Chingaza National Park: Hike Colombia’s Andean Wonderland
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.
Description
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. While lunch is not included, you can easily request a meal either when booking or upon arrival at the reserve. 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.
Included
- Entrance to Chingaza National Park
- Insurance
- Snack
- Bilingual Local Guide
- Breakfast
- Private 4x4 vehicle
Important information
You are visiting one of the biggest water producers on earth, so the chances of rain are high. Bring a rain jacket, hiking shoes and a complete change of clothes (including shoes). Since we have to issue the permit, contact us with some days in advance. Availability depends on the park’s carrying capacity. Overnight accommodation available upon request.
Though this park's biodiversity is huge, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to see every species present, this depends on many factors, and many times luck!
Maximum altitude of this hike may reach 4000 MASL.
Additional information
Things to bring:
- Comfortable shoes and clothes for hiking
- Rain poncho or waterproof/rain jacket.
- Snacks and fruit for the hike
- At least 1 litre of water
- Spare dry clothes
Cancellation policies
This experience can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund.
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