The park serves as home to an impressive array of wildlife, including 450 bird species, 100 mammal species, and numerous reptiles and amphibians. Notable mammals include the endangered cotton-top tamarin, jaguar, giant anteater, and several monkey species. The park's waters harbor West Indian manatees, spectacled caimans, and numerous fish species. Among the birds, the park hosts harpy eagles, great green macaws, and the endangered blue-billed curassow. The area is also an important stopover for migratory birds.
Los Katíos harbors exceptional plant diversity with over 669 recorded species of vascular plants. The vegetation includes tropical rainforest, swamp forest, and premontane forest ecosystems. Notable species include the endangered Dipteryx oleifera, various orchids, and numerous endemic plants. The park contains significant stands of cativo trees (Prioria copaifera), which form unique monospecific forests in flooded areas. Mangroves line the waterways, while epiphytes and lianas create dense canopy networks throughout the forest.
The park's terrain encompasses two distinct geological regions: the Serranía del Darién mountains and the Atrato River floodplains. The landscape was formed through tectonic activity and sedimentary processes, resulting in varied elevations from sea level to 600 meters. The park features alluvial plains, low hills, and marshlands, with significant limestone formations in the mountainous areas. The Atrato River system has created extensive wetlands and oxbow lakes, while the underlying rock formations date back to the Tertiary and Quaternary periods.
Los Katíos was established as a national park in 1973 and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 due to its exceptional biodiversity and role in species exchange between Central and South America. The park's territory was historically inhabited by indigenous Kuna and Katío peoples. During the 1980s and 1990s, the park faced challenges from illegal logging and civil conflict but has since recovered through enhanced protection measures. From 2009 to 2015, it was listed as a World Heritage Site in Danger due to deforestation and illegal fishing, but successful conservation efforts led to its removal from this list.
Key attractions include the dramatic Tendal and Tilupo falls, the expansive Tumaradó wetlands system, and the mighty Atrato River, which forms the park's eastern boundary. The park contains unique geological formations like the Cerro del Cuchillo (Knife Hill) and numerous crystalline streams. The Ciénagas de Tumaradó (Tumaradó Swamps) provide essential habitat for aquatic species and offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. The park's location at the junction of Central and South America makes it a crucial biological corridor for species migration and genetic exchange between the continents.
Los Katíos experiences a tropical rainforest climate with high annual rainfall averaging 3,000mm. The park maintains consistently warm temperatures between 25-30°C (77-86°F) year-round, with high humidity levels typically exceeding 80%. The driest period occurs from December to March, while the wettest months are May through November. Daily afternoon thunderstorms are common, especially during the wet season, making morning hours optimal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
Colombia
7.8500°, -77.1670°
1973
720
Los Katíos National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its exceptional biodiversity. The park contains tropical rainforest, wetlands, and lowland forests connecting South and Central American ecosystems. It hosts numerous endangered species and serves as an important bird migration corridor.