Colombian Andes: A journey through geology and history
If the Amazon represents our planet’s lungs, the Andes are like the veins that connect life through its 31 million hectares. Learn here about the Colombian Andes and its importance to the world.
5 Minutes
The Andes is the longest Mountain Range in the world with some of the highest volcanic peaks of up to 5,000 meters above sea level. This majestic geological formation crosses seven South American countries. Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and a part of Venezuela, all of them are connected through its vast mountains.
Because of the Andes, the earth has some of the greatest biodiversity areas and a lot of species. In Colombia, they represent a crucial life-boosting area. With a large number of flora and fauna, the Andean Region is one of the most populated areas in the country. But, what is so special about it?
The natural spectacle that covers the Colombian Andes
Located, centered, in the heart of Colombia, the Andean Region covers around 278,600 km2. This corresponds to 24.5% of Colombia’s territory. In this zone, there are a variety of exceptional ecosystems. The paramos, cloud forests, and wetlands stand out among them.
Also, the principal cities of Colombia are all crossed by the Andes. Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, is within the Andean Region. So are Cali, Medellín, Manizales, Pereira, and others.
The Andean Region is a treasure to our country because of its geography, natural resources, and great cultural and natural wealth. Only in Colombia, the Andes provide the greatest part of water and energy that supply most homes. Which is why this region produces more than 70% of the country’s GDP.
These one-of-a-kind natural qualities are the result of a complex topography. If we plunge into this beautiful land’s history, we can learn some interesting facts about its origin. So, let’s take a little journey through their history.
Colombian Andes’ Origin
It dates from the isolation caused by the Glacial Age during the Pleistocene (about 2,6 million to 11,700 years ago). This favored the soil conditions and proper high variations in climate. As a result, different thermal floors coexist in the region: from glacial to warm.
The Colombian Andes is divided into three branches. They are born in an area known as “Nudo de los Pastos”, in Nariño, where the mountain range splits in two: Western and Central. The Eastern mountain range emerges from the Central one.
Major flows of water run through the three mountains, including Colombia’s most important rivers. Magdalena and Cauca rivers run parallel to the Andes mountains. Before reaching the Caribbean Sea, these rivers supply water and energy to a big part of the country.
The Cultural Legacy of Colombian Andes
Great pre-Hispanic cultures developed along the Andes Mountains. The remains of human settlements in the region date back to more than 14,000 years. This implies a treasure to Colombia’s historical legacy, as it places the roots of one major indigenous civilization: The Muiscas. They inhabited the land in harmony with nature and are now recognized as one of the most important indigenous cultures.
The Tayronas are another indigenous civilization that settled their patrimony along Colombian Andes. Experts in crafts and metalworking, they inherited us with a great cultural patrimony. La Ciudad Perdida is one of the world’s most important archeological citadels. Built by the Tayronas, this place is now a sacred land to the indigenous cultures that emerged from them.
In the Andes, you can see the archaeological remains of these ancient cultures. San Agustín, in the department of Huila; Tumaco-La Tolita, in Nariño; and Tayrona, in Magdalena. All these places are open so that, with respect, Colombians and the rest of the people can appreciate them.
Colombian Andes: A Biosphere Heritage
In the Colombian Andes, you can find many places declared by UNESCO as Biosphere Heritage. This is because of its contribution to the ecological conservation of our natural patrimony. The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and El Macizo Colombiano are good examples of this heritage. Both of them were declared Biosphere Reserve of Man and Humanity by UNESCO
The Andes region’s ecological diversity is another of the area’s attractions. That is why it has many of Colombia’s most important natural parks. Los Nevados and El Cocuy are National nature parks that are home to hundreds of plant and animal species.
If you are planning a trip to Colombia, we recommend that you visit these beautiful mountains. You will be amazed by the landscapes and ecosystems you will find at the National Parks. They will confirm that Colombia has gained its place as the ideal destination.
And go to the cities surrounded by the Andes too! We are sure that they will take your breath away as you appreciate the high peaks within the urban areas. It is up to you, Colombia awaits your visit.