Nature & natural history museums in Colombia

The Joaquin Antonio Uribe Botanical Garden of Medellín, often referred to as the Botanical Garden of Medellín, is a sprawling 14-hectare botanical garden located in Medellín, Colombia. This expansive green space is a haven for nature lovers and offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

The Hacienda Nápoles estate was not just a residence, but a complex that included a Spanish colonial house, a sculpture park, and a complete zoo housing a variety of animals. Additionally, the estate boasted a large collection of vintage and luxury cars and bikes, a private airport, and even a Formula 1 racing track, reflecting the lavish lifestyle of its owner.

The Barranquilla Zoo, located in Barranquilla, Colombia, is home to a variety of animal species. Operated by the Botanical and Zoological Foundation of Barranquilla, it provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe and learn about diverse wildlife in a safe and controlled environment.

The Tequendama Falls Museum of Biodiversity and Culture is a unique combination of a museum and mansion located in San Antonio del Tequendama, Colombia. The museum is situated in a prime location, overlooking the stunning Tequendama Falls on the Bogotá River. This provides visitors with a breathtaking view and an opportunity to learn about the biodiversity and culture of the region.

Zoológico Santacruz is situated in the municipality of San Antonio del Tequendama, in the department of Cundinamarca. It is located 9 km away from Salto del Tequendama, amidst a natural environment. The average temperature of the area ranges from 18 to 22 °C, and it is at an elevation of 1860 m above sea level.

Bioparque Los Ocarros is situated just 3 kilometers away from the city of Villavicencio, Vía Restrepo, Villavicencio Meta-Colombia. The park covers an area of 5.8 hectares, making it a spacious location for visitors to explore and enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

The Geosciences Museum, previously known as the Mineralogy Museum, is situated in the city of Medellín, Colombia. It is part of the Faculty of Mines of the National University of Colombia. The museum serves as an academic resource for Earth sciences, providing free access to a wide range of exhibits including minerals, fossils, and rocks, as well as information about the Earth, its processes, and resources.

The Museo del Mar, located in Bogotá, Colombia, is a unique institution dedicated to marine life and its study. Established in the 1960s by the Faculty of Marine Sciences at the Jorge Tadeo Lozano University, the museum serves as a platform for students and the public to gain a deeper understanding of marine life. It showcases a variety of marine species, skeletons, and fossils, providing a comprehensive view of the marine ecosystem.

The Museo Paleontológico de Villa de Leyva is a significant paleontological museum located in the municipality of Villa de Leyva, Colombia. It forms part of the National University of Colombia's museum collection and is affiliated with the Faculty of Sciences in Bogotá. The museum serves as an academic, educational, historical, and dissemination center, showcasing part of Colombia's past and present heritage, particularly from the Villa de Leyva region.

The National Geological Museum "José Royo y Gómez" in Bogota is a specialized institution dedicated to the fields of geology and paleontology. It is part of the Colombian Geological Service (SGC), a national body responsible for studying and promoting knowledge about the geological resources of Colombia. The museum's collection, which ranges between 40,000 and 50,000 pieces, provides a comprehensive overview of the country's geological and paleontological heritage.

The University of Antioquia Museum is a public cultural institution that is situated on the campus of the University of Antioquia in Medellín, Colombia. It is a significant cultural center that houses over forty thousand museum objects spread across four collections. The museum is one of the most visited in Medellín, offering a variety of programs and activities that enhance its educational, cultural, and social functions.

The Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia (MHN) is a university museum situated in Bogota. It is located within the campus of the Ciudad Universitaria, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum is part of the Faculty of Sciences and is housed in the building of the Institute of Natural Sciences.

The Museo Arqueológico de Soacha Nueva Esperanza, located in Comuna 2 Soacha Central, is a museum specializing in pre-Hispanic themes. It has been open to the public since 2018, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the rich pre-Hispanic history of the region.

Florencia, a city in the Caquetá region, is home to several museums that hold local and regional significance. These museums primarily focus on themes related to the history of the Caquetá department, offering visitors a deep dive into the region's past and cultural heritage.