Utria National Natural Park
Utria National Natural Park is a vast protected natural ara in the Pacifica region of Colombia. It is a remote, lightly traveled park with long, secluded beaches, lagoons and mangrove swamps, offshore coral reefs, and inland rainforests.
Understand
The park covers an area of more than 54,000 hectares.
History
The park was established as part of the Colombian national parks system in 1987. Nearby villages (of which there are few) are populated by African-Colombian mestizo communities and remote indigenous settlements of the Embará and the Kunas peoples.
Landscape
The Pacific coastline is rocky with scattered narrow strips of sandy beaches. By far, most of the landscape is dense jungle covering mountains, which are fairly low with a peak elevation of 1400 meters.
Flora and fauna
Sea turtles nest on the park's beaches and the area is frequented by humpback whales who come to nest in the lagoon. Whales can be seen from shore as well as boats.
Animals in the park are primarily jungle species like jaguars, pumas, peccaries, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, anteaters, sloths and agoutis. A number of snakes and amphibians live in the park as do about 380 species of bird.
Climate
The park has a tropical warm, wet climate. It gets more rain than any other area of Colombia with up to 10,000 mm (390 inches) per year. Rain falls on over 300 days per year with February being the driest month.
Get in
From Medellin Olaya Herrera Airport EOH IATA), take a flight to Nuqui (NQU IATA). Satena is the only airline to fly this route and tickets cost about COP 300,000. In Nuqui, it is possible to hire a guide service who will take you to the park visitor center by boat (about a 50-minute boat trip).
Fees and permits
No park fees are charged.
Be aware that the park bans alcohol, pets, firearms, aerosols, and non-biodegradable sunblock. Yellow fever and tetanus vaccines are required at least 10 days before entering the park.
Get around
Hiking. Sturdy boots are necessary for inland treks.
See
Do
- Hiking - there are several trails in the park, mostly through the mangrove swamps close to the shore, these trails are generally easy, the few trails that go inland can be very challenging and require a guide
- Snorkeling and Scuba diving - to the offshore coral reefs or in the lagoon (Ensenada de Ultria)
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
Lodging
Cabins are available at the beach.
Backcountry
Backcountry camping is permitted for those on long-distance treks to the interior of the park.
Stay safe
Precautions against tropical diseases, dangerous animals, and risks associated with remote jungle environments must be observed. Travelers are required to have medical insurance. Be aware that armed guerrilla groups have been known to operate deep in the jungles.