Ecoregions of Colombia

Soaring high above Colombia and Ecuador's cloud forests and montane landscapes, the Northern Andean páramo is a truly remarkable and unique ecoregion. This vast expanse of high-altitude grasslands, wetlands, and shrublands is a vital component of the Andes ecosystem and a global biodiversity hotspot teeming with an array of specialized plant and animal life found nowhere else on Earth.

Nestled within the rugged Andes Mountains of southwestern Colombia lies a remarkable and often overlooked ecoregion known as the Patía Valley dry forests. In the rain shadow of the towering Andes, this arid landscape stands in stark contrast to the lush, verdant forests that characterize much of the surrounding region. This creates a unique and fragile ecosystem that is home to a diverse array of specialized plant and animal life.

The Santa Marta montane forests ecoregion is a unique and isolated ecosystem in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta on Colombia's Caribbean coast. It boasts a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including numerous species found nowhere else on Earth. The ecoregion is characterized by moist forests that ascend from the surrounding xeric scrub and dry forests. Its complex geology, varied microclimates, and altitudinal gradients make it home to a rich tapestry of life.

Nestled within the northwestern reaches of the Colombian Andes lies the Sinú Valley dry forests ecoregion, a true marvel of biodiversity. This unique ecosystem serves as a genetic corridor for diverse flora and fauna, situated as a bridge between the Chocó-Darién moist forests and the Magdalena Valley montane forests. From the lush mangroves at sea level to the towering peaks of the Paramillo, the Sinú Valley is a tapestry of interconnected habitats.