Little-Known Natural National Parks of Colombia: Serranía de los Yariguíes, Tatamá, Los Flamencos, Tinigua and Utría

At Chaska Tours, we believe that traveling is also about discovering the unexpected. That is why we are pleased to share this new article written by our intern Helber Abel López Ome, who is currently completing his practical training with us as part of the SENA program. During this process, he has immersed himself in researching some of Colombia’s lesser-known national natural parks, exploring not only their natural richness but also their ecological, cultural, and human value.

The result is a fascinating journey through territories that, although they remain outside the most traditional routes, represent true treasures of biodiversity and conservation in the country. Below, we invite you to discover five of these unique parks and understand why they deserve a special place in any conscious journey through Colombia.

LESS EXPLORED NATURAL NATIONAL PARKS IN COLOMBIA

Part of what is known as the Pacific Ring of Fire, the imposing Andes with their rugged topography—from the wild Patagonia to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta—have been home to many plant and animal species, including the human species.

In Colombia, the Andes extend into three mountain ranges, three branches of one of the most important mountain systems on the planet. They are important due to the megabiodiversity they contain—life in all its forms. Given their ecosystem importance, Colombia created, through Decree 3572 of 2011, the National Natural Parks of Colombia as an administrative entity.

Although the word “park” may suggest recreational connotations, the reality is that it is a system designed to protect, conserve, and restore the ecosystems that sustain life across these mountain ranges, jungles, and plains. Nevertheless, as landscapes, they already play a fundamental role for the human spirit. Some of these parks can be visited, while others remain strictly protected areas.

Currently, this diversity is represented in 61 protected natural areas belonging to the National Natural Parks System (SPNN), covering a total area of 23,208,921.62 hectares, equivalent to 10.07% of the national territory (marine and terrestrial). Of this extension, SPNN protected areas correspond to:14,619,934.90 hectares of continental (terrestrial) area and8,588,986.72 hectares of marine area. (PNNC)

There are 44 national natural parks and 12 flora and fauna sanctuaries. In some of these beautiful parks, visitor access is allowed, while in many others it is not. Among those open for enjoyment, some remain little known—each case would deserve its own chapter to consider the different variables involved.

5 BEAUTIFUL NATURAL NATIONAL PARKS

The ecosystem value of these protected areas is immense. Understanding in depth the conservation purpose of each one is essential to give meaning to their exploration and respectful discovery.

In Colombia, there are parks that still remain largely unknown, yet they undoubtedly contain significant natural treasures.

In the Northeastern Andes

SERRANÍA DE LOS YARIGUÍES NATIONAL NATURAL PARK

Declared: May 2005

Area: 78,837 hectares

Location: In the northern Colombian Andes lies the Serranía de los Yariguíes, in the department of Santander, west of the Eastern Cordillera, bordering the municipalities of San Vicente de Chucurí, Santa Helena del Opón, Guacamayo, Chima, Simacota, El Hato, Galán, Zapatoca, and Betulia, between 700 and 3,300 meters above sea level.

Access: The 38-kilometer route between San Vicente de Chucurí and Zapatoca was originally connected by a path that crosses mountains, trails, and jungle areas filled with history and nature. Despite the geographic isolation and topographic complexity of this majestic refuge of endemic plant and animal species, it can be accessed from either San Vicente de Chucurí or Zapatoca. Both can be reached by land from Bucaramanga, which in turn is accessible by air via Palonegro International Airport from Bogotá and Medellín, or by land to the transport terminal. Travel time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Conservation purpose: This beautiful mountain system, together with its foothills, spans an altitudinal gradient from the Magdalena River valley up to 3,300 meters above sea level. It forms a páramo and subpáramo corridor with a wide variety of plant species and includes three major river basins: the Sogamoso, Suárez, and Opón rivers, along with 41 micro-basins that demonstrate its immense water potential. One could argue that water resources are the primary conservation objective; however, its topographic diversity, scenic beauty, flora, and fauna are also of great importance—not only locally but for the entire country.

Within this park lies the Reinita Cielo Azul Bird Reserve, the first in Latin America created to provide refuge and sustenance for more than 360 bird species, some endemic and others migratory, including approximately 12 species of hummingbirds, three of which are endemic, such as the Black Inca. This makes it a major attraction for birdwatching enthusiasts.

The tragic history of the Yariguíes indigenous people—who resisted Spanish conquest unsuccessfully and chose mass suicide rather than submission—left important archaeological remains that reflect their customs and traditions. The preservation of this cultural heritage is also a key conservation objective.

Activities:

• Mountain biking

• Stargazing

• Butterfly watching

• Birdwatching

• Hiking

• Geological observation

• Archaeology

In the Western Andes

TATAMÁ NATIONAL NATURAL PARK

Declared: October 1987

Area: 43,036 hectares

Location: The extraordinary richness and beauty of the Colombian Andes have made it necessary to protect large areas from human exploitation. Tatamá National Park spans the departments of Chocó, Risaralda, and Valle del Cauca in the Western Cordillera, with altitudes ranging from 1,165 to 4,250 meters above sea level at the summit of Tatamá peak. It encompasses páramo, Andean, and sub-Andean biomes.

Access: Santuario is the municipality from which access to this extraordinary sanctuary of life is possible. It can be reached by land from Pereira or Manizales, where the park’s main entrance is located.

Conservation purpose: One of the country’s last untouched páramos, this majestic area plays a crucial role at both local and global levels. Its ecosystems not only ensure water supply, biodiversity, and climate regulation, but also provide vital ecosystem services.

The park supplies water for agriculture (coffee, sugarcane, livestock) and mining activities in the region. Conservation strategies have maintained it in excellent condition, allowing surrounding communities to carry out sustainable activities.

It also regulates climate, water cycles, air quality, flooding, soil formation, nutrient recycling, pest control, and pollinator protection. Additionally, it provides cultural services through ecotourism and environmental education, fostering awareness and a sense of belonging among local communities.

The park borders collective territories of Afro-descendant and indigenous communities, integrating them into conservation and planning processes. It is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and holds the IUCN Green List distinction.

Activities:

• Mountain biking

• Birdwatching

• Hiking

• Non-commercial photography

• Wildlife observation

In the Caribbean

LOS FLAMENCOS FLORA AND FAUNA SANCTUARY

Declared: June 1977

Area: 7,682 hectares

Location: Located in the northwest of the La Guajira Peninsula, in Camarones, just 20 minutes from Riohacha.

Access: From Santa Marta by land via Buriticá and Palomino (approx. 80 km), or from Riohacha (17 km). A boat is then required to explore Navío Quebrado and Laguna Grande, where flamingos paint the landscape in shades of gray and pink.

Conservation purpose: The sanctuary protects coastal lagoons of high ecological, social, and economic importance, along with tropical dry forest remnants and mangrove ecosystems rich in biodiversity.

It is essential for the survival of pink flamingos, which stop here during migration to feed on brine shrimp, as well as for sea turtles such as green, loggerhead, and hawksbill turtles. During the rainy season, lagoons connect with the sea, supporting fish spawning and shrimp reproduction—benefiting both wildlife and local communities.

The scenery combines white sands, deep blue skies, turquoise waters, and the vibrant pink of flamingos, along with endemic species like the Guajira Cardinal.

Activities:

• Hiking

• Wildlife observation

• Birdwatching

• Cultural heritage observation

In the Orinoquía

TINIGUA NATIONAL NATURAL PARK

Declared: September 1989

Area: 207,793 hectares

Location: This dense jungle lies near the Serranía de la Macarena and the foothills of the Eastern Cordillera in the Meta department, between La Macarena and La Uribe, crossed by the Duda and Guayabero rivers.

Access: Accessible by land from Bogotá (550 km, approx. 12 hours via Villavicencio, Acacías, Granada, San Juan de Arama). Also accessible by air to La Macarena during the Caño Cristales season (June–November) with flights operated by Satena.

Conservation purpose: This biological corridor connects Andean, Amazonian, and Orinoco ecosystems, supporting immense biodiversity. Its tropical rainforest feeds major river basins and sustains both ecosystems and indigenous communities.

Tourism development is community-based, promoting sustainable activities such as education, reforestation, and local guiding.

Historically inhabited by the Tinigwas, Pamigwas, and Majigwas, the area carries both cultural richness and historical complexity.

Activities:

• Birdwatching

• Geological observation

• Cultural tourism

• Pictogram exploration

• Wildlife observation

• Hiking

• Butterfly watching

• Environmental research and education

In the Pacific

UTRÍA NATIONAL NATURAL PARK

Declared: October 1987

Area: 54,300 hectares

Location: Located in northern Chocó between Bahía Solano, Nuquí, Bojayá, and Alto Baudó, this park combines jungle, mountains, beaches, rivers, and ocean ecosystems.

Access: Accessible by air to Nuquí from Quibdó, Medellín, or Bogotá, followed by boat to Utría Bay or Bahía Solano.

Conservation purpose: A highly biodiverse ecosystem where rainforest, mangroves, coral reefs, and marine environments coexist. It supports Afro-descendant and indigenous communities such as the Emberá.

The park is a breeding ground for whales and sea turtles, and home to over 270 bird species, along with mammals such as jaguars and anteaters. Its marine area includes coral formations that support diverse underwater life.

Activities:

• Beach activities

• Wildlife observation

• Hiking

• Whale watching

• Snorkeling

• Boat tours

• Diving

• Environmental research and education

Sources: RUNAP geographic data (June 2025); Colparques; National Natural Parks; Chocó Diferente

Colombia is a country that never ceases to surprise—even those who believe they know it well. Beyond the most famous destinations, there are authentic, untouched, and deeply inspiring places waiting to be discovered with respect and curiosity. Exploring these parks is not just traveling—it is connecting with the natural and cultural essence of the country.

At Chaska Tours, we accompany you in discovering these places in a conscious, safe, and well-organized way, working closely with local communities and promoting sustainable tourism. If you are looking for different experiences, far from traditional routes, we will be delighted to design a journey with you that reveals the most authentic and surprising Colombia.

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