Chicamocha Canyon

The Chicamocha Canyon is situated within the Colombian Andes in the Santander department of northern Colombia. It is a major tourist attraction.

With a maximum depth of 2,000 m (6,600 ft), an area of 108,000 ha (270,000 acres) and a length of 227 km (141 mi), the canyon is among the largest in the world.

Located within the Andes Mountains system, the steep-sided canyon was caused by the movement of tectonic plates and formed by the erosional forces of the Chicamocha River, which is part of the Magdalena River system that flows into the Caribbean Sea.

The climate in the highest parts of the canyon near Soatá is cold and humid, changing into a dry and hotter climate near Capitanejo. The lowest areas in the northwest, at around 900 m (3,000 ft) elevation, have the driest and hottest climate. The vegetation of the canyon north of San Gil is a dry tropical forest.

The lower basin of the Chicamocha River is a vibrant area in pre-Hispanic archaeological sites belonging to the Guane. This ethnic group inhabited the territory in pre-Hispanic times.

The area is a proposed World Heritage Site, submitted in 2012 as: "Cultural Landscape of the Lower Basin of the Chicamocha River."

Chicamocha National Park

Chicamocha National Park, also known as Panachi, is a Colombian national-level Natural Park and a major tourist attraction due to its spectacular landscape and various outdoor activities.

Known for its stunning natural landscapes and biodiversity, the park is situated within the Chicamocha Canyon, one of the largest canyons in the world. It encompasses many ecosystems, including forests, rivers, and rock formations.

The National Park is 54 km (34 mi) from Santander's largest city, Bucaramanga. It features a 6.3 km- (3.9 mi-) long aerial tramway that allows spectacular viewing opportunities. Ziplining and paragliding are other popular activities in the park.

Flora and Fauna

Chicamocha National Park is home to diverse wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and reptiles.

Unique species found here include the Chestnut Bellied Hummingbird (Amazilia castaneiventris), the Colombian Baobab (Cavanillesia chicamochae), and a spiny cactus named the "Mother-in-law's cushion" or Turk's cap cactus (Melocactus sp.).