Mountains in Colombia: the best trekking trips to do with family
As National Geographic put it, Colombia is a haven for biodiversity. From tropical rainforests to open savannahs. There are high altitude moorlands and islands in the Caribbean and the Pacific. This country is home to almost every ecosystem on Earth.
But the mountains in Colombia are responsible for creating unique biodiverse spots. The Andes split into three, forming deep valleys where endemic species originated as a result of the separation.
Colombia is at the top of the list in numbers of bird species, amphibians, palm trees, and varieties of orchids. Basically, one of every 10 species of flora and fauna in the world lives here.
That is why most Colombia tourist attractions are natural treasures waiting to be explored, and trekking is the way to do it. It allows you to be immersed in the environment and live a very authentic experience.
No matter what destination you choose, there is always a trail to walk on. Below, we share a list of the best places to visit in order to explore the mountains in Colombia — for the adventurers at heart.
1. Bogotá and its surroundings
One of its limits is bordered by the Cordillera Oriental, one of the three ranges the Andes is divided into; hence, the multiple trails situated less than an hour away from town.
Quebrada La Vieja is one of the most popular, because it is right inside the city; locals usually do this hike as a part of their fitness routine, and the walk is 1.5 km uphill. At the top of the mountain you are surrounded by a pine forest where you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city.
One hour outside Bogotá is La Chorrera waterfall. With a fall of 590 meters, it is the highest in the country. This is another amazing hiking trail located in the nearby town of Choachí. The stone path will take you across a cloud forest where you will see the immense diversity of the area. This one-day trip is suitable for all members of the family as the level of intensity is low.
2. Mountains in Colombia: where the best coffee in the world grows
El Eje Cafetero is the world-famous region where the acclaimed Colombian coffee comes from. Located above the Cordillera Occidental and Central, the landscape displays a group of snowcapped mountains in Colombia that are part of Los Nevados National Park.
At the entrance of the park, is the enchanting Cocora Valley, home to the Colombian national tree: the wax palm. These 60-meter tall trees paint a picture only see in epic movies. On top of that, the birdwatching, the abundant vegetation and the weather make this trekking adventure a memorable one.
Not so far from there, the Laguna del Otún, a small lake located inside the National Park, offers a different experience at 3.900 meters above sea level. The difficulty degree is considered medium, mostly because of the altitude, as the trail is not steep. This is a páramo ecosystem where the frailejones (“big monks”), the native plant of the area, dress the landscape.
3. The highlands of Medellín
This city is a crucial stop if you want to visit the mountains in Colombia. You can find a perfect natural getaway right in the middle of it.
The Pueblito Paisa, a replica of a traditional town from yore, was built at the top of Cerro de Nutibara. This is a small rocky hill formation that has become one of the popular places to visit in Colombia. No matter the pace, the walk will not take more than an hour, and the reward is a site stuck in time. There are also restaurants and stores to check out.
4. Santander: a call for adventure
The number of activities you can plan around this department are endless. But there is one particular hike that will take you to a beautiful setting at the very center of the mountains in Colombia: the walk to Guane. It starts in the town of Barichara and ends in Guane, a very small village located 10 km away.
The route, called Camino Real, is a desert landscape adorned with cacti and a view of a canyon. The walk will take three hours, because of all the stops hikers will make to capture the gorgeous scenes across the valley, all the birds that can be spotted in the area, and the green mountains.
These are the best family getaways when looking for nature and adventure around mountains in Colombia. There is no end to a list like this, but our selection will give you an idea of where to start exploring the hidden treasures of this amazingly diverse country.
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.