Chingaza, The Mountain of Water - Ecopalacio Nature 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. Book now!
Description
Chingaza is located 30km east of Bogotá at an altitude of 3400masl. A unique and pristine ecosystem of the high Andean cloud forest that plays a crucial role in sustaining the balance of the the planet. Chingaza in native Muisca language means "Mountains of the night god."
We will visit Ecopalacio Nature Reserve which is a former cement and lime stone mine that operated from 1933 to 1999. The reserve is just next to the National Park offering a network of hiking trails where visitors will have the opportunity to be in close contact with its unique flora species like Espeletia uribei, a large variety of orchids, ferns and much more. The reserve has had a remarkable recovery and now has 186 documented species of birds and a handful of native mammals like deer, Andean bears and small felines that you might be able to see.
The trip starts at 7:00 am from your hotel in Bogota and will begin a 1.5 hours drive towards the east of the Capital. Half of the way, you will make a stop at La Calera, meet your bilingual guide and have a taste of the local arepas with coffee. The guides, native to this region and with an in-depth knowledge of flora and fauna, will highlight fascinating aspects of the route and will tell you anecdotes related to the native cultures, the former town and mine and traditional farming communities of the area.
The actual walking path may vary depending on the amount of people on the reserve - there are two main paths; the orchid trail or Tunjos and the path of the Andean Bear. Either is stunning and with a similar level of difficulty. Each trails takes between 3 - 4.5 hours depending on the pace and stops during the way, as you will have a deep understanding of the different varieties of plants.
After the walk, you may return to the cabin to use the facilities and have a comforting agua de panela. Here you will have the chance of using restrooms and change to warm and dry clothes and shoes (bring a spare change of clothes because the chances of getting wet are very high).
Lunch is optional and may be ordered after booking.
Included
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- Local Guide for the hike.
- Permit paperwork and entrance fees to the national park.
- All mentioned snacks and beverages (without lunch).
Not Included
- Guide in the language of your preference ( You can book guidance as an add-on)
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(Free cancellation available)
This experience can be cancelled up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
