Visit a Nature Reserve in Colombia, near Tayrona Park : Ecotourism Adventure in Protected Areas

La Merecida, a Hidden Gem near Tayrona Park : Discover the Rich Biodiversity of Colombia’s Nature Reserves

Welcome to La Merecida, a natural sanctuary ! Visit a nature reserve near Tayrona Park, nestled in the heart of the majestic Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia .

This unique ecosystem, at 480 to 1200 meters altitude, offers an immersive experience in one of the world’s most diverse landscapes.

Indeed, La Merecida, with 125 hectares of preserved land, is a peaceful heaven for wildlife and a project uniting environmental protection, local development, and social well-being.

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta : Top Nature Reserve to Visit in Colombia

The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is a mountain range of rare beauty, isolated from the Andes and rising to 5,775 meters, just 42 kilometers from the Caribbean Sea.

It is one of the highest coastal mountain ranges in the world, home to an impressive variety of ecosystems, from glaciers to the sea, spread across 13 distinct zones.

This exceptional diversity has earned the Sierra Nevada the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve in 1979.

Therefore, The Sierra Nevada is a unique reservoir of biodiversity, with approximately 2,100 plant species, 126 of which are endemic.

Among them, the wax palm—the national tree of Colombia and the tallest palm in the world—stands proudly in the forest, accompanied by the caracolí and the tagua palm, also known as vegetable ivory.

Furthermore the latter is especially valuable to indigenous populations who use it to create handcrafted items.

Exceptional Flora and Fauna

Wildlife Encounters in Colombia’s Nature Reserves near Tayrona

La Merecida, set within this privileged environment, is a true refuge for a wide variety of animal and plant species.

Here, you can observe majestic jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, howler monkeys and even condors soaring above these sacred mountains.

Besides, the vegetation is equally impressive. As you explore the trails of La Merecida, you will discover an incredible diversity of plants, from towering wax palms to delicate wildflowers.

Ancient trees, silent witnesses to the history of this region, will awe you with their size and majesty.

take a look at the gallery

nature reserve activities near tayrona park

A Sustainable Travel through a Nature Conservation and Reforestation Project

At La Merecida, environmental protection is at the core of our mission. We firmly believe that preserving nature is essential to ensuring a sustainable future, not only for local wildlife and flora but also for future generations.

This is why we are actively involved in reforestation projects aimed at restoring and preserving the natural habitats of this unique region.

Our environmental commitment goes beyond reforestation.

A portion of the profits generated from coffee and cocoa production, as well as from eco-tourism activities, is directly reinvested in environmental protection and reforestation initiatives.

Every visitor to La Merecida contributes, in one way or another, to the preservation of this natural treasure.

Learn more about la MERECIDA story

An Economic Model Serving the Local Community

La Merecida is also an economic project that places the local community at its heart.

We employ people from the region, providing jobs that help improve their standard of living. By supporting the local economy, we help maintain ancestral traditions and skills while creating new opportunities for younger generations.

Moreover, our environmentally friendly production methods and commitment to sustainable tourism help raise visitors’ awareness of the importance of nature conservation.

We believe that tourism can be a positive force when practiced responsibly, in harmony with the environment and local communities.

The Ancestral Culture of the Kogi Community

The Kogis, one of the most emblematic indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada, live near La Merecida, in the valleys of the Don Diego, Palomino, San Miguel, and Ancho rivers.

These people, guardians of ancestral traditions, live in traditional huts called “bohíos.” Their culture is deeply connected to nature, which they regard as a living, sacred entity.

By visiting La Merecida, you will have the unique opportunity to probably meet these guardians of the Sierra Nevada, our neighbors.

Raising Awareness Through Eco-Tourism

At La Merecida, every stay is an opportunity to reconnect with nature and rediscover a simpler, more authentic way of life.

We invite our visitors to live in harmony with the environment, to understand the importance of daily actions in protecting our planet.

Our self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle is a concrete example of what it means to live according to ecological convictions.

We hope to inspire our visitors to adopt environmentally friendly practices, not only during their stay but also once they return home.

DISCOVER our sustainable hotel

Support our Conservation Efforts in this Colombia’s Protected Nature Reserve

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Dear friends of nature,

Today we have the opportunity to expand the reserve and continue our efforts to preserve local flora and fauna. However, this requires additional resources.

To help us buy new plots of land and support our reforestation projects, we are calling on your generosity. Every donation, however small, contributes directly to protecting this fragile ecosystem and creating a more sustainable future for our planet.

Together, we can ensure that this reserve remains a natural sanctuary for future generations. Thank you in advance for your support and commitment to protecting our environment.

Birdwatching, Hiking, and More : Come Discover La Merecida, a Nature Adventure in Colombia

Whether you are a nature lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a place to rejuvenate, La Merecida offers you an unforgettable experience.

Here, every moment is an invitation to discovery, wonder, and reflection on our place in the natural world.

Join us at La Merecida, and be part of those who contribute to preserving this gem of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta for future generations.

Join Our Sustainable Journey

Experience the beauty of La Merecida while contributing to conservation efforts. Book your eco-tourism adventure today!

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