Los Estoraques Unique Natural Area, Protected natural area in Norte de Santander, Colombia

Los Estoraques is a protected area in the Norte de Santander Department, where dry canyons alternate with freestanding rock columns. The differences in elevation create several climate zones, where cacti grow alongside mosses.

Los Estoraques was declared an Área Natural Única in 1998, protecting a landscape of eroded brownstone columns and pedestals. Archaeological finds near the park include urns, mummies, caves with bones and petroglyphs, though no culture has been identified as their maker.

The name comes from the estoraque tree (Styrax guianensis), now absent from the area after being overharvested for medicine and soap-making. Local tradition has named rock formations such as La cueva de los Esqueletos, el Cáliz, el Barco, la Ciudad Perdida and el Sendero de la Virgen. Nearby, archaeological finds include urns, mummies, caves with bones and petroglyphs, though no culture has been identified.

The dry season runs from January to March, when most streams in the area carry no water. The park lies entirely within the municipality of La Playa de Belén, in Norte de Santander, between 1,450 and 1,900 metres, where fog often brings moisture despite the mostly dry climate.

Erosion continues to shape new columns here and constantly alters the forms of existing ones. Some rock needles wear caps of harder material that balance like hats on narrow stems.