Colombia is a perfect destination for ecotourism, offering several sustainable travel options. From the Caribbean to the Pacific, Colombia offers all kinds of natural experiences thanks to its incredible climatic and environmental diversity.
Five top ecotourism destinations in Colombia
Tayrona National Natural Park
Located in the department of Magdalena, on the Caribbean coast, Tayrona National Natural Park is a natural paradise that harbors an impressive variety of flora and fauna. Its white-sand beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, and rainforest make this destination a jewel of Colombian biodiversity. Among its attractions are:
Beaches: The park boasts some of Colombia’s most beautiful beaches, including Playa Brava, Playa Cristal, and Playa Cabo San Juan. Here, you can bask in the sun and sea in an unparalleled natural setting.
Coral Reefs: Tayrona is home to a wide variety of coral reefs, providing a habitat for a diversity of fish and other marine life. Snorkeling and diving are popular activities to explore this marine ecosystem.
Caño Cristales National Natural Park
Located in the Meta department, in the Orinoquia region, Caño Cristales National Natural Park is famous for its crystal-clear red waters, which are due to the presence of an aquatic plant called Macarenia clavigera. The red waters and nature hikes are the main attractions of this park, offering a unique experience in the heart of Colombia.
Los Nevados National Natural Park
This park spans the departments of Boyacá, Caldas, Cundinamarca, Risaralda, and Tolima. It is the ideal destination for hiking, camping, and bird watching enthusiasts. Snow-capped peaks and glacial lakes, such as Lake Tota, Lake Ruiz, and Lake Huila, offer spectacular landscapes. This park is a window on the majesty of the Colombian Andes.
Tatacoa Desert
The Tatacoa Desert, one of Colombia’s driest deserts, is known for its unique geological formations, including dunes, craters, and dry lakes. Located in Huila, this destination is a paradise for hikers and stargazers. Nights in Tatacoa offer a starry sky you will never forget.
Gorgona Island
Gorgona Island, once a prison, became a national park in the 1980s. This island is a paradise for diving and snorkeling due to its stunning variety of coral reefs and marine life. In addition to its natural beauty, the island’s history adds an intriguing element to your visit: it was once home to dangerous criminals.