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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Colombia
Colombian World Heritage Sites · UNESCO sites in Colombia map · historical landmarks in Colombia
Colombia has 9 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List — 6 cultural, 2 natural and 1 mixed inscriptions, inscribed between 1984 and 2018. This map of UNESCO sites in Colombia covers every listing, with a short description, the inscription year and the nearest airports — the fastest way to see the country's most important historical sites and landmarks in one place.
Colombian World Heritage Sites range from Chiribiquete National Park – “The Maloca of the Jaguar” onwards; Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena was the country's first inscription, added in 1984; Chiribiquete National Park – “The Maloca of the Jaguar” is the most recent, listed in 2018; recurring threads across the list include ancient civilizations.
One inscription is transnational, shared with neighbouring countries: Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System. Start with Chiribiquete National Park – “The Maloca of the Jaguar”, Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia and Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de Mompox, then use the map above to plan a route between the rest.
- Sites
- 9
- Cultural
- 6
- Natural
- 2
- Mixed
- 1
- First inscribed
- 1984
Sites on the map
Inscriptions Colombia shares with other countries are not plotted here — you will find them in the list below.
Flying in
Airports closest to the most sites in this country.
- PPNPopayán2 sites
- SJESan José Del Guaviare1 site
- PEIPereira1 site
- CZUCorozal1 site
- APOCarepa1 site
- TCOTumaco1 site
Keep exploring
All 9 sites in Colombia
List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Colombia
Every inscription with its year and category. Open a site for its story, map location and nearest airports.
| Site | Year | Type | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiribiquete National Park – “The Maloca of the Jaguar”Chiribiquete National Park, the largest protected area in Colombia, is the confluence point of four biogeographical… | 2018 | Mixed | Chiribiquete National Park, the largest protected area in Colombia, is the confluence point of four biogeographical provinces: Amazon, Andes, Orinoco… |
| Coffee Cultural Landscape of ColombiaAn exceptional example of a sustainable and productive cultural landscape that is unique and representative of. | 2011 | Cultural | An exceptional example of a sustainable and productive cultural landscape that is unique and representative of. |
| Historic Centre of Santa Cruz de MompoxFounded in 1540 on the banks of the River Magdalena, Mompox played a key role in the Spanish colonization of northern… | 1995 | Cultural | Founded in 1540 on the banks of the River Magdalena, Mompox played a key role in the Spanish colonization of northern South America. |
| Los Katíos National ParkExtending over 72,000 ha in north-western Colombia, Los Katios National Park comprises low hills, forests and humid… | 1994 | Natural | Extending over 72,000 ha in north-western Colombia, Los Katios National Park comprises low hills, forests and humid plains. |
| Malpelo Fauna and Flora SanctuaryLocated some 506 km off the coast of Colombia, the site includes Malpelo island (350 ha) and the surrounding marine… | 2006 | Natural | Located some 506 km off the coast of Colombia, the site includes Malpelo island (350 ha) and the surrounding marine environment (857,150 ha). |
| National Archeological Park of TierradentroSeveral monumental statues of human figures can be seen in the park, which also contains many hypogea dating f. | 1995 | Cultural | Several monumental statues of human figures can be seen in the park, which also contains many hypogea dating f. |
| Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, CartagenaSituated in a bay in the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena has the most extensive fortifications in South America. | 1984 | Cultural | Situated in a bay in the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena has the most extensive fortifications in South America. |
| Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road SystemThis site is an extensive Inca communication, trade and defence network of roads covering 30,000 km. | 2014 | Cultural | This site is an extensive Inca communication, trade and defence network of roads covering 30,000 km. |
| San Agustín Archaeological ParkThe largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America stands in a wild, spectacular landsc. | 1995 | Cultural | The largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America stands in a wild, spectacular landsc. |
Frequently asked questions about World Heritage in Colombia
- How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Colombia?
- Colombia has 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 6 cultural, 2 natural and 1 mixed.
- What was the first World Heritage Site in Colombia?
- Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena was inscribed in 1984. Situated in a bay in the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena has the most extensive fortifications in South America.
- What is the newest World Heritage Site in Colombia?
- Chiribiquete National Park – “The Maloca of the Jaguar”, inscribed in 2018. Chiribiquete National Park, the largest protected area in Colombia, is the confluence point of four biogeographical provinces: Amazon, Andes, Orinoco and Guyana.
- Which sites in Colombia are natural World Heritage Sites?
- 2 of the 9 listings are natural: Los Katíos National Park and Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary.
- Which UNESCO sites in Colombia are easiest to reach?
- Each site page lists the closest airports with distance, so you can pick the gateway city first and work outwards. The "Flying in" panel on this page shows the main gateways for Colombia.
- What are the main historical sites and landmarks in Colombia?
- The 9 UNESCO-listed sites above are Colombia's internationally recognised historical sites and landmarks, starting with Port, Fortresses and Group of Monuments, Cartagena (1984). Each entry links to a full page with a map, photos and travel notes.
- Is there a map of Colombian World Heritage Sites?
- Yes — the map on this page plots all 9 Colombian UNESCO World Heritage Sites; click any marker to open that site's page.