Sustainable Tourism Bogotá
Andes Mountains & Llanos Floodplains - 7 days
Discover unique and endemic species as we climb the Andes mountains, journeying through high-altitude cloud forests & vast páramos in search of hummingbirds, condors, deer and spectacled bears.
Experience the transition of ecosystems as we begin to make our way down the mountain slope until we reach the Floodplains of the east. Watch families of capybara feeding in the savannah, hike through flooded forests in search of monkeys and enjoy the tranquility of life along river.
Accommodation
We will spend the first two nights at the lodge dormitories in Chingaza National Park. Dorms are equipped with up to 6 bunkbeds and may be shared with other travelers. Bathrooms are also shared and have warm water showers. The third night is at a hot springs hotel on the road to Yopal. Rooms are equipped with a double bed and private bathroom (cold water showers). The fourth and fifth night you will stay at a peaceful villa in the countryside, 15 minutes from the city of Yopal. Rooms are equipped with a double bed and private bathroom (cold water showers). The last night will be spent at an eco hotel bordering the River Cravo Sur. Rooms are equipped with a double bed and private bathroom (cold water showers).
Climate
The mountaintop sector of Chingaza National Park we visit sits atop 3,600 m.a.s.l. with daytime temperatures ranging between 5ºC and 10ºC. At night time however, the temperature can drop to -2ºC. Weather is very unpredictable with quick changes between sunlight alternated with wind and rain. The best time for wildlife viewing in the mountains is during the dry season from mid-December through mid-March although the park is open every month of the year. We recommend spending at least one night in Bogotá prior to joining this tour.
Temperatures in the Llanos commonly range between 28C and 33C. The best time for wildlife viewing here is during the dry season which runs from November through April. During the rainy season water can rise up to a meter, turning the plains of the savanna into a seasonal wetland. Please note that while we are still able to run tours during the rainy season, additional costs may be applied to cover alternative transportation options.
Location
From Bogotá we make our way up to the high peaks of Chingaza National Park (3700 m.a.s.l) before heading down across the Eastern slope of the Eastern Andes towards the floodplains at 350 m.a.s.l. Total distance covered is approximately 450km.
Draft Itinerary
This trek is of high difficulty, fit for experienced hikers only. It is required that your party be in top physical condition due to the challenging trails coupled with steep mountain passages. You must be able to hike for at least 6 hours each day on challenging, steep terrain.
Pricing
From Bogotá we make our way up to the high peaks of Chingaza National Park (3700 m.a.s.l) before heading down across the Eastern slope of the Eastern Andes towards the floodplains at 350 m.a.s.l. Total distance covered is approximately 450km.
Species
Andes Mountains: Spectacled Bear, White-tailed Deer, Mountain Coati, Andean Condor, Black-chested Buzzard Eagle, Andean Guan, Blue-throated Starfrontlet, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Green-tailed Trainbearer, Black-tailed Trainbearer, Silvery-throated Spinetail, Scarlet-bellied Mountain Tanager, White-bellied Woodstar, Tyrian Metaltail, Great Sapphirewing, Brown-breasted Parakeet, Pearled Treerunner, Streak-throated Bush-tyrant, Brown-backed Chat-tyrant, Glowing Puffleg, Coppery-bellied Puffleg, Rufous-browed Conebill, Blue-backed Conebill, Pale-naped Brush-finch, White-throated Tyrannulet
Llanos Floodplains: Capybara, Caiman, Fox, Giant Anteater, Red Howler, Brown Capuchin, Orinoco Goose, Black-bellied Whistling Duck, White-bellied Whistling duck, Brazilian Teal, Purple Gallinule, Azure Gallinule, Roseate Spoonbill, Jabiru, Wood Stork, Great Blue Heron, Cocoi Heron, Great Egret, Whistling Heron, Little Blue Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, Rufescent Tiger Heron, Striated Heron, Cattle Egret, Snowy Egret, Black-necked Stilt, Double-striped Thick-knee, Wattled Jacana, Southern Lapwing, Scarlet Ibis, Bare-faced Ibis, Buff-throated Ibis, Hoatzin, Horned Screamer, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Common Tody Flycatcher, Tropical Mockingbird, Bi-colored Wren, Brown-breasted Parakeet, Spot-breasted Woodpecker, Red-breasted Meadowlark, Eastern Meadowlark, Yellow-hooded Blackbird, Blue and White Swallow, Saffron Finch, Black-backed Oriole, Red-capped Cardinal, Burrowing Owl, Great Black Hawk, Common Black Hawk, Long-winged Harrier, Black-collared Hawk, Snail Kite, Slender-billed Kite, American Kestrel, Lesser Yellow-headed Vulture