This paper explores the use of remote sensing techniques for the planning of sustainable crops in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Colombia), in areas affected by deforestation caused by the spread of illicit crops. Remote sensing, digital cartography and satellite images were used to identify the places affected with coca crops; followed by a vegetation quality analysis using the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). This observation, combined with the test and modelling of environmental indices such as, hydrometeorological parameters (temperature, precipitation and relative humidity) were used to select sustainable crops to be considered in a simulation model for the study area. The results revealed that the range of NDVI index where coca crops are found is between 0.36 to 0.51; In addition, the results of the mathematical programming model recommend that mechanized rice, plantain and cassava should be cultivated, as substitute alternatives that maximize the profits and availability of farmers, according to the agroclimatic conditions that allow the development of sustainable crops.The analytic protocol and the results of this work have the potential to better inform illegal crop substitution policy, the strategic planning of economic inclusion for the affected communities, and to inform and optimize the impact of field interventions, both, in the short and long term.