Isla Gorgona, Pacific island in Cauca Department, Colombia
Gorgona Island stretches 9 kilometers in length and 2.5 kilometers in width, encompassing 26 square kilometers of land area in the Colombian Pacific Ocean.
Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro named the island in 1527 after encountering numerous snakes during his exploration of the Pacific coast.
From 1960 to 1984, the island operated as Colombia's maximum security prison, housing dangerous inmates in a facility similar to Alcatraz.
Visitors can access the island through boat services departing from either Guapi or Buenaventura ports, with guided tours available through authorized operators.
The waters surrounding Gorgona National Natural Park host annual migrations of humpback whales and contain extensive coral reef formations.
Location: Insular Region
Elevation above the sea: 252 m
Website: https://islagorgona.co
GPS coordinates: 2.97139,-78.18444
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:50
Colombia presents geographic diversity that spans Caribbean coastlines, Andean highlands, Pacific forests, and eastern plains. The country encompasses colonial architecture in towns like Barichara and Mompox, where centuries-old stone buildings and churches reflect Spanish heritage. Natural formations include the Tatacoa Desert with its red sandstone canyons, the seasonal colors of Caño Cristales river, and the coastal dunes at Punta Gallinas marking South America's northernmost point. Coffee-growing regions such as Jardín preserve traditional Antioquian architecture, while islands like Providencia and Gorgona protect coral reefs and marine ecosystems in both Caribbean and Pacific waters. From the arid landscapes of La Guajira Desert inhabited by Wayuu communities to the neo-Gothic architecture of Las Lajas Sanctuary bridging a river canyon, these locations demonstrate the country's contrasts. Visitors can explore mountain trails, observe astronomical phenomena in clear desert skies, discover colonial goldsmithing traditions, and witness humpback whale migrations. Each destination contributes to understanding Colombia's environmental and cultural range, offering experiences that vary from remote wilderness areas to well-preserved historical settlements across different elevations and climates.
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