Paramillo National Natural Park Voyage Tips and guide

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Paramillo National Natural Park (officially, Parque nacional natural Paramillo) is a protected natural area in the Coastal Norte region of Colombia. The park protects the Paramillo Massif, which is the furthest north mountain range of the Andes as it meets the tropical coastal lowlands. The park is large, remote, and well off the beaten tourist track. The park has very limited infrastructure for visitors, making it a good choice for experienced backpackers seeking solitude in nature.

The park is very large, covering an area of about 504,600 hectares.

The park was created as part of the Colombian national parks system in 1977.

The park has several distinct types of landscapes including rocky peaks, grassy paramo with glacial lakes, and tropical forest at lower elevations.

The area is a biodiversity hotspot with thousands of plant species, thousands of insect species, over 800 bird species, and hundreds of reptiles and amphibians. A large number of endemic species are found here including a high number that are critically endangered. Some of the species are found only within small areas of a couple of square kilometers.

Birdwatchers will found an astounding number of bird species to observe including some very rare birds, such as the Paramillo tapaculo, Dusky starfrontlet and Fenwick's antpitta). In the highland paramo areas, the majestic Andean condor can be seen soaring overhead.

Mammals include the endangered Spectacled bear, pumas, mountain tapirs and lowland tapirs, as well as monkeys, deer and rabbits.

The dry season is December to March, although even then there can be light afternoon rains. This is the best time to explore the park.

Temperatures vary quite a bit due to the park’s elevation. Warm temperatures (25-30°C) are common in the lowland areas while higher elevations areas can get cool (10-15°C).

There is a small regional airport at Paramillo (CUC ^IATA), with commercial flights from Bogota. From Medellin, it is a 9+ hour bus ride to Ocaña that will cost about US$40. From Monteria, it is a 13+ hour bus ride to Ocaña. From areas near the park, use local transporation (if available), hire a local guide, or plan on hiking a long way to the park entrance.

Hike.

• Río Paramillo: River flowing through the park with clear, cool waters that are inviting for a refreshing swim or for fishing.

• Laguna de la Leona: Tranquil lagoon that invites quiet contemplation.

• Hiking: Several trails access different environments with a number of natural sights:
  • Sendero de los Pinos - Hiking trail through old-growth pine forests. This is a 10 km trail that will take 4-5 hours to hike. There are some steep sections with rough and uneven terrain.
  • Mirador de la Muerta - Hike to a scenic overlook that has panoramic views of nearby mountains and valleys.

There are no stores, restaurants or snack bars in the park. Bring anything you need with you.

Backcountry camping is allowed. Pack in anything you need and pack out anything you brought.

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