Sustainable Tourism Bogotá
Lodging
This tour includes one night of accommodation inside the National Park. We offer a small private room with shared bathrooms fitted with warm electric showers. The mountain lodge is simple yet clean, without heating and fitted with the basics to spend the night. Pending availability, there is also a wooden private cabin with a private bathroom (extra cost).
Last minute tour requests are not always possible to fulfill. We recommend making your reservation several weeks ahead of time given the few rooms available and high demand for them.
Weather
Daytime temperatures at Chingaza National Park range between 7ºC and 16ºC but at night it can drop near 0ºC. Weather is unpredictable with quick changes between wind, rain and strong tropical sun. The driest months in Chingaza are December through March and the wettest months are June through August. Every other month is a mixture of sun, cold wind and light showers. By default, the páramo ecosystem is a moist environment and you can expect muddy trails and humid conditions most of the year.
Location
Chingaza is located North East of Bogotá, 2.5 hours from our departure point in Bogotá (45 km). All roads within the reserve are dirt roads, uneven and bumpy. Because of low atmospheric pressure at high elevations (>3000 m.a.s.l.) you should spend at least one night in Bogotá or at a similar altitude prior to joining this tour.
You should NOT join this tour the same day that you arrive from overseas travel or low lying areas unless you are coming from a high altittude location (+2000 m.a.s.l.)
Difficulty
Chingaza is a prime location for wildlife viewing and birdwatching in the Andes mountains and the crown jewel of Colombia's National Park System for ecological restoration and stewardship. In the past some of it's mountains served as a sand mine and grazing grounds, but nowadays it boasts the highest concentration of Spectacled Bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in the region! Other species include a couple of condors, cougars, cuys, ocelots and a myriad of bird species.
Most trails within the reserve are of easy access and a lot of the birdwatching and wildlife viewing can be done from the comfort of the vehicle or through short nature walks. This tour is designed for landscape viewing and wildlife spotting rather than long trekking. If you are looking for challenging hikes we recommend the Siecha lagoon trek or a cloud forest excursion instead.
Because of high altittude this tour is recommended for visitors between 6 and 69 years-old. If anybody in your party is younger or older please let us know ahead of time. Most of Chingaza is 3 to 4 hours away from the closest medical center by vehicle.
Target Species
Spectacled bear, White-tailed Deer, Andean Condor, Blue-throated Starfrontlet, Pale-naped Brush Finch, Purple-backed Thornbill, Rufous Wren, Streak-throated Bush Tyrant, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, Sedge Wren, Black Flowerpiercer, Glossy Flowerpiercer, Buff-breasted Mountain Tanager, Black-crested Warbler, Rufous-browed Conebill, Pearled Treerunner, Brown-backed Chat Tyrant, White-throated Tyrannulet, Andean Guan, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Andean Teal, Pale-bellied Tapaculo, Band-tailed Nightjar, Flame-winged Parakeet.
Although no sightings are guaranteed, in 2026 we have spotted the bear every single tour with 100% success so far. For day trips to Chingaza our success rate is 60%. Condors are only seen occasionally.
Testimonial
"Four of us did a 3 days, 2 nights trip starting and ending at Bogota, organised by Andes EcoTours. It was fantastic! Our English -speaking guides were Andres and Celine, both of whom were knowledgeable, well-organised, and good company. We began with a visit to a hummingbird observatory, which was a lovely peaceful place with a fascinating range of birds. Mainly we spent time walking in the cloud forest and paramo of Chingaza National Park, and the Choachi area too. We learnt a lot about the flora of the area, and did walks with stunning views ( helped by great weather). The first night was spent on a park lodge (dormitory room to ourselves), and the second in the home of a local farmers family involved in community projects, where we were made very welcome and served delicious food. The whole experience was really excellent. We were impressed by the beautiful mountains so near to Bogota, and by the varied trip organised by Andes Eco-Tours. It's well worth spending as long as you can on a trip. Highly recommended." - Sally
Draft Itinerary
Day 1
8:30am Pick-up from Bogotá (included from most locations)
9:30am La Calera town stop for snacks & hydration
11:00am Registration at Park gate
12.00pm Paramo ecosystem wildlife spotting
2:00pm Lunch time (available for purchase)
3:00pm Check-in at lodge
4:00pm Cloud forest nature and birding walk
7:00pm Dinner time (available for purchase)
Day 2
8:00am Breakfast (included with reservation)
9:00am Check-out from lodge
10:00am Chingaza lagoon and andean nature trail
12:00pm Picnic lunch (available for purchase)
4:00pm Departure from Park
7:00pm Estimated arrival to meeting point in Bogotá
Note: Pick-up and drop-off in Bogotá is at a single location per reservation. Additional locations can be added for U$30 each.
Pricing per person per night in $ USD
Single traveler private : $480 in Spanish / $600 in English
Single traveler group tour : $350 in Spanish / $400 in English
2 people group tour : $300 in Spanish / $360 in English
3 and 4 people private : $250 in Spanish / $280 in English
The prices above apply per booking only (group reservations must be made together under a single playment with the same meeting point).
Price includes space for one mid-size luggage per person (under 50L). Storage space at our meeting point is available at an extra cost.
Includes
- Private transport from and to Bogotá
- A certified Chingaza nature guide (English or Spanish)
- Lodging
- Breakfast on the second day
- Park entrances
- Mandatory accident insurance for Chingaza
- Digital pictures of the trip
It does NOT include: lunch, dinner, drinks, snacks, tips. (A meal plan can be added for $30 USD per per person per day)
Note: Bilingual guides are in high demand and need to be reserved several weeks ahead of time. Last minute bookings will likely have a Spanish-speaking guide.
Things to bring
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Rain jacket and a warm sweater
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Hiking shoes recommended (rainboots available for rent)
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Long pants
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Sun & rain protection (caps or hats)
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Binoculars or camera with long lens (binos available for rent)
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Cash in local currency to buy food, snacks and drinks. Plastics are not allowed in Chingaza.
Cancellation policy
We require a 50% non-refundable payment for reservations. The remaining 50% can be paid online or in cash upon departure. Travel date changes can be made pending availability of lodging, transport and guiding.