Abstract Soundscape ecology allows us to assess the impacts generated by human activities on biodiversity. Through the implementation of participatory community mapping combined with passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), this study identified and characterized the soundscape, using a set of acoustic diversity indices, of four Arhuaca indigenous communities along an altitudinal gradient in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia. Our results show a marked difference in the soundscape among the studied localities. We found that mid-altitude and high-altitude areas have more complex and diverse soundscapes, while low-altitude areas showed higher human disturbance. This contrasts with mid-altitude and high-altitude areas, where the good preservation of the forests and species diversity may contribute to high levels of biophony in the soundscape. This study pioneered the use of acoustic indices to better understand the different land-use practices by local communities. Thus, these findings provide important information about soundscape conservation and habitat configuration in terms of acoustic diversity, according to the land management systems. The results of the soundscape recorded are valuable for enhancing and strengthening conservation strategies and actions implemented by indigenous communities in protected areas.