A rich heritage
Colombia claims to have the greatest diversity of animal and plant species in the world. Mammals include jaguars, ocelots, peccaries, tapirs, deer, armadillos, numerous species of monkey and the rare spectacled bear (or jucumari). From the great Andean condor to the tiny hummingbird, there are over 1,550 species of bird.
The botanical gardens boast over 130,000 plants, including the astonishing Victoria amazonica, a giant water lily with leaves large and strong enough to support the weight of a child.
Protected sites
The country boasts 33 national parks, 6 small Fauna and Flora Sanctuaries, 2 National Reserves and a Unique Natural Area. Together, these protected areas represent 7.9% of the country’s territory
- Amacayacu National Park (Amazonia)
- Chingaza National Park (Cundinamarca)
- Cocuy National Park (Boyaca)
- Los Flamencos Sanctuary (La Guajira)
- Macuira National Park (La Guajira)
- Purace National Park (Cauca)
- Corales del Rosario y de San Bernardo National Park(Caribbean)
- Gorgona National Park (Pacific)
- Iguaque Sanctuary (Boyaca)
- Los Nevados National Park (Coffee region)
- Malpelo Sanctuary (Pacific)
- Otun Quimbaya Sanctuary (Coffee region)
- Utria National Park (Pacific)
- Sierra Nevada Santa Marta National Park(Caribbean)a
For a complete list and more detailed information, please visit the official website: Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia.If you have a particular interest in a site, an animal or plant species, please let us know.
