Into the Clouds: Hike Colombia’s Enchanted Páramo at Ecopalacio Reserve
Travel to Ecopalacio Nature Reserve in Chinagaza and hike through the magic páramo mountains. Marvel at the frailejón valleys you cross on your way through stunning hiking trails.
Embark on a 1.5-hour journey from Bogotá, passing through the Andean highlands. Stop in La Calera to enjoy a traditional breakfast of arepas and coffee, setting the tone for the day’s adventure.
Discover the Ecopalacio Nature Reserve, a transformed former cement and limestone mine now thriving with biodiversity. Learn about its restoration and significance within the páramo ecosystem.
The tour duration is 8 hours to 10 hours.
Chingaza National Park, located just 30 km east of Bogotá at an altitude of 3,400 meters, is one of Colombia’s most biodiverse and vital ecosystems. Revered as “Mountains of the Night God” in the Muisca language, this pristine high Andean cloud forest is a crucial water source and a sacred ancestral site. On this expertly guided tour, you’ll explore the beauty and significance of the páramo, with a hike through the Ecopalacio Nature Reserve—an area once a cement and limestone mine, now transformed into a thriving habitat.
Your journey begins with a 1.5-hour scenic drive from Bogotá, including a stop at La Calera for a locally crafted breakfast of arepas and coffee. Here, you’ll meet your bilingual guide, a native of the region, who will share fascinating insights about the area’s history, wildlife, and conservation efforts. With over 186 bird species and native mammals like deer and Andean bears, the reserve offers ample opportunities to experience rare flora and fauna, including orchids, ferns, and the unique Espeletia uribei.
Before starting your hike, your guide will take time to assess your interests and preferences, ensuring you embark on the ideal trail for your style and experience level. You’ll then choose between two stunning routes—Lagunas de Buitrago or Rincón del Oso. Both trails offer an unforgettable 3 to 4.5-hour journey through diverse terrains, with opportunities to spot wildlife and discover endemic plant species. Your expert guide will share insights into the region’s biodiversity and cultural significance, creating a seamless and enriching experience.
After the hike, you’ll enjoy a comforting agua de panela and have time to refresh and change into dry clothes at the cabin. This tour offers more than just a hike; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature in a meaningful way, contributing to sustainable tourism efforts and supporting fair-trade practices. As a carbon-neutral experience, every aspect of the tour—from transportation to the curated itinerary—reflects our commitment to trust, luxury, and positive impact on local communities and the environment.
