Los Nevados harbors diverse wildlife adapted to high-altitude environments. Notable mammals include the endangered mountain tapir, spectacled bear, puma, and several deer species. The park is home to numerous bird species, including the Andean condor, black-chested buzzard-eagle, and various hummingbirds adapted to high altitudes. Amphibians like the critically endangered yellow-striped poison dart frog inhabit the lower elevations. The park also supports various endemic butterfly species and high-altitude insects adapted to the harsh páramo environment.
The park's vegetation varies dramatically with altitude, featuring distinct ecological zones. The lower elevations support Andean forest with endemic species like the wax palm (Colombia's national tree). The páramo ecosystem, found between 3,200-4,800 meters, hosts unique plants adapted to extreme conditions, including frailejones (Espeletia), which are crucial for water regulation. Other notable species include colorful puya bromeliads, cushion plants, and various orchid species. The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse at higher altitudes, with lichens and specialized alpine plants surviving near the snow line.
The park is dominated by the Cordillera Central, featuring several stratovolcanoes including Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado del Tolima, and Santa Isabel. These volcanoes are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, with Nevado del Ruiz being notably active - its 1985 eruption caused the devastating Armero tragedy. The landscape has been shaped by volcanic activity, glaciation, and erosion, resulting in dramatic features like U-shaped valleys, moraines, and thermal springs. The park's geology includes various rock types from different volcanic episodes, including andesite and dacite, as well as metamorphic basement rocks.
Los Nevados National Natural Park was established in 1973 to protect the unique páramo ecosystem and its snow-capped volcanic peaks. The area has deep cultural significance, having been sacred to pre-Columbian indigenous peoples, particularly the Quimbaya civilization. These mountains were important spiritual sites where ceremonies and offerings took place. During the Spanish colonial period, the region remained largely unexplored due to its challenging terrain. Scientific exploration began in earnest during the 19th century, with notable naturalists like Alexander von Humboldt documenting the area's unique biodiversity and geological features.
Key attractions include the active Nevado del Ruiz volcano with its steaming fumaroles, the perfectly conical Nevado del Tolima, and the glacier-covered Santa Isabel peak. The park features numerous lagoons, including the stunning Laguna Verde and Laguna del Otún, popular for their turquoise waters and surrounding landscapes. Thermal springs, particularly around Nevado del Ruiz, offer unique geological attractions. The park also contains important archaeological sites and pre-Columbian paths. The Valle de las Tumbas (Valley of the Tombs) features ancient burial sites, while the extensive network of hiking trails provides access to diverse ecosystems and spectacular viewpoints.
Los Nevados experiences a páramo climate characterized by dramatic daily temperature fluctuations, with warm days and freezing nights. Temperatures can range from -3°C to 14°C (27°F to 57°F), with frequent frost at higher elevations. The park has two main wet seasons (March-May and September-November) and two relatively dry seasons (December-February and June-August). Weather conditions can change rapidly, with morning sun often giving way to afternoon clouds and precipitation. At elevations above 4,800 meters (15,748 feet), permanent snow and ice persist, though climate change has significantly reduced glacier coverage in recent decades.
Colombia
4.8500°, -75.3330°
1973
583
Los Nevados National Park features several snow-capped volcanoes and high-altitude ecosystems. The park protects unique páramo vegetation and glacial landscapes above 4,000 meters. It's home to rare species like the Andean condor and spectacled bear, while also serving as a crucial water source for surrounding regions.