Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Columbia, South Carolina, United States

Columbia, United States, Columbia, Activity-Based Travel Pages, Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks

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.