National Parks

Colombia is one of the world's leading countries in biodiversity. The wide variety of thermal floors has led to different landscapes, from the Amazon Basin (Amazonas and Chocó) up to the snowy peaks (Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, National Park of Los Nevados, Serrania del Cocuy).

In its inland waters, Colombia hosts more than 3,000 species of fish. Its various coastal marine ecosystems that cover 95% of the continental shelf house coral reefs, mangrove forests, river deltas, beaches, cliffs, parks and natural reserves.

Much of Colombia's appeal lies in its great diversity of natural environments. The country is divided into five regions, (Caribbean, Pacific, Andean, Amazonian and Orinoquia) in these regions you may find many varying ecosystems. Some of these include jungles, forests, humid areas, tropical areas, arid areas, mountains, beaches, sheets, mangroves and marine areas. Many of these offer unparalleled experiences in the field of ecotourism. Some of the activities that one can engage in within these areas are:

Hiking
High mountain activities
Careteo scuba diving
Sunbathing and sea
Photography
Nautical activities
Cultural contact

Of all the protected areas in Colombia, only 23 are open to the practice of ecotourism. In six of these, services such as accommodation, food, interpreters and guides are provided. In five these services are offered under the concession scheme and in the remaining twelve the services are directly managed by the government agency responsible for the National Parks.

Colombia has fiftythree million hectares of natural forests of which twentytwo million hectares correspond to savannahs, arid, wetlands, snow-capped and inland waters. 14% of the national territory is protected.

Of the world total, Colombia has :

20% of species of birds
17% of amphibians
8% of fish of freshwater
8% Reptiles
16% of butterflies
10% of mammals

National Parks (PNN) :

Alto Fragua Indi-Wasi :
Amacayacu
Cahuinari
Catatumbo Bari
Chingaza
Serrania of Chiribiquete
Sierra Nevada del Cocuy
Corals of the Rosary and San Bernardo
Cordillera de Picachor
The Tuparro
Farallones de Cali
Gorgona Island
Guacharos Cave
The Katios
Sierra de la Macarena
The Paya
The Beautiful
The Orchids
The Snowy
Blacktip
Munchique
Nevado del Huila
Old Providence and Mc Bean Lagoon
De Paramillo
Pisba
Purace
Rio Pure
Sanquianga
Jungle of Florence
Serranía de Of the los Yariguies
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
Sumapaz
Tama
Los
Tayrona
Tinigua
Ensenada de Utria
Volcanic Complex Doña Juana
Mountains of the Churumbelos

Sanctuaries of Fauna and Flora (SFF)

Cienaga Grande de Santa Marta
The Corchal 'Mono Hernandez'
Galleries
De Guanenti High Rio Fonce
De Iguaque
Isla de La Corota
The Colorados
The Flamingos
Malpelo
Quimbaya Otun

National Nature Reserves (RNN)

Nukak
'Puinawai'
UP Salamanca Island
The UNA Estoraques

ECO TOURISM COMMUNITY:

A unique experience where the hosts are local community organisations that act as strategic partners of the government agency that protects the national parks.

The areas protected by the ecotourism community are:

PNN Cocuy
PNN corals of the Rosary
PNN Utria
SFF Iguaque
SFF Flamingos
Quimbaya SFF Otun

CONCESSIONS OF ECO TOURISM SERVICES:

In order to provide greater attention to tourists and visitors, the national park system authorises the management and operation of the eco tourist services in the existing protected areas to some specialised professional operators.

The exercise of this environmental authority is under the responsibility of a government agency which develops control activities, monitoring and environmental management in all areas and their corresponding environmental resources.

Protected areas under the concession scheme of ecotourism services are: