Chingaza National Natural Park is a large protected natural area in the Andean highlands of Colombia. It protects a fascinating ecosystem called the páramo, which is a high-altitude tundra where glaciers alternately melt and freeze. The park attracts hikers, mountain climbers, and naturalists who come for the wildlife and plant diversity.

Lake in Chingaza National Park

Understand

Chingaza is a large national park covering an area of 76,000 hectares.

History

The park was established in 1978. Though important for wildlife management and tourism, the park is a critical component of water management for the city of Bogota. 80% of the city's water is sourced from the rivers flowing from Chingaza. During the colonial era, Spanish conquistadors drained some of the lakes because they heard tales of the Muisca people having great hordes of gold, which they would sometimes sink below the waters of the lagunas.

Landscape

The páramo is a highland ecosystem in the Andes mountains northeast of Bogota. Elevations in the park range from a low of 800 meters (2,600 feet) to a high of 4,020 meters (13,190 ft). 40 glacial lakes lie within the park, most fairly small. An indigenous group called the Muisca consider a cluster of three of these lakes, called the Lagunas Siechas to be sacred places.

The park is situated inside the Orinoco River basin and a number of tributaries have their source within the park. Bogota's largest water source is the Chuza Reservoir, located inside the park.

Flora and fauna

Andean teal in Chingaza National Park

More than 2,000 species have been cataloged in the park including a huge number of plants, hundreds of birds, and a variety of mammals and reptiles endemic to the region (or to the Andes in general).

Some of the most charismatic animals in the park are the spectacled bears, the Andean tapir, the Andean condor, and a type of wolf called the culpeo that is common throughout the Andes. The paramo is rich in wildlife and you're more likely to spot deer or monkeys than just about anything else.

Birdwatchers will be hoping for a view of the condors, but they're also likely to spot any of a number of eagles and vultures soaring on the air currents. The park is also home to turkeys, toucans and the whimsically named cock-of-the-rocks.

Several birds gravitate towards the glacial lakes. These include the purple gallinule, helmeted currasow, torrent duck, and orange-fronted parakeet as well as aquatic birds like the Andean teal.

One of the most photogenic plants in the paramo is the frailejón (also known as the espeletia). These are large succulent shrubs that look sort of like aloe but are endemic to the paramo.

Climate

Temperatures can vary wildly by elevation. Lower elevations are typically comfortable at around 20 degrees Celsius, but upper elevations have an average temperature of 4 degrees Celsius. Bring warm clothing and dress in layers.

Get in

There are three entrances to the park: Piedras Gordas, Siecha, and La Paila-Laguna de Chingaza.

Motorcycles, bicycles and ATVs are prohibited. Dogs are prohibited. Advance permits must be obtained at least 15 days before visiting. See the official park web site for details, or send email to: ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co, or phone 3532400 (ext.3011).

Entrance hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Exit by 4:00 p.m.

Fees and permits

Visitors must obtain a permit before entering the park. The number of permits is limited and varies by area of the park you intend to visit. Some trails allow 40 to 60 visitors per day, others are few as 30. See the official park web site for current limitations, permit fees, and instructions for obtaining a permit. Official park web site

Entrance fee is COP$13,500 for Colombians, COP$39,500 for foreigners.

Get around

The park is large but you are only allowed to move about one area per day and access is generally via trails. Be ready to do some hiking and be sure your boots are appropriate for wet and muddy conditions. Park roads are dirt and while graded occasionally, are prone to potholes. A 4WD truck would be appropriate.

See

• La Chorrara - impressive 600 meter high waterfall

Do

Hike. The park has six marked trails ranging from easy to challenging:

• Cuchillas de Siecha
• Lagunas de Buitrago
• Laguna Seca
• Suasie (Monterredondo sector)
• Las Plantas del Camino-Laguna de Chingaza
• Lagunas de Siecha (entrance through the Guasca municipality)

Fish. With 40 lakes and dozens of rivers and streams, there are plenty of opportunities to cast your line. The park is noted for its trout fishing, though catfish and bass are also lurking in the chilly waters. If you want to fish, inquire about fishing permits before you go.

Buy/Eat/Drink

Bring anything you might need. There are no stores or services in the park. Practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out any trash.

Sleep

There is a shelter in the park where overnight lodging is available. Designated campsites are also available and backcountry camping is allowed in some areas.

Visitors planning to camp or otherwise spend the night in the park should make arrangements in advance. Contact Corpochingaza – Corporación de Ecoturismo Comunitario. Phone +57 301-326-1114 or +57 312-427-6354.

Stay safe

Park visitors should be self-reliant as there are no stores or services within the park and there is no cell phone service.

Go next

• Cocuy National Park
• Puracé National Natural Park
• Colombian national parks