The Sierra Nevada has a surface area of 17,000 km2 and it is considered to be the highest coastal mountain mass. Its formation took place over one hundred million years ago when large reptiles roamed the earth. Its triangular base has three sides one which faces north, another to the east, and the third to the southeast. The Sierra Nevada claims the highest mountaintops in Colombia: Bolivar has an altitude of 5,775 m, S.N.M and Colon with an altitude of 5,770m.

The diversity in climate in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta favors the existence of an astonishing array of animals and plants. It is possible to say that within the Sierra you may find the complete spectrum of environmental conditions and ecological niches which not only pertain to Colombia, but to tropical terrain worldwide. The altitude and the influence of oceanic winds on the northern and eastern slopes determine its general climate.