SUMMARY FOR COLOMBIA:
• Total Parks: 58
• Parks Listed Below: Acandí, Alto Fragua Indi Wasi, Amacayacu, Bahía Málaga, Cahuinarí, Catatumbo Barí, Chingaza, Chiribiquete, Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Cocuy, Complejo Volcánico Doña Juana, Cordillera de los Picachos, Corota, Cueva de los Guácharos, Farallones de Cali, Flamencos, Gorgona, Guanentá Alto Río Fonce, Isla de Salamanca, La Paya, Las Hermosas, Las Orquídeas, Los Colorados, Los Corales del Rosario, Los Estoraques, Los Katíos, Los Nevados, Macuira, Malpelo, Munchique, Old Providence McBean Lagoon, Otún Quimbaya, Paramillo, Pisba, Puracé, Río Pure, San Agustín, Sanquianga, Selva de Florencia, Serranía de los Churumbelos, Serranía de los Yariguíes, Sierra de la Macarena, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Sumapaz, Tatamá, Tayrona, Teyuna, Tinigua, Tuparro, Uramba Bahía Málaga, Urrao, Utría, Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca, Yaigojé Apaporis, Yurí, Zaranda, Zinake, Zona Marina Protegida de Arrecifes
• Average Country Rating: 56/100
PARK NAME: Acandí
Country: Colombia
Park ID: 732
AVERAGE RATING: 45/100
Review Volume: Low number of reviews
DESCRIPTION:
Acandí is a protected coastal area known for its important sea turtle nesting sites. The sanctuary provides crucial habitat for leatherback and hawksbill turtles. The area includes both marine and coastal ecosystems with mangroves and tropical forest.
DESCRIPTION:
Alto Fragua Indi Wasi is a unique park co-managed with indigenous communities. It protects important Andean-Amazon transition ecosystems and contains significant biodiversity. The park is home to numerous endemic species and serves as a crucial biological corridor.
DESCRIPTION:
Amacayacu is one of Colombia's most important Amazon rainforest parks. The park features extensive river systems and pristine tropical rainforest ecosystems. It is home to numerous primate species, pink river dolphins, and hundreds of bird species.
DESCRIPTION:
Bahía Málaga is a marine protected area known for its humpback whale watching opportunities. The park includes mangrove forests, coral reefs, and rich marine biodiversity. It serves as a crucial breeding ground for humpback whales from July to October.
DESCRIPTION:
Cahuinarí protects a vast area of Amazon rainforest and wetlands. The park is home to numerous indigenous communities and diverse wildlife. It features unique black water river systems and flooded forest ecosystems.
DESCRIPTION:
Catatumbo Barí is known for its unique lightning phenomenon and diverse ecosystems. The park protects the ancestral territory of the Barí people and tropical rainforest. It features frequent lightning storms and rich biodiversity.
DESCRIPTION:
Chingaza is a high-altitude park protecting important páramo ecosystems. The park provides water to Bogotá and features unique Andean flora and fauna. It is home to spectacled bears, deer, and numerous endemic plant species.
DESCRIPTION:
Chiribiquete is Colombia's largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park features dramatic tepuis and ancient rock art dating back thousands of years. It protects vast stretches of pristine rainforest and unique geological formations.
DESCRIPTION:
Ciénaga Grande is the largest coastal lagoon complex in Colombia. The sanctuary protects extensive mangrove forests and important bird habitats. It serves as a crucial ecosystem for both marine and terrestrial species.
DESCRIPTION:
El Cocuy features the largest mass of glaciers in Colombia. The park includes dramatic peaks reaching over 5,000 meters in elevation. It protects high-altitude ecosystems and provides important water resources for surrounding regions.
DESCRIPTION:
A volcanic complex featuring multiple peaks and diverse ecosystems. The park protects important páramo environments and Andean forests. It serves as a vital water source for surrounding communities and hosts unique highland species.
DESCRIPTION:
Located in the eastern range of the Colombian Andes, this park features dramatic mountain landscapes and pristine páramo ecosystems. It serves as an important biological corridor and water source. The park protects numerous endemic species and contains the headwaters of several major rivers.
DESCRIPTION:
A small sanctuary located on La Corota Island in Lake La Cocha. The park protects high-altitude Andean forest ecosystems and several endemic species. It is one of the smallest protected areas in Colombia but holds significant ecological importance.
DESCRIPTION:
Named after the Guácharo or oilbird that inhabits its caves, this park features remarkable cave systems and Andean forest ecosystems. It was Colombia's first national park and protects important archaeological sites. The park is known for its unique geological formations and biodiversity.
DESCRIPTION:
The park features dramatic mountain formations rising above the city of Cali. It contains diverse ecosystems ranging from tropical forests to páramos and provides water to surrounding communities. The park is home to numerous endemic species and offers spectacular hiking opportunities.
DESCRIPTION:
A coastal sanctuary known for its large population of American flamingos and other water birds. The park protects important mangrove ecosystems and coastal lagoons. It serves as a crucial stopover point for migratory birds and supports local fishing communities.
DESCRIPTION:
An island national park located in the Pacific Ocean, known for its pristine coral reefs and diverse marine life. The park was formerly a prison but is now a major center for marine research. It features unique rainforest ecosystems and is an important nesting site for sea turtles.
DESCRIPTION:
A protected area featuring high Andean forest ecosystems and important water resources. The sanctuary is crucial for the conservation of oak forests and páramo environments. It serves as a vital watershed for the Fonce River system.
DESCRIPTION:
A unique protected area along the Caribbean coast featuring extensive mangrove forests and coastal lagoons. The park serves as an important habitat for numerous bird species and marine life. It plays a crucial role in protecting the coastal ecosystem between the Magdalena River and the Caribbean Sea.
DESCRIPTION:
One of Colombia's largest national parks, protecting vast areas of Amazon rainforest. The park features diverse aquatic ecosystems including rivers, lakes, and flooded forests. It serves as home to numerous indigenous communities and contains rich biodiversity including endangered species.
DESCRIPTION:
Las Hermosas National Natural Park is a protected area in the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes. The park features high-altitude páramo ecosystems, glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife including spectacled bears and mountain tapirs. It serves as an important water source for surrounding regions and contains several endemic plant species.
DESCRIPTION:
Las Orquídeas National Natural Park is known for its exceptional orchid diversity with over 200 species identified. The park encompasses cloud forest and páramo ecosystems in the Western Cordillera. It serves as a crucial habitat for numerous endangered species and features dramatic elevation changes from 300 to 3,450 meters above sea level.
DESCRIPTION:
Los Colorados Sanctuary is one of the last remaining areas of tropical dry forest in the Caribbean region of Colombia. The park is home to the cotton-top tamarin, an endangered primate species endemic to Colombia. The sanctuary also serves as an important research site for tropical ecology studies.
DESCRIPTION:
Los Corales del Rosario is a marine protected area featuring extensive coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. The park includes the Rosario Islands archipelago and is home to diverse marine life including sea turtles and numerous fish species. It's one of Colombia's most popular marine parks for snorkeling and diving.
DESCRIPTION:
Los Estoraques features unique geological formations created by erosion over millions of years. The park's distinctive rock columns and spires create an otherworldly landscape. The area also contains important archaeological sites and diverse flora adapted to the arid conditions.
DESCRIPTION:
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.
DESCRIPTION:
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.
DESCRIPTION:
Macuira National Park is an isolated mountain range rising from the Guajira Desert. The park features unique cloud forest ecosystems sustained by trade winds and hosts numerous endemic species. It holds significant cultural importance for the indigenous Wayuu people who consider it sacred territory.
DESCRIPTION:
Malpelo is an oceanic island and marine protected area in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. The sanctuary is renowned for its large populations of sharks and other pelagic species. It's considered one of the top diving destinations in the world, particularly famous for its schools of hammerhead sharks.
DESCRIPTION:
Munchique National Natural Park protects diverse Andean ecosystems ranging from subtropical rainforest to páramo. The park is known for its high biodiversity and numerous endemic species. It serves as an important water source for the Cauca region and contains several threatened species of flora and fauna.
DESCRIPTION:
A marine and coastal protected area located on Providencia Island. Features coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds that support diverse marine life. The park's lagoon is known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant underwater ecosystem.
DESCRIPTION:
A protected area in the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes. Known for its cloud forests and diverse bird species, including several endangered species. The sanctuary is an important site for scientific research and environmental education.
DESCRIPTION:
Located in the northern end of the Western Cordillera of the Andes. Contains diverse ecosystems including cloud forests, páramos, and tropical rainforests. Home to numerous endangered species and serves as a vital water source for surrounding regions.
DESCRIPTION:
A high-altitude park featuring páramo ecosystems and glacial lakes. Historically significant as part of Simón Bolívar's route during the independence campaign. Contains important water sources and unique high-altitude vegetation.
DESCRIPTION:
Features the active Puracé volcano and several other volcanic formations. Known for its thermal springs, waterfalls, and páramo ecosystems. Home to endangered species like the mountain tapir and Andean condor.
DESCRIPTION:
A remote park in the Amazon rainforest protecting pristine tropical forest ecosystems. Home to indigenous communities and numerous endangered species. Features the Pure River basin and extensive biodiversity.
DESCRIPTION:
A UNESCO World Heritage site containing the largest collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America. Features ancient pre-Columbian archaeological remains and statues. Represents one of the most important archaeological sites in Colombia.
DESCRIPTION:
A coastal park protecting extensive mangrove forests and marine ecosystems. Important breeding ground for numerous bird species and marine life. Supports local communities who depend on traditional fishing practices.
DESCRIPTION:
One of the last remaining cloud forest ecosystems in the Central Cordillera. Known for its high biodiversity and numerous endemic species. Contains important watershed areas and unique flora and fauna.
DESCRIPTION:
Serranía de los Churumbelos is a protected area located in the Colombian Amazon foothills. The park features exceptional biodiversity with over 145 species of birds and numerous endemic species. It serves as an important ecological corridor between the Andes and Amazon regions.
DESCRIPTION:
This park protects one of the last remaining patches of Andean forest in the Santander region. It is home to numerous endemic species and serves as a vital water source for surrounding communities. The park features dramatic mountain landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
DESCRIPTION:
Sierra de la Macarena is known for its unique geological formations and the famous Caño Cristales river, known as the 'River of Five Colors.' The park represents a rare meeting point of Andean, Amazonian, and Orinoco ecosystems. It hosts numerous endemic species and remarkable biodiversity.
DESCRIPTION:
This park contains the world's highest coastal mountain range, reaching 5,775 meters above sea level. It is home to unique ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforest to permanent snow peaks. The area is culturally significant as the ancestral home of several indigenous peoples.
DESCRIPTION:
Sumapaz contains the world's largest páramo ecosystem, a high-altitude tropical moorland. The park is crucial for water supply to Bogotá and surrounding regions. It features unique high-altitude vegetation and serves as habitat for endangered species like the spectacled bear.
DESCRIPTION:
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.
DESCRIPTION:
Tayrona features dramatic coastal landscapes where the Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean Sea. The park contains pristine beaches, tropical rainforest, and archaeological sites of the ancient Tayrona civilization. It is renowned for its biodiversity and scenic beauty.
DESCRIPTION:
Also known as Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), Teyuna contains the archaeological remains of an ancient city built by the Tayrona civilization. The site features impressive stone terraces and stairways built on mountainous terrain. It is reached by a challenging multi-day trek through dense jungle.
DESCRIPTION:
Tinigua serves as an important biological corridor between the Andes, Amazon, and Orinoco regions. The park features diverse ecosystems including tropical rainforest and savanna. It is home to numerous threatened species including jaguars and various primates.
DESCRIPTION:
El Tuparro protects a vast area of Orinoco River plains ecosystem. The park features dramatic rock formations, rapids, and extensive savannas. It is home to diverse wildlife including river dolphins, jaguars, and numerous bird species.
DESCRIPTION:
Uramba Bahía Málaga is a protected marine area known for its rich biodiversity and whale watching opportunities. The park serves as a crucial breeding ground for humpback whales between July and November. It features mangrove forests, rocky shores, and diverse marine ecosystems that support numerous species of fish, birds, and marine mammals.
DESCRIPTION:
Urrao is a protected area featuring high-altitude Andean ecosystems and páramo landscapes. The park is home to numerous endemic species and serves as an important water source for the region. Its diverse terrain includes cloud forests, wetlands, and alpine grasslands that support unique flora and fauna.
DESCRIPTION:
Utría National Natural Park is known for its pristine coastal rainforest and marine environments. The park features a unique inlet called the Ensenada de Utría, where whales come to breed. It contains diverse ecosystems including mangroves, coral reefs, and tropical rainforest, making it a biodiversity hotspot.
DESCRIPTION:
This unique park serves as both a protected area and a transportation corridor along Colombia's Caribbean coast. It consists of mangrove swamps, lagoons, and beaches that provide crucial habitat for numerous bird species. The park is an important stopover for migratory birds and has been designated as a Ramsar wetland of international importance.
DESCRIPTION:
Yaigojé Apaporis is one of Colombia's largest protected areas, encompassing vast stretches of Amazon rainforest. The park was created to protect both the natural environment and the cultural heritage of indigenous communities. It features unique geological formations, rapids, and diverse Amazonian ecosystems.
DESCRIPTION:
Yurí is a protected area in the Amazon rainforest known for its pristine tropical forests and indigenous territories. The reserve plays a crucial role in preserving both biodiversity and cultural heritage. It contains numerous species of flora and fauna unique to the Amazon region.
DESCRIPTION:
Zaranda is a protected area featuring Andean forest ecosystems and important water resources. The park serves as a vital watershed protection area for surrounding communities. Its varied terrain includes cloud forests and high-altitude vegetation that supports diverse wildlife species.
DESCRIPTION:
Zinake is a protected area that combines environmental conservation with indigenous territorial rights. The area features diverse Andean ecosystems and cultural landscapes. It serves as an important site for both biodiversity conservation and the preservation of traditional ecological knowledge.
COMPLETE RATINGS BREAKDOWN (All 10 Categories):
1. UNIQUENESS47/100
2. INTENSITY42/100
3. BEAUTY58/100
4. GEOLOGY33/100
5. PLANT LIFE61/100
6. WILDLIFE53/100
7. TRANQUILITY74/100
8. ACCESSIBILITY34/100
9. SAFETY54/100
10. HERITAGE52/100
Classification: Indigenous Reserve and Protected Area
DESCRIPTION:
This marine protected area encompasses some of Colombia's most important coral reef systems. The park is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, including numerous species of coral, fish, and sea turtles. It serves as a crucial conservation zone for Caribbean marine ecosystems and supports sustainable tourism activities.