
Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Columbia, South Carolina, United States
1. Caño Cristales, Colombia
Known as the 'Liquid Rainbow', Caño Cristales is a river filled with vibrant red water flowers during specific seasons.
- Rare Flora Spectacle: One of the world's rarest natural phenomena, not seen anywhere else.
- Seasonal Wonder: Visible for just a few months from July to November.
- Remote Location: Requires a guided tour to access due to its remote location in the Serranía de la Macarena.
2. Parque Nacional Tayrona
A coastal national park with tropical beaches, lush rainforest, and historic ruins.
- Beach & Jungle Combo: Offers a unique blend of beach and jungle experiences.
- Archeological Sites: Includes the ruins of ancient Tayrona civilization.
- Wildlife Spotting: Home to various species like monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds.
3. Parque Nacional Natural Utria
A pristine wilderness area with beautiful beaches, mangroves, and rich wildlife.
- Undeveloped Paradise: One of the least visited national parks in Colombia.
- Mangrove Forests: Boasts extensive mangrove forests, important for biodiversity.
- Sea Turtle Nesting Grounds: An essential nesting site for sea turtles, particularly the Leatherback.
4. Parque Natural Los Flamencos, Salina del Caribe
A unique wetland area with flamingos, pink lakes, and a salt desert.
- Pink Lakes: Features seven pink lagoons due to the presence of red algae.
- Flamingo Sanctuary: Home to thousands of flamingos and other migratory birds.
- Salt Desert Landscape: Showcases a rare salt desert landscape.
5. Parque Nacional Natural Los Katíos
A vast rainforest reserve, known for its biodiversity and indigenous communities.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to over half of Colombia's bird species.
- Indigenous Territories: Inhabited by indigenous communities such as the Inga and Piapoco.
- River of Seven Colors: Includes the Caquetá River, known for its colorful mineral deposits.
6. Reserva Natural de Chiribiquete
A massive rainforest reserve with ancient rock art and diverse wildlife.
- Largest Tropical Reserve: The largest tropical reserve in Colombia.
- Rock Art Sites: Features numerous ancient rock art sites dating back thousands of years.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to numerous species such as jaguars, capybaras, and anacondas.
7. Parque Natural El Cocuy
A high-altitude park with stunning glaciers, mountains, and alpine lakes.
- Glaciated Landscape: One of the most significant glaciated landscapes in Colombia.
- Alpine Flora and Fauna: Features unique alpine flora and fauna, such as the páramo ecosystem.
- Trekking Opportunities: Offers challenging treks for experienced hikers.
8. Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de las Quinchas
A mountain range with diverse wildlife, indigenous communities, and ancient rock art.
- Cultural Significance: Home to various indigenous groups such as the Muisca and Kogi.
- Ancient Rock Art: Features numerous rock art sites depicting ancient cultures.
- Wildlife Haven: Supports a variety of wildlife, including the Andean condor and spectacled bear.
9. Parque Nacional Natural Sierra de San Lucas
A mountainous national park with diverse flora, fauna, and indigenous communities.
- Indigenous Territory: Inhabited by the Indigenous Emberá Chami people.
- Cloud Forest Ecosystem: Features the unique cloud forest ecosystem.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to over 1,300 plant species and various wildlife.
10. Parque Nacional Natural Sierra de Perijá
A mountainous national park straddling the border with Venezuela, famous for its unique flora and fauna.
- Transboundary Park: Shared between Colombia and Venezuela.
- Endemic Species: Home to many endemic species, such as the Perijá Harlequin Toad.
- Tayrona-Perijá Ecosystem: Part of the Tayrona-Perijá ecosystem, one of the most biodiverse in the world.
11. Parque Nacional Natural El Yariguíes
A remote rainforest reserve with diverse wildlife and indigenous communities.
- Remote Location: One of the least accessible national parks in Colombia.
- Ancient Rock Art: Features numerous ancient rock art sites.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of wildlife, including the Andean condor and spectacled bear.
12. Reserva Natural de los Montes de María
A mountain range with diverse wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and indigenous communities.
- Indigenous Territory: Inhabited by various indigenous groups.
- Cloud Forest Ecosystem: Features the unique cloud forest ecosystem.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to over 1,800 plant species and various wildlife.
13. Parque Nacional Natural Páramo del Quindío
A high-altitude park with unique páramo ecosystem, diverse wildlife, and indigenous communities.
- Páramo Ecosystem: One of the most important páramo reserves in Colombia.
- Indigenous Territory: Inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Quimbaya and Embera Chami.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to over 500 plant species and various wildlife, such as the Andean bear.
14. Parque Nacional Natural Los Tucurbures
A remote rainforest reserve with diverse wildlife and indigenous communities.
- Remote Location: One of the least accessible national parks in Colombia.
- Ancient Rock Art: Features numerous ancient rock art sites.
- Wildlife Diversity: Home to a variety of wildlife, including the Andean condor and spectacled bear.
15. Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza
A high-altitude park with beautiful landscapes, diverse flora, fauna, and indigenous communities.
- Páramo Ecosystem: One of the most important páramo reserves in Colombia.
- Indigenous Territory: Inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Muisca and Chibcha.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to over 1,000 plant species and various wildlife, such as the Andean bear.