to preserve the ecosystem. Ecotourism in this region is led by indigenous tribes. The ecotourist activities include:

• Miquiando Trail, located in the Mocagua indigenous reservation: It offers the chance to learn and even interact with 9 types of primates. Most of these animals have been rescued from illegal trafficking. So, this option of ecotourism in Colombia can be a beautiful experience for animal lovers.

• Aquatic Paths: You can do night canoeing, travel through the Amacayacu River, and enjoy dolphin watching.

2.    Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Park

Few places in the world offer such extraordinary beauty and diversity as Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Park, which is located in the Caribbean sea in the north of Colombia.

Here are some of the most extensive reefs on the Colombian coastline, characterized by having a great diversity of species. You can have a blast with incredible crystal waters and different natural environments. This makes this park one of the most important areas for ecotourism in Colombia.

     Ecotourist activities

• Fauna and Flora: In this park there are lakes, rivers and the Caribbean Sea. This has created a perfect scenario to appreciate some of the most incredible animals. Among them are hawksbill turtles and loggerhead turtles.

• Snorkeling and scuba diving: If you are a fan of the underwater world, this place is perfect for you. On islands like Tintipán you can go snorkeling and scuba diving, while enjoying a natural show, thanks to the colorful reefs and diversity.

3.    Tayrona National Park

This is one of the most important places for ecotourism in Colombia and one of the most visited touristic destinations, especially for those who love nature, adventure and hikes. The park is located 30 kilometers from Santa Marta; it has bays, beaches, mangroves, and reefs.

Tayrona has around 19.000 hectares that are protected. There are 34 beaches in total, but people cannot swim at all of them. This is because swimming outside of the designated areas can be dangerous for them, and it can bother tribes that are still living there.

Ecotourist activities

• Hiking: Here you can find different types of trails of varying difficulty. For example, the Kogui or Arrecifes trails are easy. On the other hand, there are some others like Calabazo, or the road to Pueblito, that are more difficult.

• Scuba diving: There are some islands like Aguja and Granate, where you can go diving. Also, you can rent equipment, take courses and visit small fishermen villages.

4.    Chingaza National Park

This park is a natural treasure and a cultural center in Colombia due to a powerful heritage of indigenous groups like Muiscas, communities that lived there in times gone by. Nowadays, it is home to different species from the Andes and it has a rich ecosystem formed by vast forests.

One of the reasons this park is so important for the country, but especially for the capital, Bogotá, is because it holds Embalse de Cruza, the main source of water for the city and the municipalities around. This is a great place to do ecotourism in Colombia close to an urban environment.

Ecotourist activities

Chingaza National Park is perfect to reconnect with nature and learn about preservation, ecosystem services and biodiversity.

• Hiking: Some of the trails you can enjoy while visiting this park are Sendero Lagunas de Siecha, Sendero Cuchillas de Siecha, or Sendero las Plantas. For some of the trails it is recommended that you hire a guide, because of the difficulty of the paths.

• Wildlife and flora: This park is the perfect place to learn about the fauna and flora characteristic of this region. Also, you can discover endemic species and some of the most beautiful animals in Colombia.

Conclusion

This is just a quick look at the wonders you can discover in Colombia. So, if you are deciding where to stay in Colombia, on your next vacation, and you love to experience new adventures every time you travel, ecotourism may be the answer. Also, don´t forget to discover some of the most special eco-friendly hotels in Colombia. 

If you need help or guidance with the planning process of your trip to Colombia, don´t hesitate to contact us. We have a team of travel experts looking forward to help you have the best holiday of your life.