Tag: Chingaza

What you should consider when you visit Chingaza National Natural Park

Posted on by Frank59872

All travelers staying in Bogota should devote a day or two to visit “the great source of water” – Chingaza National Park. This huge park offers the most stunning views just a couple of hours from the capital of Colombia. The area is of great ecosystemic and cultural importance in the region and offers a great nature experience. 

In this post, you will find all the information you need to know to visit the Chingaza National Natural Park in Colombia, such as how to get there, what you can do in the park, where to stay, how much it costs and some recommendations for your trip. 

Discovering Chingaza National Park 

In the Eastern Cordillera, east of Bogota, an incredibly important ecosystem functions in a territory formerly worshipped by the Muisca indigenous. It is Chingaza, a National Natural Park of 76,600 hectares that provides 80% of the drinking water of Bogota – the capital and largest city in Colombia. Amazing, right? This region is a water factory thanks to its paramos, Andean forests, lagoons, creeks and rivers, and is nicely embellished with unique Frailejones. 

The paramo ecosystem is native to the Andean mountains in Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Peru and extends from 3200 to 5000 MASL. “The paramos play a fundamental role in sustaining the lives of millions of people, providing essential ecosystem services such as water production for urban use, irrigation and hydropower generation. Paramo‘s soils and vegetation provide efficient forms of carbon storage and sequestration” (IUCN, 2010). What makes Colombia so special is that it is home to most paramos in the world, including the largest paramo on earth Sumapaz! After this parenthesis, you should know that climate change and human activity are endangering the paramos. Livestock and agriculture – especially potato crops in nearby areas, are the main threats to the Chingaza páramo. 

In Chingaza, you will find over 60 lagoons of glacial origin that impress with their crystal-clear waters. You will feel lucky to drink such pure water! The largest and most important lagoon culturally is Chingaza lagoon, at 3250 m (10600 ft) ASL. The three Siecha lagoons are quite tourist-attractive too. Lagoons, mountains, and water were sacred worship sited for the Muiscas, where they made offerings. In their language, Chingaza means Serranía del Dios de la Noche (God of the Night Mountain Range). 

Chingaza is also a haven for native flora and fauna. The park covers areas up to 4000 m (13120 ft) ASL, so the animals and plants that inhabit these zones are capable of withstanding extreme conditions such as temperatures as low as 4°C (39°F) and constant rainfall. This means that the flora and fauna that you see here are endemic to this ecosystem. There are over 2000 plant species and around 390 bird species reported in Chingaza National Park. A number of mammals and frogs are found here too. 

How to get to Chingaza 

Chingaza is located a couple of hours from Bogota by car. There are 3 access points to Chingaza NNP: 

Guasca access: the Siecha control post is located 15 kilometers from the town of Guasca. You can only reach Lagunas de Siecha from this entrance. 

  • Private vehicle access: Route Guasca – La Trinidad rural settlement-San Francisco sector. After passing the Paso Hondo site, take the detour where you will find a signal indicating vehicle parking. From there, continue on foot for 1 kilometer until you reach the park cabin. No parking is available at the cabin. Vehicles are to remain on the road as indicated. This trip is recommended on a 4×4 vehicle. The distance between Guasca and the parking location is 14 kilometers. 
  • Public transportation access: Take a bus or taxi in Guasca to Paso Hondo, at La Trinidad rural settlement. The bus will drop you at Paso Hondo, from where you must continue on foot for 6 kilometers (1.5 hours) to the Siecha control post. Hikers are advised to be extra careful due to the transit of food-loaded trucks. 

La Calera access: La Calera urban center – Cemento Samper ruins – Buenos Aires rural settlement – Piedras Gordas control post (22 km from La Calera). Continue for 28 kilometers to the Monterredondo administrative center. Access through this sector is only possible by private vehicle. No public transportation access exists.  

  • Private vehicle access: Route La Calera – Guasca. After 1 kilometer, take the detour on the right (passing the old Cemento Samper facilities-La Siberia), and then follow the road directions to the Chingaza Natural National Park. Although the road is not paved, it is in good condition, so cars, jeeps, and buses can drive here. 

Fomeque access: starting from the Fomeque urban center, continue for 26 kilometers, passing through the La Paila-Laguna de Chingaza control post, continue for 28 kilometers to the Monterredondo administrative center. 

  • Private vehicle access: Fomeque – La Paila control post. 26 km on the road to San Juanito, Meta. You should take this land access in a private 4x4 vehicle or hire one at Fomeque.  
  • Public transportation access: There is a route from Fomeque to San Juanito, Meta which passes by the La Paila control post on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. However, this route does not return the same day and there is no camping or accommodation available. 

What to do in Chingaza 

Hiking: 5 hiking trails currently exist: Lagunas de Siecha trail, Lagunas de Buitrago trail, Laguna Seca trail, Suasie trail, and Las Plantas del Camino – Laguna de Chingaza trail. The hikes along these trails let tourists admire the stunning cloudy landscapes with crystalline lagoons and a bunch of Frailejones while learning about the ecosystem, its importance and the cosmology of past inhabitants of the region including the Muiscas, Guayupes and farmers. There are also 3 viewpoints: La Arboleda, La Ye (from where you can see the Chingaza lagoon) and Mirador de los Condores. 

Wildlife observation: In Chingaza, you can spot animals such as the white-tail deer (Odocoileus virginianus) – the largest species of deer in Colombia, which you will mostly find in pairs sneaking through the vegetation. Also, you can find the little red brocket, mountain paca, the endemic Pristimantis dorado frog and the puma. The main attraction of the park is the Andean bear, though. Also known as the Spectacled bear, the vulnerable species Tremarctos ornatos is actually difficult to spot because it is solitary and elusive. However, you can always trace it by tracks on the ground, scratches on trees, beds made of leaves and other signs. 

Flora observation: Among the 2000 species of plants in Chingaza, 5 are Frailejones. There is even an endemic species called Espeletia uribei, one of the tallest in the world since it reaches up to 18 meters. The Chingaza orchid (Telipogon falcatus) is a small, beautiful epiphyte orchid, which means that it grows on the surface of a plant. 

Birdwatching: As mentioned above, around 390 species of birds have been recorded in Chingaza. Occasionally, on clear days, majestic Andean condors (Vultur gryphus) can be spotted soaring over the paramo from Mirador de los Cóndores. Other representative birds are the masked trogon (Trogon personatus) and the endemic Flame-winged parakeet (Pyrrhura calliptera). 

Where to stay in Chingaza 

You can make day trips to Chingaza, but there are two options for accommodation in case you want to spend an entire weekend away from the city. 

Camping: There is a camping zone in the Monterredondo sector equipped with parking, electric power, and bathrooms with drinking and hot water. 

Dorm in a cabin: Also, in the Monterredondo sector you will find a cabin managed by Corpochingaza, a community tourism organization in charge of the ecotourism services in the park. 

Entrance fees to Chingaza 

The entrance fee to Chingaza National Natural Park varies depending on the nationality and age of the visitors. These are the entrance fees for 2020: 

  • Colombians, resident foreigners and tourists from Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru (ages 5 to 25): COP 16,500 
  • Colombians, resident foreigners and tourists from Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru (over 25 years old): COP 20,000 
  • Non-resident foreigners (over 5 years old): COP 53,500 
  • Children under 5 years old and Colombians over 65 years old have free entrance. 

Additionally, depending on the vehicle you enter to the park in, you have a different fee: 

  • Car: COP 14,500  
  • Van (Colectivo): COP 37,000  
  • Bus: COP 78,000  
  • Motorcycle: COP 10,000 

What you should consider when you visit 

  • Visitors must purchase an all-risk policy for entering and staying in the protected area. 
  • You must file an entrance request at least 15 before your visit. 
  • The trip to Chingaza is only possible with a private car. If you don’t have one, contact a local tourism agency that organizes transportation for you. Having said that, the access roads are unpaved and care must be taken while driving. 
  • Plan a 2-day or 3-day trip to Chingaza if you want to hike several trails to explore more of the park. Distances are long and the weather is variable. 
  • Entrance hours are from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm. You must leave the park by 4:00 pm if you are not sleeping there. 
  • Only 40 people are allowed per trail, except for the short Suasie trail – which allows 80 people, and Lagunas de Siecha trail – with capacity for 60 people. 
  • If you are camping in the park, make sure the equipment is suitable for high mountain environments. 
  • Wear cold weather, waterproof clothes in layers (so you can peel off when necessary). This includes hiking boots or rubber boots since the trails can be very muddy. 
  • Use sunscreen! Even if you think you don’t need it because it is cloudy. Also, a pair of sunglasses doesn’t hurt. 
  • Don’t feed the deer and any other animal in the park! This is for their sake. 
  • Don’t throw any garbage or take your garbage with you. 

References 

  • Album Jet Vive la Aventura Colombia – Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, National Geographic, Compañía Nacional de Chocolates 
  • National Parks Colombia
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature IUCN 

About the authors.

Ana María Parra

Current content writer for Sula. Modern Languages professional with emphasis on business translation. Interested in cultural adaptation of written and audiovisual content.  Passionate about knowing new cultures and languages, tourism and sustainable living.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

9 Destinations for Trekking and Mountaineering in Colombia  

Posted on by Frank59872

Trekking and mountaineering in Colombia are becoming more popular among all tourists, not only backpackers. This is because these activities provide a different experience that allows people to connect with nature while discovering incredible places. Both require a good physical condition though, so think of this when planning an expedition!  

Colombia offers many trails for go trekking or mountaineering, from the world’s highest coastal mountain in the Caribbean coast to rock hills in the Amazon and some of the greatest snowy peaks in the imposing Andes mountain range that splits into 3 branches in Colombian ground. 

If you are an adventurous traveler, you need to know the diverse trails for trekking and mountaineering in Colombia. Here they are! 

1. The Lost City  

Lost City, or Teyuna, is the greatest archaeological finding in Colombia. This ancient indigenous civilization was built in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, along the Buritaca river, by the Tayrona culture.

Over 200 stone structures including interconnected roads, stairs, terraces, canals, and ceremonial buildings are the remnants of the city, which was forcibly abandoned during the Spanish colonization. 

The round trip is 50 km long approximately and to enter, you must climb a 1,200 step stone stairway through the forest. This unique trek experience takes an average of 4 days but goes up to 6 depending on your physical level and stops done during the trip.

You will not only challenge your body but get to interact with Kogui local indigenous group and discover the immense biodiversity that inhabits this sanctuary. No need to say more, live the Lost City trek yourself! 

2. Tayrona National Natural Park  

The foothills of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta merge into the intense blue-colored Caribbean sea, forming gorgeous white sanded beaches surrounded by mangroves and dense jungle with many endemic fauna and flora species. This is the breathtaking landscape you can appreciate in Tayrona. 

To get to the camping zone from the entrance, you need to take a 2-hour hike and there are other trekking trails:

  • The Kogui trail or Knowledge route from Cañaveral to Arrecife lasts 1 hour and has a low difficulty level.
  • The Arrecifes – Boca del Saco trail, also moderate and 2-hour long, in which you can pass by Playa Arrecifes, La Piscina and Cabo de San Juan del Guia. 
  • Another popular trek is Pueblito, something like the mini version of Lost City where Kogui families live. 

3. Los Nevados National Natural Park 

Los Nevados National Natural Park is in the Central mountain range of the Andes and comprises the three coldest thermal floors.

This means that here you can get to know Andean forest, paramo, and glacier ecosystems. 38 nearby municipalities and crop fields are provided with water thanks to the rivers that descend from the paramos and glaciers in the park. 

The snowy mountains that belong to this protected area are Ruiz, Tolima, Santa Isabel, and El Cisne, Quindio, and Santa Rosa paramillos, which form the greatest volcano complex in the country.

Many tourists visit this park to climb to the highest peaks of these mountains that go up to 5,300 meters above sea level!  

Currently, Nevado del Ruiz presents volcanic activity so access is restricted. Here are the two snowy mountains within the park you can climb to. 

4. Tolima and Santa Isabel Snow-capped Mountains

With its peak at 5,220 MASL, Nevado del Tolima is one of the two currently available options for mountaineering in Colombia.

The excursions take 4 days in total and usually start from Ibague or Salento. When you get to the summit, a view over Los Nevados Park and the Magdalena valley will take your breath away -on sunny days, of course.

This is one of the most demanding treks in Colombia because of its steep slopes and only experienced mountaineers should attempt to climb to the 2.8 km2 glacier.  

Located between the snowy volcanoes of Tolima and Ruiz, Santa Isabel is the lowest snowy mountain in Colombia.

Unlike others, it does not have a conic structure with a crater but a set of domes created by lava outpouring that allows the glacier thermal floor to existing. Poleka Kasue, as the Quimbaya indigenous culture called it, has its highest peak on the central summit at 4,968 meters above sea level.

Unfortunately, it suffered deglaciation in recent years, passing from 1.9 km2 to 0.5 km2 in 10 years. In fact, IDEAM studies have determined that it would take only a decade for this glacier to become extinct. 

The trip to Santa Isabel’s summit starts from Pereira, Santa Rosa de Cabal, or Manizales and takes 1 or 2 days to the summit.

Among the attractions of the trek is the viewpoint of Laguna del Otún and Paramillo del Quindío, and the gorgeous paramo landscapes that boast a frailejones valley and endemic flora and fauna species.

Once again, it is recommended to have experience in mountaineering and take all the safety precautions. 

5. Puracé National Natural Park 

Another Andean volcanic zone, this time declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this is Puracé NNP.

The Coconucos volcanic range has 11 volcanoes, among which Puracé is the only active one. The Magdalena, Cauca, Patía, and Caquetá rivers (some of the main rivers in Colombia) originate in this mountain, along with around 30 crystalline lagoons and several sulfur springs for hot baths.

It is located in the Cauca department and its name means “fire mountain” in the Quechua language, spoken by the homonymous indigenous culture that protects the territory. Puracé is a privileged spot for those looking for the majestic Andean condor, which soars over the paramo ecosystem. 

Departing early from Popayan, a road takes you to the park entrance, where you will find various trekking trails: one directly to the volcano and others with lower difficulty that pass by its beautiful water bodies and are 20 km long approximately. The landscape is stunning and the park is quite calm. 

6. El Cocuy National Natural Park  

Sierra Nevada of Güicán, El Cocuy, and Chita is the largest glacier mass in Colombia: within two mountain ranges it has over 20 snow peaks from 4,800 to 5,330 meters above sea level, Ritacuba Blanco being the highest.

It is located in the departments of Arauca and Boyacá and is sacred territory for the Uwa indigenous community, because of this there are some restricted areas.

This trek is particularly stunning cause you can find waterfalls, lagoons, important rivers such as the Magdalena or the Orinoco, frailejones, Andean condors, spectacled bears, and white-tailed deer! An unbelievable view. 

Mountain climbers of all levels visit the park to go trekking for 5 days usually, although now there are simpler trails for one-day hikes that start from El Cocuy municipality. However, it is better to be in good shape for any trekking trail, especially at such high altitudes. 

Notice: Since February 10th, 2020, El Cocuy NNP closed temporarily due to public order issues. Check its status on the web page before your trip. 

7. Chingaza National Natural Park

Chingaza páramo is a National Natural Park on the Eastern range of the Andes, between the departments of Cundinamarca and Meta.

Here you will face a cloudy environment hiding the blue sky, which reflects on the lakes surrounded by frailejones. Plus, it is possible to spot spectacled bears, deer, pumas, páramo tapirs, Andean condors, and Andean Cock-of-the-rock in the lower areas near Villavicencio.  

Trekking trips start from Guasca or La Calera municipalities and depending on the starting point, you will get to different lagoons. These water bodies were sacred to the former inhabitants, Muisca indigenous communities.

Among the most famous ones are the Siecha Lagoons, three small glacial lakes with high biodiversity around them. The maximum height you can reach is 3,800 meters above sea level and the route to the lagoons can be done in 1 day. This is an excellent option for practicing trekking near Bogota. 

8. Mavecure hills  

In the Guainia department, part of the Colombian Amazon region, three majestic rock hills rise from a pristine jungle by the Inirida river.

El Mono, El Pajarito, and Mavecure belong to the millenary Guiana Shield and can be reached by boat on a 3-hour trip from Puerto Inírida, the capital. Out of the three majestic black rounded hills, you can only climb Mavecure, which is 170 meters high.

Although it is not a really demanding hike that takes about an hour, the experience of sailing the river for hours and exploring a remote natural territory makes it a whole adventure. 

Take into account that this is a tropical zone and the weather here is hot, therefore you should be vaccinated against tetanus and yellow fever, also you should dress properly (long pants and rain boots) and keep with you a piece of basic safety equipment.   

9. Chicaque Natural Park 

Just 30 minutes away from Bogota, this eco-park covered by cloud forest offers several hiking trails for all adventurers. Although the routes individually do not take much time, there are over 20 km (12.5 miles) of hiking trails that you can complete in over 1 day, if you stay there, whether in camping zones, the hostel, cabins, or treehouses.  

After going into the forest, you can get to the Eagle’s peak, a viewpoint at 2,290 MASL from where you can see the Tequendama region and the snow-capped peaks of Los Nevados NNP on clear days.

Other trails are:

  • Roquedal, 667-meter long trail of high difficulty;
  • Butterflies, 1.6 km trail that leads to the hostel;
  • Oak Forest, 2.5 km trail surrounded by 30-meter oak trees;
  • Waterfall, 3.5 km long trail of high difficulty with a 70-meter high gorge; and the 
  • Colonial trail, 1.5 km long which was used by Muisca and Panche natives to connect the Bogota plateau with the Magdalena valley in the pre-Columbian era.

It is worth visiting Chicaque park on the outskirts of Colombia’s capital. 

These were 10 destinations to go trekking and mountaineering in Colombia in different regions of the country: the Caribbean coast, the Andes mountain range in the central region, and the Amazon jungle to the south.

From tropical to cloud forests, moorlands, and glaciers, trekking in Colombia is always a new adventure! 

If you want to know more about the most incredible natural destinations in Colombia, plan your trip with us!

References 
About the author.

Ana María Parra

Modern Languages professional with an emphasis on business translation. Interested in the cultural adaptation of written and audiovisual content.  Passionate about knowing new cultures and languages, tourism, and sustainable living.