Sustainable Tourism Bogotá
Lodging
This tour includes accommodation in the lodge dormitories. Pending availability we offer private rooms (double bed) with shared bathrooms as well as private bunkbeds with shared bathrooms. Both have access to warm electric showers. This mountain lodge is very simple, without heating and fitted with the basic needs to spend the night. This is not a luxury experience!
We strongly recommend making your reservation ahead of time given the few rooms available and the high demand for them.
Note: There are nicer lodges outside the National Park that are available for booking, but it is a trade-off with the natural settings of Chingaza. If you require upscale accommodation, let us know ahead of time to modify the itinerary.
Weather
Chingaza National Park daytime temperatures renge between 7ºC and 15ºC but at night it can drop to 4ºC or lower. 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 May through July. 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 humidity most of the year.
Location
Chingaza is located Northeast of Bogotá 2 hours from our departure point (45 km). All roads withing the reserve are dirt roads requiring a 4x4 vehicle during the rainy season. Because of low atmospheric pressure at high elevations (3000 m.a.s.l. and above) we recommend spending at least one night in Bogotá or similar altittude prior to joining this tour.
Difficulty
Chingaza is a prime location for wildlife viewing and birdwatching in the Andes mountains! Most of it can be done from the car or through short nature walks of low difficulty. For long treks, there are some trails available that require special permits from the Park. With enough notice, we can resquest special access to these long trails.
Draft Itinerary
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
Target Species
Cock-of-the-rock, Whistling Heron, Russet-backed Oropendola, Band-tailed Guan, White-booted Racket-tail, Purple Honeycreeper, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Orange-bellied Euphonia, Silver-beaked Tanager, Green Jay, Yellow-rumped Cacique, Violaceous Jay
Day 1
• 9:00am pick-up from Bogotá (most locations)
• 12:00pm lunch
• 1:00pm birdwatching in Guateque
• 7:00pm dinner at the hotel
Day 2
• 6:00am breakfast (included)
• 7:00am departure from hotel & birding along Chivor Dam.
• 4:00pm drive back to Bogotá
• 8:00pm estimated arrival to Bogotá
Note: pick-up and drop-off in Bogotá is at the same location
Pricing per person per night
-
single traveler USD $430
-
1 couple USD $260
-
2 singles USD $280
-
1 couple + single USD $220
-
3 singles USD $240
-
4 and 5 people USD $200
-
6 to 8 people USD $180
Includes
It Includes: 4x4 private transport from Bogotá, a certified nature guide, 1 night accommodation, 1 breakfast, entrances, insurance while on site & pictures of the trip.
It does not include: lunch, dinner, drinks, tips.
Note: Most of our guides are bilingual, last minute bookings may have a Spanish-speaking guide only.