Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Caquetá, Guaviare, Colombia

Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park

Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park is a vast and remote tropical rainforest park in Colombia, revered for its unique tepui formations, rich biodiversity, and ancient rock art, offering unparalleled opportunities for scientific exploration and adventure in one of the world’s largest protected rainforest areas.

National Park4,268,095

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

4,268,095

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park

Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park is a vast and remote tropical rainforest park in Colombia, revered for its unique tepui formations, rich biodiversity, and ancient rock art, offering unparalleled opportunities for scientific exploration and adventure in one of the world’s largest protected rainforest areas.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park, located in the Colombian Amazon across the departments of Caquetá and Guaviare, is the largest tropical rainforest national park in the world and one of the most biodiverse and least explored regions on Earth. Covering a mosaic of rainforest, savannah, and dramatic table-top mountains known as tepuis, the park spans nearly 4.3 million acres. Its geography is dominated by these tepuis—massive sandstone formations that rise abruptly from the jungle floor, creating rugged cliffs and isolated plateaus that harbor endemic species and ancient ecosystems.

The park is renowned for its extensive and well-preserved rock art, with thousands of prehistoric pictographs dating back over 20,000 years, making it one of the largest rock art sites globally. These paintings provide invaluable insight into the region’s indigenous peoples and their spiritual relationship with the land.

Ecologically, Chiribiquete shelters countless rare and endangered species including jaguars, giant river otters, tapirs, harpy eagles, and many amphibians and insects that remain poorly studied due to the park’s remoteness. Its untouched rainforests play a critical role in carbon sequestration and regional climate regulation.

Access to Chiribiquete is highly restricted and limited primarily to scientific and indigenous communities, making it a true wilderness experience. For visitors, the appeal lies in its profound natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the thrill of exploring an area largely untouched by modern development. Activities are mostly limited to guided expeditions focusing on wildlife observation, photography, and cultural study, as there are no established tourist facilities or conventional hiking trails.

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2018, Chiribiquete stands as a symbol of conservation success and cultural preservation in the Amazon rainforest.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

Ancient rock art galleries with over 70,000 pictographsUnique tepui plateaus rising above the rainforest canopyOne of the largest intact tropical rainforest ecosystems worldwideCritical habitat for rare Amazonian wildlife including jaguars and harpy eagles
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park
Park Recreation

Scientific Research

Available in Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park
Park Recreation

Cultural Exploration

Available in Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Access requires special permits from Colombia’s National Natural Parks System; generally limited to authorized researchers and indigenous communities.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Serranía del Chiribiquete National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Carurú, Vaupés
39.22 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Carurú, Vaupés

Carurú is a remote Amazonian town where jungle trekking, river paddling, and cultural immersion await adventurous travelers. It’s a true off-grid base for exploring Colombia’s wild southeastern rainforest and indigenous heritage.

Dry Season (December to March)
Explore Town
Mitú, Amazonas
55.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mitú, Amazonas

Mitú is a remote Amazonian frontier town serving as a launchpad for jungle treks, river paddling, and immersive indigenous cultural experiences deep in Colombia’s rainforest.

December to April (wet season)
Explore Town
Mitú, Vaupés, Colombia
55.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mitú, Vaupés, Colombia

Mitú is a remote Amazonian town offering unparalleled jungle hiking, canoeing, and authentic indigenous cultural experiences. It’s a gateway to pristine rainforest adventure deep in Colombia’s Vaupés department.

December to March (Dry Season)
Explore Town
Mitú, Vaupés
55.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mitú, Vaupés

Mitú, deep in Colombia’s Amazon, is a remote jungle town perfect for paddling, wildlife watching, and cultural immersion with indigenous communities. Its lush rainforest and winding rivers offer authentic, off-the-grid adventure.

Dry Season (June to September)
Explore Town
Mitú, Vaupés Department
55.42 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mitú, Vaupés Department

Mitú, nestled deep in Colombia’s Amazon rainforest, offers adventurous travelers a gateway to untouched jungle, rich indigenous culture, and winding river explorations. Ideal for hiking, paddling, birdwatching, and cultural immersion.

Dry season (December to March)
Explore Town