Mountain Ranges and Major Peaks of Colombia

The mountain ranges of Colombia contribute to the country's diverse landscapes and ecological importance and offer outdoor activities, research, and exploration opportunities. They showcase the remarkable geographical features and natural beauty that make Colombia a unique and fascinating country.

Andes Mountains

The Andes Mountains, one of the most extended mountain ranges in the world, traverse several South American countries, including Colombia. The Colombian Andes are divided into three main branches in Colombia: the Western Cordillera, Central Cordillera, and Eastern Cordillera. Towering peaks, deep valleys, glaciers, and high plateaus characterize these ranges.

Colombia's highest peak, Pico Cristóbal Colón, is in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, part of the Colombian Andes.

• Cordillera Occidental: The Cordillera Occidental is the western branch of the Colombian Andes and runs parallel to the Pacific coast of Colombia, stretching from the southern border with Ecuador to the northern border with Panama. It is characterized by rugged and steep terrain, with numerous peaks, deep valleys, and narrow ridges. It is known for its impressive mountain landscapes and diverse ecosystems. This range is home to several notable peaks, including the Nevado del Huila, the highest volcano in Colombia, and the Farallones de Cali, a prominent mountain massif near Cali.

• Cordillera Central: The Cordillera Central is a branch of the Colombian Andes located in the country's central region. It extends through several departments, including Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda, and Tolima. This mountain range combines fertile valleys, volcanic peaks, and lush cloud forests. The Nevado del Ruiz, an active volcano, is situated in the Cordillera Central.

• Cordillera Oriental: The Cordillera Oriental is another branch of the Colombian Andes that runs along the eastern part of the country. It extends through several departments, including Boyacá, Cundinamarca, Norte de Santander, and Santander. The Cordillera Oriental is known for its scenic beauty, deep canyons, high plateaus, and stunning mountain vistas.

Major Peaks of the Colombian Andes:

• Nevado del Huila, 5,365 m (17,602 ft)

• Nevado del Ruiz, 5,321 m (17,457 ft)

• Nevado del Tolima, 5,205 m (17,077 ft)

• Pico Pan de Azúcar, 5,200 m (17,060 ft)

• Ritacuba Negro, 5,320 m (17,454 ft)

• Nevado del Cumbal, 4,764 m (15,630 ft)

• Cerro Negro de Mayasquer, 4,445 m (14,583 ft)

• Ritacuba Blanco, 5,410 m (17,749 ft)

• Nevado del Quindío, 5,215 m (17,110 ft)

• Puracé, 4,655 m (15,272 ft)

• Santa Isabel, 4,955 m (16,257 ft)

• Doña Juana, 4,150 m (13,615 ft)

• Galeras, 4,276 m (14,029 ft)

• Azufral, 4,070 m (13,353 ft)

_{Colombia physiographic map.}

Other Ranges

• Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta: Located in the northern part of Colombia, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a unique mountain range that rises abruptly from the Caribbean coast. It is the highest coastal mountain range in the world and is home to several snow-capped peaks, including Pico Cristóbal Colón, the highest mountain in Colombia. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park boasts diverse ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to snowy summits, and is recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

• Serranía del Baudó: Situated in the Chocó Department in northwestern Colombia, the Serranía del Baudó is a mountain range known for its lush biodiversity. It is part of the Chocó-Darién moist forests ecoregion, considered one of Earth's most biologically diverse regions. The Serranía del Baudó features dense rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and a variety of unique plant and animal species.

• Sierra Nevada del Cocuy: Located in northeastern Colombia, the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy is a mountain range renowned for its stunning landscapes and high-altitude ecosystems. It encompasses several peaks reaching elevations over 5,000 m (16,400 ft) and is known for its glacial lakes, steep valleys, and rugged rock formations. The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy is a popular destination for hiking and mountaineering.

• Serranía del Perijá: The Serranía del Perijá is a smaller mountain range located in the northeastern part of Colombia, near the border with Venezuela. It is an extension of the Cordillera Oriental and separates the Maracaibo Basin from the Cesar-Ranchería Basin. The range rises to over 3,700 m (12,100 ft) and ends further north in the La Guajira Desert. This range is known for its diverse ecosystems, including montane forests and páramo landscapes. It is an essential water source for the region and supports a variety of flora and fauna.

_{Relief map of Colombia.}