Chiribiquete National Park

Chiribiquete Overview

Chiribiquete National Park, known as Parque Nacional Natural Serranía de Chiribiquete in Spanish, is the largest national park in Colombia, covering approximately 17,000 square miles (44,000 square kilometers) in the Amazon basin.

Located in the departments of Guaviare and Caquetá, this remote and vast protected area is characterized by dramatic table-top mountains, known as tepuis, that rise abruptly from the dense rainforest. These ancient rock formations, some towering over 3,000 feet, are adorned with pre-Columbian rock art, believed to be over 20,000 years old. The park’s landscape is a striking mix of thick Amazonian jungle, winding rivers, and open savannas, creating an ecosystem that is both diverse and largely unexplored.

The park’s biodiversity is exceptional, supporting an array of species that thrive in its dense forests and isolated tepuis. Among its most notable mammals are jaguars, pumas, and tapirs, which roam freely in this protected environment.

The elusive giant otter and pink river dolphin can be found in the waterways, while numerous primates, such as howler monkeys and squirrel monkeys, add to the richness of the region.

The birdlife is equally remarkable, with more than 500 species recorded, including the harpy eagle, macaws, and the rare Chiribiquete emerald hummingbird, an endemic species found nowhere else on Earth. The dense vegetation of the park is made up of ancient Amazonian rainforest, interspersed with unique plant life adapted to the rocky tepui formations.

One of the park’s most remarkable features is its collection of ancient rock paintings, which are spread across the tepui walls. These pictographs, depicting animals, humans, and hunting scenes, are a vital cultural and archaeological treasure, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and daily lives of the region’s early inhabitants.

Due to its ecological and cultural significance, Chiribiquete was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018. The park’s remote nature makes it one of the least accessible national parks in the world, with no official infrastructure for visitors. The only way to see Chiribiquete is from the air, with scenic flights offering breathtaking views of the tepuis, rivers, and seemingly endless rainforest canopy below.

Conservation efforts in Chiribiquete are focused on protecting its vast biodiversity and preventing illegal activities such as logging, poaching, and land encroachment. The Colombian government has expanded the park’s boundaries multiple times to ensure greater protection, and Indigenous communities, though not residing within the park, play a crucial role in safeguarding the surrounding areas.

Despite these efforts, threats from illegal mining and deforestation continue to pose significant challenges. However, the park’s status as a UNESCO site has strengthened its protection and global recognition, ensuring that its natural and cultural treasures are preserved for future generations.

Park Map

Chiribiquete National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Chiribiquete National Park is one of the most important birdwatching locations in the Amazon, hosting an extraordinary diversity of species, including many endemic and migratory birds.

Scarlet Macaw
One of the most recognizable birds of the Amazon, the scarlet macaw is a brilliantly colored red, blue, and yellow parrot. It is highly social, often flying in pairs or small flocks.

Harpy Eagle
One of the most powerful raptors in the world, the harpy eagle preys on monkeys, sloths, and large birds. Its presence in the park is a sign of a healthy rainforest ecosystem.

Hoatzin
Also known as the “stinkbird,” the hoatzin has a prehistoric appearance and a unique digestive system that ferments leaves. It is commonly found along the park’s riverbanks.

Amazonian Motmot
A striking bird with blue and green plumage, the Amazonian motmot perches in the forest understory, waiting to ambush insects and small vertebrates.

Spectacled Owl
A nocturnal predator, the spectacled owl hunts rodents, birds, and small mammals. Its distinctive facial markings and haunting calls make it a fascinating species for birdwatchers.

Blue-and-yellow Macaw
This large and vocal parrot is a staple of the Amazon rainforest, often seen flying in pairs or small groups. It feeds on fruits, nuts, and seeds.

Black-collared Hawk
An expert fisher, the black-collared hawk is commonly seen near rivers, swooping down to catch fish with its sharp talons.

Purple-throated Fruitcrow
This deep black bird with a vibrant purple throat is known for its loud, whistling calls. It is often found in mixed-species flocks foraging in the canopy.

White-throated Toucan
A close relative of the keel-billed toucan, this large bird has a striking black-and-white body and a massive bill. It feeds on fruit and is a vital seed disperser in the rainforest.

Fork-tailed Woodnymph
One of the many dazzling hummingbirds found in the park, the fork-tailed woodnymph is a small, iridescent species that hovers around flowers, feeding on nectar.

Chiribiquete National Park’s untouched rainforests, ancient rock formations, and rich biodiversity make it one of Colombia’s most significant conservation areas. With its combination of cultural heritage and natural wonders, the park remains one of the most fascinating and least explored regions of the Amazon, offering an unparalleled experience for scientists, conservationists, and adventure seekers.

Chiribiquete National Park, located in the Colombian Amazon, is the largest national park in the country and one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Known for its towering tepuis (tabletop mountains), dense rainforests, and ancient rock art, this UNESCO World Heritage Site covers over 4.3 million hectares. The park serves as a crucial refuge for a wide range of rare and endemic species, many of which are still being studied due to the park’s remoteness and inaccessibility.

Jaguar
The jaguar is the apex predator of Chiribiquete’s rainforest, hunting capybaras, peccaries, and caimans. This elusive big cat plays a critical role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Amazon River Dolphin
Also known as the pink river dolphin, this intelligent aquatic mammal is a key species in the park’s rivers. It uses echolocation to hunt fish and is a cultural icon in Indigenous Amazonian traditions.

Giant Otter
One of the most charismatic species of the Amazon, the giant otter is a social predator that lives in family groups. It hunts fish and crustaceans in the park’s rivers and lakes, playing a key role in the aquatic ecosystem.

Baird’s Tapir
The largest land mammal in the region, Baird’s tapir is a crucial seed disperser in the rainforest. This shy, nocturnal species prefers the dense forests and riverbanks of Chiribiquete.

Capybara
The world’s largest rodent, the capybara is a social and semi-aquatic species that lives along riverbanks. It is a key prey species for jaguars, anacondas, and caimans.

Black Caiman
A top predator in Chiribiquete’s waterways, the black caiman is the largest crocodilian species in the Amazon. It preys on fish, birds, and mammals, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Giant Anteater
With its long snout and powerful claws, the giant anteater feeds primarily on ants and termites. It is a vital species in the Amazon, helping to regulate insect populations.

Green Anaconda
One of the largest snakes in the world, the green anaconda is a powerful constrictor that preys on fish, birds, and large mammals. This semi-aquatic species thrives in the park’s swamps and slow-moving rivers.

Poison Dart Frog
Brightly colored and highly toxic, poison dart frogs secrete potent toxins as a defense mechanism against predators. They inhabit the humid rainforest floor, where they feed on insects.

Pygmy Marmoset
The smallest monkey in the world, the pygmy marmoset is a tiny, agile primate that feeds on tree sap, insects, and small fruits. It is commonly found in the treetops of Chiribiquete’s forests.