10 Nature & Parks in Colombia That You Shouldn't Miss

August 24, 2021 Kelli Reichel

Coordinates: 4°N 72°W / 4°N 72°W / 4; -72
Restaurants in Colombia

1. Bosques de Cocora

Km. 11 Valle del Cocora, Salento Colombia +57 6 7463515 [email protected] http://www.valledelcocora.com.co
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,985 reviews

Bosques de Cocora

Reviewed By rippermail

My husband and I did the shorter (out and back; 6km/2hrs return) hike with our two boys, aged 7 and 5. Wow - amazing views of towering wax palms and lush mountain scenery. Just like the Truffala Trees in the Dr Seuss book ‘The Lorax’! Views in the morning were magical, but the weather definitely started closing in with clouds rolling over from around 10:30/11. This was an easy hike to do with children. We took the shared Willy/Jeep from the main square in Salento at 8:30 (they leave hourly on the half hour) and returned on the 11:30 transport. I would’ve loved to have done the larger circuit, but 12km/5-6hrs was probably a bit of a stretch for a 5 year old, unfortunately! It wasn’t particularly crowded and the trail was very easy to walk on - no rain on the morning we went, and regular sports shoes were fine as there really wasn’t a lot of mud at all. Perhaps we got lucky, as it does get quite wet at this time of year!

2. Laguna de Guatape

Loma del Escobero, Medellin 053840 Colombia
Excellent
81%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,567 reviews

Laguna de Guatape

Reviewed By sergioruiz5 - Monterrey, Mexico

This tour is a must if you visit Medellin, given that is at a 1hr distance and is a different type of town with an incredible view when you go to the top of the rock (650 steps approximately). I’ve never seen anything like this and with no doubts I’ll go back if I visit Colonia again.

3. Nevado Santa Isabel

Pereira Colombia
Excellent
88%
Good
12%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 86 reviews

Nevado Santa Isabel

Knowing the snow-capped Santa Isabel is an excellent experience to learn and enjoy the Colombian high mountains. Meet exuberant landscapes, experience new sensations at more than 4,500 meters above sea level, recreate in natural environments, Live with Cattleya Ecotourism.

Reviewed By 921adriank

The hike to Nevado Santa Isabel is not long but it can be difficult for some people due to high elevation. The views are amazing. But be sure to bring warm clothes and drink a lot of water during the hike. The weather in this area can change rapidly. When I was hiking the weather went from warm and sunny to cold, cloudy, and rainy

4. Valle del Cocora

Salento Colombia +57 310 2275091 http://www.colparques.net/COCORA
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 619 reviews

Valle del Cocora

Reviewed By davidwm55 - West Vancouver, Canada

Pictures can’t do this unique valley justice. You have to experience it. We did the 12 km loop counter clockwise (steep part first) and were treated to a cool river trail that crosses the river several times over wooden suspension bridges (one person at a time please ????) then a pretty good climb but very doable. Then once at the top you begin to enjoy the easy path down with many photo opportunities. Think Jurassic park and Dr Suess... Highly recommended!

5. Mount Monserrate

Carrera 2 E No. 21-48 Paseo Bolívar, Bogota Colombia
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 15,682 reviews

Mount Monserrate

Monserrate hill provides exceptional panaromic views of Bogata and beyond.

Reviewed By astridc2015 - Aruba, Caribbean

This is a must visit: exciting funicular ride up the mountain, incredible views from the top, and peaceful paths for walking and contemplation.

6. Piedra Del Penol

Highway El Penol - Guatape, Guatape Colombia
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,412 reviews

Piedra Del Penol

Reviewed By From_Victoria_BC

Thanks to previous travel bloggers for paving the way and giving us direction for our own trip. Taking into account the previously-shared knowledge, here was our experience: - Took the metro from El Poblado to Caribe and walked across to the gangway to the bus terminal. - Found ticket booth #14 for buses to Guatape with a bus company is called “Sotrasanvicente & Guatape La Piedra”. - We could only buy one-way tickets there and they cost $15,000 each. I believe buses leave every hour and we only waited 15 minutes. - The bus trip took two hours since it was constantly picking up and dropping off travellers, entertainers and vendors of snacks. - Listened for the call for La Piedra and got off the bus then walked up the stairs for 10-15 minutes to the touristy area. - Paid $18,000 to walk up 700 more steps to the incredible lookout, then paid $4000 to take a shared Jeep-like taxi to the town of Guatape. - We had lunch at a locals’ restaurant by the lake for only $23,000 for two people! - Bought a return ticket for $15,000 and saw people buying them right before the bus left so there’s no rush, but don’t wait too long (return schedule is attached). We decided to pass on a tour from Medellin since they were more expensive, left at 7:30 am, and the one we wanted was sold out the night before our final day in Medellín. Here are our total costs per person: $5,100 metro round trip $15,000 bus $18,000 La Piedra lookout $4,000 taxi to Guatape $12,000 lunch $4,000 street dessert $15,000 bus = $55,100 for a lovely day trip!

7. Parque Nacional de Chicamocha

Km 54 Via Bucaramanga-Bogota Canon Del Chicamocha Santander, Bucaramanga Colombia +57 7 6569006 [email protected] http://www.parquenacionaldelchicamocha.com
Excellent
61%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,522 reviews

Parque Nacional de Chicamocha

Reviewed By claudiasM7563KA

This is a must see park if you are in Santander and in this area. You can either get here by car or cable car. I would strongly recommend the cable car. You not only get to see the marvelous engineering in the construction of this cable car, but also beautiful scenery. It will take you about 22 minutes from the entrance to the park. There is a cost associated with the park and it can vary from $15-18 dollars (depending on the dollar price at the moment) and also wether or not you want to visit the Water park. There is a lot of walking to do, make sure you have water, a good camera and most important a Great attitude. You will find restaurants, shops and you will also have the opportunity to buy Organic coffee. There are activities to do inside the park. Zip lining, you can climb down a water rock about 140 ft, there is also a swing. They all have different prices, but averaging $7-10 dollars. There is also a lot of history. Temperature was about in the 80s and I was told it is always hot. So, I would recommend to do some research about the temperature if you don’t like hot weather. I hope you visit and enjoy it.

8. Johnny Cay

San Andres Island Colombia
Excellent
51%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 6,804 reviews

Johnny Cay

Reviewed By mapisaba - San Francisco, United States

Beautiful place to go. Water is a little aggressive so it is important to follow instructions (stay within the swimming area). The water is absolutely beautiful and very warm. There were lockers to keep the belongings. Food was also fabulous (fried red snapper was the best of all 4 fish).

9. Zoologico de Cali

Cr 2 Oeste Cl 14 Esquina Santa Teresita, Cali Colombia +57 2 4880888 [email protected] http://www.zoologicodecali.com.co
Excellent
70%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,463 reviews

Zoologico de Cali

We create unforgettable experiences to share our passion for life.

Reviewed By lauraeCali

The zoo is really nice, the animals look happy and well cared-for. The price is really worth it, it's a nice place to stay for a few hours.

10. Nevado del Ruiz

Manizales 6 Colombia +57 312 8295426 http://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/portal/en/ecotourism/andean-region/los-nevados-national-natural-park
Excellent
73%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 412 reviews

Nevado del Ruiz

Reviewed By JohnRothSeattle

I was fortunate enough to meet Pablo of Guru talks in the city of Manizales. It is not easy to find guides in Manizales but I got lucky and found Guru walks and Pablo. Our time together was in January of this year. Besides doing city tours, Pablo is a geologist and loves nature. He does tours in the surrounding nature around Manizales. For our time together, we visited one of the biggest volcanos in Colombia, Nevada del Ruiz. It is an incredible site and over 14,000 feet in elevation. We stood exactly where the lava flow was in 1985, the last time of its eruption. The lava killed over 25,000 people within 2 hours of its eruption with the lava flowing down the valley. It was beautiful and magnificent to see. Pablo has climbed 15 volcanos in Colombia. He climbed the Nevada also. There is a climbing route in which you start at 3:00 am, many times in the rain, with ice storms as you get to the top. Needless to say, these are not great conditions, but Pablo is used to it. After viewing the volcano, we traveled down the mountain and completed a loop. The car ride was beautiful but, on a dirt, and bumpy road. Pablo does all kinds of nature tours/hikes. If this interest you, Pablo is a passionate and excellent guide.

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