Chingaza National Natural Park

HISTORY OF CHINGAZA NATIONAL NATURAL PARK

Chingaza National Natural Park has 50,374 hectares that were part of the lands of the Muiscas and Chibchas indigenous communities of Colombia. These communities, despite their beliefs, sanctified the waters of their lakes and mountains, these sites were places of devotion, which they respected and cared for.

Inside the Chingaza park there is a lagoon called Laguna Siecha, which was a place of worship for the indigenous people, who paid tribute to fertility and life. Since the Indians used to make gifts of gold and precious stones to their waters and mountains, this lagoon was a medium for excavations by treasure hunters. Fortunately, when the lagoon became part of the park, it was protected and currently no excavations are allowed.

It is worth mentioning that a variety of endemic species can be found in the park, among them the famous Frailejón, the plant characteristic of the South American moors.

HOW TO GET TO CHINGAZA NATIONAL NATURAL PARK?

Chingaza National Natural Park is located approximately one hour from Bogota in the eastern mountain range of the Colombian Andes. It covers the municipalities of Fómeque, Choachí, La Calera, Guasca, Junín, Gachalá and Medina (Cundinamarca) and San Juanito, El Calvario, Restrepo and Cumaral (Meta).

To get to Chingaza Park, take a bus on Calle 72 con 13 (two blocks to the right, leaving from the north entrance of the Transmilenio Calle 72 station in Bogota). The bus is bound for Guasca- La Calera, or you can take a bus on Transoriente, located on Calle 6 next to the Tercer Milenio station (too in Bogota), bound for Choachi. The bus will drop you off at the entrance to Chingaza, from there is no transportation that takes you directly to the park, so the best option is to take a walk of about an hour, about 20 kilometers. Fortunately, the route is well signposted.

If, on the other hand, you arrive by car, don’t forget to fill up your tank, since it will be impossible to get fuel near the park.

The entrance to the park is from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Departure time is at 04:00 p.m.

GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE IN CHINGAZA NATIONAL NATURAL PARK

Chingaza Park is the most important water producer in Colombia, it is located in a moorland ecosystem, with wetlands and lagoons. It is located at an altitude ranging between 1,000 and 4,000 meters above sea level, which generates a variety of thermal floors and climate. For example, the climate in the region covered by the park varies between 4.5°C and 21°C depending on its height. However, the majority of the park’s area is located at 3,300 meters above sea level, which is an average temperature of 8°C. For these reasons, it is advisable to take warm and waterproof clothing, and, depending on the weather, it is a good option to take change of clothes. On winter days, it is advisable to wear boots for hiking. The best time to visit Chingaza National Natural Park is from December to March, since it is the dry season.

ATTRACTIONS IN CHINGAZA NATIONAL NATURAL PARK

The park itself is a tourist attraction, full of impressive fauna and flora. The park shelters a variety of endemic species of fauna and flora. For example, the park is home for species of spectacled bears, Andean condors and white-tailed deer that you will be able to see, especially in the moorland area, walking freely through the landscape.

On the other hand, this park is one of the most important at a national level in terms of water; it encompasses around 40 natural lagoons, the most important of which are Laguna de Siecha and Laguna Chingaza, which have been prioritized as Conservation Object Values for the protected area.
Around the Chingaza Park you can find more than 2,000 species of flora, among them several species of swamp moss, which are an ecological wonder.

It is important to note that the number of people per day on the trail is 40 and only one sector can be visited per day despite the extension of the park.

WHAT TO DO IN CHINGAZA NATIONAL NATURAL PARK?

In Chingaza Natural Park you can do different eco-tourist activities, including hiking on any of the 6 trails you will find: Path of Laguna de Siecha, path Lagunas de Buitrago, path Cuchillas de Siecha, path Laguna Seca, path Short Suasie and Long Suasie and the path Plantas del camino.

In the park there is also the possibility of camping, as it has eight comfortable camping areas equipped with the necessary for travelers.
Inside the park you can also visit the Chuza reservoir.

It is advisable to take a first aid kit and provide yourself with high-calorie foods.

At the Laguna de Buitrago, when you reach the end of the road, there is a mountain that grows over the lagoon. It is a good option to reach the summit and see the wonderful landscape it offers.

WHERE TO STAY IN CHINGAZA NATURAL NATIONAL PARK?

The best option to stay in the National Natural Park is the camping area in Chingaza that offers, it has a dreamlike landscape, electricity, drinking water, hot water, sanitary service and parking.

COSTS

Information taken from www.parquesnacionales.gov.co in 2019
The cost of the entrance to the Chingaza National Natural Park has the following values:

The cost of parking in Chingaza National Natural Park has the following values: