Los Estoraques Natural Area is the smallest protected area in the country with only 6 km2 of surface. This unique area is located in the eastern mountain range of the Colombian Andean region. This area is characteristic for its rocky formations product of accelerated erosion, these formations were given thanks to water, wind and sun in a natural way. The Estoraques area is located in the department of Norte de Santander.
HOW TO GET TO THE ESTORAQUES, CÚCUTA?
This wonderful tourist destination is located in the municipality of La Playa. To get to the Natural Area Los Estoraques you have two options. You can get there from Cúcuta via Sardinata – Ábrego – La Playa. From Bucaramanga you must follow the route Ocaña – Ábrego – La Playa.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE IN THE ESTORAQUES
ThE Estoraques area is located at an altitude between 1450 and 2100 meters above sea level. This zone has an average annual temperature of 22°C with a warm temperate climate, with scarce rainfall, therefore, the vegetation in the zone is semi-desert. It is recommended to use sun block, comfortable clothes for warm weather, shoes for the walk in the area.
ATTRACTIONS IN LOS ESTORAQUES NATURAL AREA
Los Estoraques Area is a natural wonder, a landscape created by nature itself that bears witness to its imposing nature. This area receives the name of Los Estoraques thanks to a vegetable species, however, by the indiscriminate use of man, this species has been disappearing. Among the species of trees found in this area you will find butter, arrayan and encenillo, among others. On the other hand, in the fauna species you will find birds like the redfish, falcons and the squirrel bird; and mammals like foxes, wild cats and bats.
One of the main attractions in this unique area are the volcanic rock formations in the form of columns that give the visitor a beautiful landscape full of mysteries.
In the Natural Area Estoraques there is also evidence of archaeological vestiges of which it is not certain which indigenous group it belonged to, among these samples are mummies, caves, urns and petroglyphs.
One of the most singular cemeteries in the country is located in Belen Beach, since it is located in the highest part of the urban center. To get there you must use some stairs, this is somewhat complex if you load a coffin, however, for the inhabitants of the area this is a tradition with their dead.
The visitor can also find natural wells in the high area of the Unique Area, there is the ravine of the Teneria.
During your visit to the Los Estoraques Natural Area you will be able to enjoy one of the most singular and beautiful landscapes of Colombia with a very pleasant climate.
If you plan to spend the night in the middle of nature, there is also a camping area in the Estoraques.
