Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta Overview

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, known as Parque Nacional Natural Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Spanish, is located in northern Colombia, near the Caribbean coast.

Spanning approximately 1,790 square miles (4,652 square kilometers), this protected area is unique as it encompasses the world’s highest coastal mountain range. Rising dramatically from sea level to peaks exceeding 18,700 feet (5,700 meters), including the towering Pico Cristóbal Colón and Pico Simón Bolívar, the park features an extraordinary range of ecosystems.

Lush tropical rainforests thrive at lower elevations, while cloud forests, páramo landscapes, and glacial peaks dominate the higher altitudes. Numerous rivers, such as the Don Diego and Palomino, originate from the Sierra Nevada, providing water for surrounding communities and rich biodiversity.

The park’s diverse landscapes support a remarkable array of flora, with thick jungles of towering ceiba trees, bromeliads, and orchids decorating the humid lower elevations. As the altitude increases, the vegetation transitions into dense oak forests and montane cloud forests draped in mosses and ferns.

The páramo zone, found at higher elevations, is characterized by frailejones, unique high-altitude plants adapted to the harsh environment. With this extreme variation in climate and terrain, the park is home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, many species of which are endemic. Visitors may spot jaguars, pumas, and ocelots moving stealthily through the forests, while tapirs and red howler monkeys inhabit the lower and mid-elevation regions.

The Andean condor, a symbol of South America, soars over the peaks, while rare birds such as the Santa Marta parakeet and Santa Marta bush-tyrant are only found within this isolated mountain range.

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park is not only a biodiversity hotspot but also a site of profound cultural significance. The region has been home to indigenous groups such as the Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo for centuries.

These communities continue to live within the park, preserving their traditional ways of life and protecting sacred sites. The archaeological site of Ciudad Perdida, an ancient city predating Machu Picchu, draws adventurous travelers seeking to trek through dense jungle to reach its terraced ruins.

The Lost City trek is among the most sought-after experiences in the park, leading visitors through waterfalls, river crossings, and steep jungle paths while learning about the history and customs of the indigenous people.

Beyond hiking, the park offers various ways to explore its landscapes. Birdwatching enthusiasts visit to observe some of the nearly 600 bird species, while ecotourism lodges provide sustainable accommodations for those seeking immersive nature experiences.

The park’s rivers offer opportunities for tubing, swimming, and wildlife spotting. Despite its incredible natural wealth, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta faces conservation challenges, including deforestation, climate change, and illegal activities such as poaching and logging.

However, conservation initiatives led by indigenous communities, environmental organizations, and the Colombian government have made progress in preserving its ecosystems. Efforts to protect key species, reforest degraded areas, and promote sustainable tourism continue to shape the park’s future.

Park Map

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park’s incredible biodiversity and diverse ecosystems are home to many bird species. Here are some favorites:

Santa Marta Parakeet
Endemic to the park, this vibrant green parakeet lives in high-altitude cloud forests, where it feeds on fruits and seeds.

Andean Condor
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor soars over the park’s peaks and valleys, scavenging for carrion and playing a key role in the ecosystem.

Santa Marta Screech Owl
This nocturnal bird, found only in the Sierra Nevada, has distinctive calls that echo through the cloud forests at night.

Santa Marta Mountain Tanager
A colorful high-altitude bird endemic to the region, this tanager is commonly found in montane forests feeding on insects and berries.

Black-fronted Wood-Quail
A ground-dwelling bird endemic to the Sierra Nevada, the black-fronted wood-quail is often seen foraging for insects and seeds in dense undergrowth.

Santa Marta Antpitta
A shy and elusive bird, this species is commonly found in the park’s cloud forests, hopping along the forest floor in search of insects.

White-tailed Starfrontlet
An endemic hummingbird, this striking species thrives in the park’s high-altitude páramo and cloud forests, feeding on nectar from native flowers.

Military Macaw
This large, green macaw is often seen flying in pairs or small groups, feeding on fruits and nuts in the park’s tropical forests.

Santa Marta Warbler
One of the many bird species found only in this mountain range, the Santa Marta warbler is a key species for birdwatchers visiting the park.

Blue-crowned Motmot
A stunning bird with a long, racket-shaped tail, the blue-crowned motmot is often found perched in the park’s forests, waiting to ambush insects and small vertebrates.

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park’s incredible biodiversity, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural heritage make it one of Colombia’s most remarkable natural reserves. Whether for wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, or adventure seekers, the park offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience one of the most ecologically and culturally significant regions in the world.

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, located in northern Colombia, is one of the most unique and ecologically significant protected areas in the world. Covering approximately 383,000 hectares, the park is home to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range on Earth, with peaks reaching 5,775 meters (18,947 feet) above sea level. This isolated mountain range creates a variety of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests and cloud forests to high-altitude páramo and glaciers. The park is also home to several Indigenous communities, including the Kogi, Arhuaco, Wiwa, and Kankuamo peoples, who have lived in harmony with the environment for centuries.

Popular Wildlife in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park

Jaguar
As the apex predator of the park, the jaguar stalks through dense forests, hunting deer, peccaries, and smaller mammals. It plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance.

Spectacled Bear
The only bear species in South America, the spectacled bear inhabits the park’s cloud forests and páramo, contributing to seed dispersal and ecosystem health.

Puma
This adaptable predator shares its range with jaguars but typically preys on smaller mammals such as rodents and deer. It is highly elusive and rarely seen by visitors.

Andean Tapir
Also known as the mountain tapir, this endangered species thrives in the park’s high-altitude forests and páramo, feeding on a variety of plants and helping with seed dispersal.

White-lipped Peccary
A social and highly mobile species, the white-lipped peccary forages in large groups, feeding on fruits, roots, and small invertebrates.

Red Howler Monkey
These primates are known for their deep, echoing calls, which can be heard resonating through the forests at dawn and dusk. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal.

Northern Pudu
One of the world’s smallest deer species, the northern pudu is a shy, nocturnal herbivore that feeds on leaves, fruits, and fungi in the montane forests.

Santa Marta Poison Dart Frog
Endemic to the Sierra Nevada, this small, brightly colored frog secretes toxins for defense and is an important indicator of forest health.

Santa Marta White-fronted Capuchin
A primate species endemic to the region, this intelligent and social monkey is often seen foraging for fruits and insects in the park’s forests.

Neotropical Otter
An excellent swimmer, the neotropical otter inhabits the park’s rivers and wetlands, where it hunts fish, amphibians, and crustaceans.