The park provides habitat for numerous endangered and endemic species, including the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), and various species of hummingbirds adapted to high-altitude environments. Notable bird species include the gold-ringed tanager and chestnut wood-quail. The park also supports populations of pumas, deer, and several endangered amphibian species, making it a critical conservation area for Andean biodiversity.
Tatamá's vegetation varies dramatically with altitude, featuring four distinct life zones. The park harbors over 400 documented plant species, including rare orchids and bromeliads. The lower slopes support tropical rainforest, transitioning to cloud forest at mid-elevations with abundant epiphytes and mosses. The upper reaches feature unique páramo vegetation adapted to high-altitude conditions, including frailejones (Espeletia), cushion plants, and specialized grasses that play crucial roles in water regulation.
The park showcases dramatic Andean topography formed during the uplift of the Western Cordillera. Its landscape features steep valleys, glacial formations, and distinctive páramo ecosystems above the treeline. The geological composition includes metamorphic and volcanic rocks, with notable presence of basalt and andesite formations. The park's complex terrain creates numerous watersheds, serving as the origin point for several major river systems that supply water to surrounding regions.
Tatamá National Natural Park was established in 1987 to protect a crucial section of Colombia's Western Cordillera. The region has historical significance as ancestral territory of indigenous communities, including the Embera people. Prior to its protected status, the area faced pressure from mining and agricultural expansion. The park's name derives from the indigenous word 'Tatamá,' meaning 'grandfather of rivers,' reflecting its vital role as a water source for surrounding regions.
Tatamá's most distinctive features include its pristine páramo ecosystems, extensive network of crystalline streams and waterfalls, and remarkable biodiversity hotspots. The park offers exceptional hiking trails that showcase dramatic elevation changes and panoramic views of the Western Cordillera. Its role as a water tower, supplying numerous watersheds, makes it ecologically significant for Colombia's western region. The park's remote location and limited access have helped preserve its pristine condition, making it a unique destination for ecological research and sustainable tourism.
Tatamá experiences a humid tropical climate characterized by significant rainfall throughout the year, with annual precipitation ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 mm. The park's varied elevation (from 2,000 to 4,200 meters above sea level) creates distinct temperature zones, with averages ranging from 12°C to 18°C in lower regions and dropping to near freezing at higher altitudes. Mornings typically offer clearer conditions for hiking and viewing, while afternoon cloud cover and mist are common, particularly above 3,000 meters.
Colombia
5.1330°, -76.0830°
1987
519
Tatamá protects a significant portion of the western Andes cordillera. The park features pristine páramo ecosystems and cloud forests. It is an important source of water for surrounding regions and hosts numerous endemic species.