National park · Colombia
Los Katios National ParkParque Nacional Los Katios
Enter Los Katios National Park for a day hike: pay the entry fee (check), walk the main boardwalk trail (≈1–2 km (0.6–1.2 mi), easy) in the dry season (Dec–Apr) and return the same day.Enter Los Katios National Park for a day hike: pay the entry fee (check), walk the main boardwalk trail (≈0.6–1.2 mi (1–2 km), easy) in the dry season (Dec–Apr) and return the same day.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²)
approximate
Established
1973
Best months
Dec–Apr
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 10Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Colombia ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Migración Colombia or a Colombian consulate; some travellers must complete an online migration form before arrival.
- Colombia ↗Security advice lists specific departments and border areas: check your own government's advice for every place on your route, including coastal roads.
- Colombia ↗Never accept drinks, food or cigarettes from strangers, and be careful with people met on dating apps: drugging (including with scopolamine) followed by robbery is a known risk.
- Colombia ↗Fill in Check-MIG only on the official Migración Colombia site; it is free, and lookalike sites charge a fee.
- Pacifica ↗Expect heavy rain year-round; pack quick-dry layers and a dry bag for boats.
- Pacifica ↗Parts of the Pacific lowlands are malaria-risk areas; check current advice and prophylaxis with a travel clinic before you go.
- Pacifica ↗Boat schedules and departures change with tides and weather; confirm the day before and travel in daylight.
At a glance
- Country
- Colombia
- Area
- 150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²)
- Park area reported as about 150 km²; official sources give varying figures for land vs water components (check).
- Established
- 1973
- Best months
- Dec–Apr
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Medellín
Los Katios National Park lies in Colombia’s Pacific lowlands within the Darien Gap, featuring extensive swampy wetlands and mangrove forests. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage nomination and offers birdwatching and easy boardwalk trails through remote ecosystems.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 2021Part of the Darien Gap UNESCO World Heritage nomination.
Size and age
150 km² (58 sq mi)58 sq mi (150 km²) · national park since 1973
Park area reported as about 150 km²; official sources give varying figures for land vs water components (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Medellín.
Why go
- Swampy wetlands and mangrove forest in the Pacific lowlands.
- Birdwatching for endemic species in a remote region.
When to go
- JanBest
- FebBest
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepCaution
- OctGo
- NovGo
- DecBest
- JulRainy season, trails muddy.
- AugRainy season, high river levels.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlet ibis, boat-billed heron, and endemic mangrove hummingbirdsOct–Jun | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
| Howler monkeysOct–Jun | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Main visitor area | Boardwalk trail, observation platforms, visitor centre. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Remote wetlands | Extended trails, birdwatching points, limited access. | Guided only. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates approximate, based on park gate location.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult) | COP 15,000–25,000 | person | check |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for any trail beyond the main boardwalk.
- Camping
- Not allowed in the park; use nearby villages.
- Fires
- Open fires prohibited; use designated stoves.
Where to stay
Near the park
San José village
Basic guesthouses and small hotels a few km from the gate.
Safety
Mosquito-borne diseases medium
River flooding high
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Boardwalk trail is wheelchair‑compatible with assistance.
- Remote trails are uneven and not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Support community‑run guesthouses in San José.
- Do not feed wildlife; keep to marked trails.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Los Katios National Park?
Entry is 15 000–25 000 COP per adult (check the latest fee on the park’s official site).
What are the best hikes in Los Katios National Park?
The main boardwalk trail (1–2 km, easy) and the extended birdwatching loop (3–4 km, moderate) are the most accessible.
When is the best time to visit Los Katios National Park?
The dry season from December to April offers the best trail conditions and wildlife viewing.
Can I camp inside Los Katios National Park?
Camping is not permitted; stay in nearby villages such as San José.
Do I need a guide for the boardwalk trail?
No guide is required for the boardwalk; a guide is mandatory for any off‑trail routes.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Los Katios National Park
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