Parque Natural Yariguíes is a national park in the municipality of El Carmen de Chucurí, in the department of Santander, Colombia. It is known in Spanish as PNN Yariguíes, and in English as Yariguíes National Natural Park. The park lies in the vereda El Carmen, and its address is simply given as Vereda El Carmen, El Carmen de Chucurí, Santander.
What the park protects
The park was created to safeguard cloud forests, a habitat that holds moisture in the mountain air and supports a rich community of plants and animals. Among its residents are endemic bird species, including the Yariguíes brush-finch, which is listed as endangered. Because of this, the park is best understood as a place for nature rather than a conventional visitor attraction.
The park sits in the Magdalena Valley, a region recognised as a critical biodiversity hotspot. Its significance lies in the concentration of species that depend on these forests, and in the role it plays in keeping that habitat intact.
What a visit suits
A trip here will appeal most to birdwatchers, naturalists and walkers who enjoy quiet, forested landscapes. Those hoping to see the endangered brush-finch or other endemic birds should go with patience and an interest in the natural world.
- Birdwatching in cloud forest, with a focus on endemic and endangered species
- Walks through forested mountain terrain typical of the region
- Learning about conservation in one of Colombia's newest protected areas
For up-to-date information before planning a visit, the park can be reached by telephone at +57 1 3532400.