Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos

Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos is a protected area in Colombia.

Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos at a Glance

Location
Amazonía & Guiana Shield, Colombia, Central & South America
Coordinates
2.817128, -74.604730
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
December to March and July to August (dry seasons) for national parks.

Getting to Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos

Nearest airport: Pista de aterrizaje La Uribe (URI), 55 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado (BOG), 216 km away.

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos

Home to 5 recorded species including 2 birds of prey, 2 iconic birds, 1 predators.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Amazonía & Guiana Shield

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos

Visiting Cordillera de los Picachos is an immersion into one of Colombia's last truly wild frontiers, a place where the Andes meet the Amazon. We love its raw, untamed beauty and the profound sense of discovery it offers, far from any crowds. It's a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey into a biodiversity hotspot that few ever experience.

Gate Times

Access to Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos is highly restricted and requires advance permits from Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia. We recommend booking well in advance, especially for the dry seasons (December to March and July to August), as visitor numbers are strictly controlled to maintain its pristine condition. There are no typical 'gate times' as access is often via multi-day expeditions with designated entry points that are coordinated with park authorities.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For local guides and porters on multi-day treks, we suggest around 50,000-80,000 COP per person per day, depending on the service and duration and the size of your group. For cooks or support staff, 30,000-50,000 COP per person per day is a good guideline. It's best to tip in Colombian Pesos at the end of your trip, directly to the individuals or to the expedition leader to distribute fairly.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Colombia

Travel advisory for Colombia

Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos FAQs

When is the best time to visit Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos for optimal weather and wildlife viewing?

The dry season, typically from December to March and July to August, offers the most favorable conditions for exploring, with clearer skies and easier access to trails. During these months, wildlife can also be more concentrated around water sources, potentially increasing viewing opportunities.

What specific wildlife can I expect to encounter in Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos, given its unique Andean-Amazonian transition zone?

This park is a crucial biodiversity corridor, home to species like the spectacled bear, mountain tapir, and various primates, alongside a rich diversity of birds and amphibians. Its unique location between the Andes and the Amazon basin supports a blend of ecosystems, offering sightings of both highland and lowland species.

What essential health and safety precautions are recommended for visitors to Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos, particularly regarding malaria and its remote location?

Due to a moderate malaria risk, it's advisable to consult a doctor about antimalarial prophylaxis and use insect repellent with DEET, especially at dawn and dusk. Given its remoteness and low crowding, traveling with experienced local guides is highly recommended for safety and navigation.

How accessible is Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos for travelers, and what level of tourist infrastructure should one anticipate in this protected area?

Access to the park is generally challenging, often requiring specialized transport and local knowledge, reflecting its 1/5 crowding level. Visitors should expect very basic infrastructure, focusing on rustic accommodations or camping, as the park prioritizes conservation over extensive tourist development.

What unique activities and experiences, beyond standard wildlife viewing, does Parque Nacional Natural Cordillera de los Picachos offer to visitors?

Beyond observing its diverse fauna, the park provides exceptional opportunities for challenging multi-day treks through varied Andean and Amazonian landscapes. It's also a prime destination for serious birdwatching and offers a profound immersion into an untouched natural environment due to its protected status and minimal human impact.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.