Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas

A vast and rugged Andean park with extensive páramo and high-mountain lakes. It's a critical habitat for the spectacled bear, mountain tapir, and various...

Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas at a Glance

Location
Andes - Northern & Central Cordilleras, Colombia, Central & South America
Coordinates
3.676604, -75.877045
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
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 Las Hermosas

Nearest airport: Pista Ingenio Pichichí, 45 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional El Edén (AXM), 87 km away.

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas

Home to 46 recorded species including 15 waterbirds, 14 iconic birds, 8 birds of prey, 8 tropical birds, 1 predators.

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas

10 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Andes - Northern & Central Cordilleras

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas

Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas is a true gem, a place where the paramo meets the cloud forest in a symphony of biodiversity and breathtaking vistas. We find the remote, untamed beauty of its glacial lakes and cascading waterfalls utterly captivating, offering a profound sense of wilderness that is increasingly rare. It's an experience for those who truly seek to immerse themselves in Colombia's wild heart.

Gate Times

Access to Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas is typically from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily, though we strongly recommend arriving early to maximize your time. Permits are mandatory and must be secured in advance through Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia's official channels; walk-ins are rarely accommodated. During the rainy season, usually April-May and October-November, some trails may be inaccessible, so always check conditions before planning your visit.

Tipping

While not strictly mandatory, we encourage tipping local guides and porters who often come from nearby communities. For a full-day guide, we suggest COP 50,000-80,000 per person, depending on group size and service quality. For porters, COP 30,000-50,000 per day is appropriate. Always tip in local currency and discreetly, preferably at the end of your service.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Colombia

Travel advisory for Colombia

Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas FAQs

When is the best time to visit Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas for trekking and wildlife viewing?

The ideal time to explore Las Hermosas is during the drier months, typically from December to March and July to August. These periods offer clearer skies and more stable trail conditions, making the challenging treks through páramo and high-mountain terrain more manageable.

What level of physical fitness and preparation is required for a trip to Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas?

Visitors should possess a high level of physical fitness and experience with multi-day high-altitude trekking. The park's remote nature means you'll need to be self-sufficient, carrying all necessary gear, food, and water for your expedition through its demanding páramo and lake-filled landscapes.

What are the best strategies for spotting spectacled bears and mountain tapirs in Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas?

Spotting these elusive species requires patience, local guide knowledge, and often multi-day treks into their preferred habitats, such as cloud forests bordering the páramo. Early morning or late afternoon are generally the best times, but sightings are never guaranteed given the vastness and ruggedness of the park.

How do I access Parque Nacional Natural Las Hermosas, and what are the typical costs involved for independent travelers?

Access typically involves reaching towns like Chaparral or Rioblanco in Tolima, followed by challenging overland transport to park boundaries. Expect costs for park permits, mandatory local guides (highly recommended for safety and navigation), and potentially mule support for gear, as infrastructure is minimal.

Beyond malaria precautions, what are the primary safety considerations for exploring the high-altitude terrain of Las Hermosas?

Key safety concerns include acute mountain sickness due to high altitudes, rapid and unpredictable weather changes, and the risk of getting lost in the vast, unmarked páramo. Always travel with experienced local guides, carry appropriate cold-weather and rain gear, and ensure you are acclimatized before attempting strenuous treks.

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.