Colombia has a number of amazing statistics: some of the world’s greatest biodiversity, nearly 20% of all known bird species, the most amphibians, around half of all the known ecosystems on the planet. There are so many enviable numbers associated with Colombia that it’s tough to narrow anything down to one humble blog post, so we’re not going to try; instead, over the coming weeks we’re going to be breaking our adopted homeland down into numbers and facts, expressing the incredible realities that make Colombia so magical…This week: Colombia’s tallest, well…everything!
Highest Mountain – Pico Cristobal Colon & Pico Simon Bolivar
We’re starting with a tie: these two giant peaks in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range are almost exactly the same height at an estimated 5,700 meters. Both have permanent snowcaps and are located incredibly close to the Caribbean, which can make for some pretty unique vistas. The best way to see them is to hike up to the higher elevations of the Sierra early in the morning when they are less likely to be shrouded in cloud. Really lucky flyers can occasionally see the peaks in bright sun on a flight into Santa Marta…
Highest Volcano – Nevado del Huila
At 5,364 meters this volcano in Huila department is just about the highest in the country (narrowly beating Caldas’ Nevado del Ruiz). It can be seen on a clear day from the city of Cali, and has shown signs of activity as recently as 2008 when it erupted, after laying dormant for almost 500 years. Visiting this volcano can be tricky due to this activity; maybe a volcano is one of those things better seen from a distance…like sharks and in-laws!
Tallest Tree – Quindio Wax Palm
I’m cheating a bit with this on, because technically a palm isn’t a tree, but Colombia calls this endemic palm the national tree, so, as far as I’m concerned, they started it! These giant palms can tower over visitors to the Cocora Valley in Quindio at heights of up to 60 meters. They only grow wild in this one valley Colombia’s Coffee Region, and visitors can wander in peace among them…the only risk is neck pain!
Tallest Building – Torre Colpatria
Colombia isn’t exactly known for it’s massive skyscrapers; in fact, there is no building in the country that clears 200 meters. However, the title of Tallest Building is staying right here in Bogota, with the Torre Colpatria, which stands at 196 meters, just 4 meters higher than it’s closest challenger, the Centro de Comercio Internacional (also in the capital). The observation deck at Colpatria offers memorable views of the city, and the face of the building is illuminated at night.
Highest Town – Vetas, Santander
Being an Andean country Colombia has a large number of pretty high-altitude towns and cities, but the title of highest goes to the little town of Vetas, in the north-east of Santander department. With a population of just over 1,700 people, Vetas is hardly a well-known or large place (we couldn’t even find a good photo of the place to use!), but at an altitude of 3,350 meters-above-sea-level, it clearly holds the title of highest town. The Top 10 is dominated by Narino department with 6 entries, but it’s Santander that takes the crown.
Chris
