Giulian Frisoni / Wikimedia CommonsColombia's National Natural Parks to visit
The National Natural Parks system protects the country's most valuable ecosystems: páramos, snow-capped peaks, Amazon rainforest, coral reefs, dry forests and mangroves. Only some areas are open to ecotourism; the rest are dedicated to conservation and to Indigenous and rural communities.
Visiting a national park takes more planning than other destinations: many have daily quotas, mandatory bookings, temporary closures for ecological rest and strict entry rules. In return, they offer some of Colombia's most impressive landscapes.
It depends on the ecosystem. High-mountain parks (El Cocuy, Los Nevados, Chingaza) usually have better weather in the dry season from December to February; the Caribbean is drier from December to April. Always check closure dates for ecological rest, such as Tayrona's.
The best places
Giulian Frisoni / Wikimedia CommonsBeaches between jungle and the Sierra Nevada, trails to Cabo San Juan and Pueblito. Quotas and periodic closures.
Read the guide →
Karolynaroca · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)Sierra Nevada del Cocuy: glacial lakes and snow-capped peaks. Regulated entry with a guide.
Guide (Spanish) →
Josefito123 · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Páramo and lagoons less than two hours from Bogotá, booking required.
Guide (Spanish) →Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Park: reefs and clear water off Cartagena.
Guide (Spanish) →
Philipp Weigell · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)Pacific cove with mangroves, rainforest and whale watching in season.
Guide (Spanish) →
AVIATURJungle island in the Pacific with diving, turtles and whales.
Read the guide →Amazon rainforest on the Amazon River, near Leticia and Puerto Nariño.
Guide (Spanish) →
Diego Ramírez · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Volcano, hot springs, condors and the source of major rivers, in Cauca.
Guide (Spanish) →
Wikimedia CommonsCaño Cristales in the Sierra de La Macarena: the river of colors, visitable in season.
Read the guide →
--F3rn4nd0 15:26, 21 April 2007 (UTC)Old Providence McBean Lagoon Park: mangroves, cays and the island Caribbean reef.
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Colombiaamazinglandscapes · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)Savannas, rapids and rivers of the Orinoquía in Vichada.
Guide (Spanish) →
Wikimedia CommonsVolcanoes and páramo of Los Nevados National Park, accessible from Manizales and the Coffee Region.
Read the guide →Tips
- Book and pay entry only through official National Parks channels or authorized concessionaires.
- Check temporary closures and access conditions before buying transport.
- At high altitude, acclimatize and bring thermal and waterproof clothing.
- Leave no trash, do not feed animals and do not take plants, rocks or shells.
- Some parks require a guide or local interpreter: it is part of the entry, not an extra.
Frequently asked questions
How many national parks does Colombia have?
Colombian National Parks manages 65 protected areas: 61 parks and 4 national integrated management districts (Radio Nacional, 2025).
Do I need to book to enter a national park?
At most ecotourism parks, yes: there are daily quotas and entry rules. Book through official channels.
What is the most visited national park in Colombia?
Tayrona, in Magdalena, is one of the most visited for its beaches and trails between jungle and sea.
Which national park is near Bogotá?
Chingaza National Park, less than two hours away, with páramo and lagoons.
Sources
Figures checked in November 2026. Sources are in Spanish.
