
Best Backpacking Destinations in Columbia, South Carolina, United States
1. Tayrona National Natural Park
A tropical paradise located on the Caribbean coast, offering stunning beaches and unique wildlife.
- Rich Biodiversity: Home to over a thousand species of flora and fauna.
- Beautiful Beaches: Spectacular beaches like Cabo San Juan and Cañaveral provide ideal camping spots.
- Archeological Sites: Remains of the indigenous Tairona culture can still be found within the park.
2. Parque Nacional del Cocuy
A remote mountainous region in the Andes with numerous pristine lakes and glaciers.
- Stunning Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and alpine meadows.
- Trekking Opportunities: Features several challenging treks leading to remote glacial lakes and summits.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Serves as a refuge for endangered species like the Andean condor and spectacled bear.
3. Parque Nacional Natural Amacayacu
Rainforest reserve with diverse wildlife, indigenous communities, and ancient petroglyphs.
- Amazon Rainforest: One of the last remaining tracts of unspoiled Amazon rainforest in Colombia.
- Indigenous Culture: Home to several indigenous communities, including the Cocamas and Inga people.
- Petroglyphs: Contains ancient petroglyphs dating back thousands of years.
4. Los Katios National Park
A vast rainforest reserve teeming with wildlife and home to the indigenous Kogi people.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to over 400 bird species, including the endangered harpy eagle.
- Indigenous Culture: Provides an opportunity to learn about and interact with the indigenous Kogi community.
- Rainforest Exploration: Offers numerous trails for exploring the dense jungle and observing wildlife.
5. Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
A mountain range with the highest coastal peaks in the world, home to diverse ecosystems and indigenous communities.
- Sierra Nevada Range: The world's highest coastal mountains, housing unique habitats and wildlife.
- Indigenous Culture: Home to several indigenous communities, including the Arhuacos and Kogis.
- Cultural Landscape: Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural and natural significance.
6. Parque Nacional Natural Utria
A remote coastal reserve offering pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Remote Coastal Reserve: Accessible only by boat or a long hike, making it less crowded than other destinations.
- Mangrove Forests: Home to various bird species and the endangered West Indian manatee.
- Beautiful Beaches: Features remote, pristine beaches perfect for camping and relaxation.
7. Parque Nacional Natural del Serranía de la Macarena
Remote rainforest reserve with numerous waterfalls, unique wildlife, and indigenous communities.
- Rainforest Exploration: Offers challenging treks through dense jungle to explore hidden waterfalls.
- Indigenous Culture: Home to several indigenous communities, including the Yanacona people.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Serves as a refuge for endangered species like the white-winged parakeet and giant otter.
8. Parque Nacional Tayrona - Ciudad Perdida
A coastal reserve featuring ancient ruins of the lost city of Tayrona and beautiful beaches.
- Ancient Ruins: The lost city of Tayrona, built by the Tairona people in the 9th century.
- Beautiful Beaches: Features stunning beaches like Cabo San Juan and Cañaveral for camping.
- Cultural Experience: Provides a unique cultural experience, blending indigenous history with natural beauty.
9. Parque Nacional Natural de Sanquianga
Remote rainforest reserve with diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and indigenous communities.
- Rainforest Exploration: Offers challenging treks through dense jungle to explore hidden waterfalls.
- Indigenous Culture: Home to several indigenous communities, including the Inga people.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to over 400 bird species, including the harpy eagle and orange-cheeked parrot.
10. Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete
Remote mountainous region with numerous caves, indigenous communities, and unique wildlife.
- Rock Art Sites: Contains the world's largest collection of rock art depicting the indigenous culture.
- Indigenous Culture: Home to several indigenous communities, including the Inga people.
- Remote Mountainous Region: A challenging destination for experienced backpackers, with numerous caves to explore.
11. Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy-Serranía del Perijá
Mountainous region with pristine lakes, glaciers, and diverse wildlife.
- Stunning Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and alpine meadows.
- Trekking Opportunities: Features several challenging treks leading to remote glacial lakes and summits.
- Wildlife Sanctuary: Serves as a refuge for endangered species like the Andean condor and spectacled bear.
12. Parque Nacional Natural Los Órganos
Remote coastal reserve with unique rock formations, beautiful beaches, and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Remote Coastal Reserve: Accessible only by boat or a long hike, making it less crowded than other destinations.
- Unique Rock Formations: Features unique rock formations known as Los Órganos.
- Beautiful Beaches: Features remote, pristine beaches perfect for camping and relaxation.
13. Parque Nacional Natural Gigante
Remote rainforest reserve with diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and opportunities for cultural experiences.
- Rainforest Exploration: Offers challenging treks through dense jungle to explore hidden waterfalls.
- Indigenous Culture: Home to several indigenous communities, including the Inga people.
- Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to over 400 bird species, including the harpy eagle and orange-cheeked parrot.
14. Parque Nacional Natural Páramo de Tibisí
High-altitude grassland reserve with unique wildlife and opportunities for hiking and camping.
- Stunning Scenery: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Trekking Opportunities: Features numerous trails for hiking and camping in the pristine wilderness.
- Endemic Species: Home to several endemic species of flora and fauna found only in this area.
15. Parque Nacional Natural Sierra de la Lindosa
Remote mountainous region with diverse wildlife, stunning landscapes, and opportunities for cultural experiences.
- Rock Art Sites: Contains ancient rock art depicting the indigenous culture.
- Indigenous Culture: Home to several indigenous communities, including the Inga people.
- Remote Mountainous Region: A challenging destination for experienced backpackers, with numerous caves to explore.