Cordillera Central (Colombia)

The Cordillera Central (Central Ranges) is the highest of the three branches of the Colombian Andes. The range extends from south to north dividing from the Colombian Massif in Cauca Department to the Serranía de San Lucas in Bolivar Departments. The highest peak is Nevado del Huila at 5364 m.

Significant graphite resources exists in Cordillera Central in the form of graphite-bearing schists.

Geography
The range is bounded by the Cauca and Magdalena river valleys to the west and east, respectively.

The Cauca Valley montane forests ecoregion covers the western slope of the range. The Magdalena Valley montane forests cover the eastern slopes and the northern end of the cordillera. The Northern Andean páramo covers the highest elevations.

Highest peaks

 * Nevado del Huila - 5364 m - Cauca, Huila & Tolima
 * Nevado del Ruiz - 5311 m - Caldas & Tolima
 * Nevado del Tolima - 5215 m - Tolima
 * Nevado de Santa Isabel - 5100 m - Risaralda, Tolima & Caldas
 * Nevado del Quindio - 4760 m - Quindio, Tolima & Risaralda
 * Cerro Pan de Azucar - 4670 m - Cauca & Huila
 * Puracé - 4646 m - Cauca & Huila

Protected Areas

 * PNN Los Nevados
 * PNN Nevado del Huila
 * PNN Puracé
 * PNN Las Hermosas
 * PNN Selva de Florencia
 * SFF Otún Quimbaya
 * SFF Serranía de las Minas - proposed