Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and features an amazing 51 national parks. These beauty spots include deserts, coral reefs, Amazon rainforest, the Andes mountain range and indigenous protected lands. Many of the parks have been praised for their efforts by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources.

The South American country is also introducing green travel options wherever possible. Among these, it is easy to find organic food, as well as vegan and vegetarian fare. Let’s take a brief look at some of the most beautiful and biodiverse national parks in Colombia.

Chiribiquete National Park

Located in the Amazon region of the country, Chiribiquete is Colombia’s largest national park, spreading over 27,800 sq km (10,700 sq mi). The mountains offer the ideal habitat for a wide range of species, including many birds, such as the endangered Chiribiquete emerald hummingbird.

However, this national park is a place to preserve and protect the indigenous natives of the country and to study their past. For instance, the mountains feature more than 600,000 traces of early petroglyphs and pictographs (like the image above). Meanwhile, they also feature 20,000 complete art pieces making this a fascinating place for those who love history.

Serranía de la Macarena, Colombia

The Serranía de la Macarena national park is a unique place in Colombia and an isolated mountain range in the Meta Department. The 6,200 sq km (2,400 sq mi) national park features the unique flora and fauna of the Amazon Rainforest, at a spot where the Andes Mountain range and East Llanos meet. Meanwhile, all the ecosystems meet at this spot, including the Amazon Rainforest, shrubland savannas, and dry forest.

With its combination of ecosystems, the park has a biodiverse environment, home to many endangered and unique species. For example, there are more than 2,000 plant species, 100 reptiles, 550 bird species, 1,200 insects, and eight species of monkeys living here. Moreover, jaguars, anteaters, cougars, and deer can also be seen in this unique environment.

One of the most famous parts of the national park is Caño Cristales or Liquid Rainbow (pictured above). This 100 km (52 mi) stretch of river features a stunning combination of yellow, green, red, blue and black.

Old Providence McBean Lagoon

Located northwest of Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Providencia is one of two islands surrounded by coral reefs. This third largest reef in the world is set off the northeastern shores of the island and is well protected. For this reason only small, certified boats are allowed in the Old Providence McBean Lagoon for diving purposes. However, it is well worth the visit to discover the colorful underwater life here.

Meanwhile, the national park is often referred to as the “sea of seven colors” and features more than 74 bird species, a large marine animal population and mangrove forests.

This is just a small sampling of the wonderful biodiversity of the South American country. Read more information on all the beautiful national parks in Colombia on the country’s official tourism website here.