Located 90 kilometers (about 56 miles) from Bogotá, Chingaza National Natural Park contains one of the most biodiverse landscapes in the Colombian Andes. The park supplies 70 percent of the capital’s drinking water and serves as a habitat for species such as the Andean bear known as “spectacled bear”, the puma, and the Andean condor. For travelers seeking a natural experience near Bogotá, Chingaza is a primary destination in the country.
The trip from Bogotá takes approximately two and a half hours. There are two main entry points: La Calera through the Piedras Gordas sector, or Guasca through the Siecha sector. Due to terrain conditions, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended for both routes.
What to expect inside the park
Chingaza covers 76,600 hectares in the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes. Its altitude ranges between 800 and 4,020 meters above sea level. Consequently, temperatures fluctuate between 4 and 21 degrees Celsius depending on elevation and time of day. Visitors must wear layered clothing to adapt to weather changes.
The park follows a unimodal rain cycle from April to November. The dry season runs from December to March. January and February record the lowest precipitation, making them the most stable months for hiking. Annual rainfall reaches 3,000 millimeters in the eastern sector.
Fauna and biodiversity
Chingaza houses more than 1,300 plant species and 500 varieties of birds. Researchers from the Wii Foundation and National Parks estimate that between 50 and 128 Andean bears inhabit the massif. Monitoring teams use 60 camera traps to identify individuals through their unique facial patterns.
In March 2026, a male Andean condor (Vultur gryphus) was recorded in the Cuchillas de Churuguaco sector. This audiovisual record is the first in that specific area in 25 years. Additionally, the park is home to the puma (Puma concolor) and the mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque).
Conservation status
Chingaza has been part of the IUCN Green List since 2020. This certification validates effective governance and measurable conservation results. Furthermore, its lake complex has held Ramsar site status since 2008, recognizing it as a wetland of international importance.
In January 2025, a forest fire affected approximately 147 hectares in the La Paila sector. Over 100 responders and National Parks personnel controlled the fire. Authorities attributed the incident to human activities. Since then, an ecological restoration protocol and wildlife monitoring have been implemented in the affected areas.
Entry fees and how to reserve
Colombian citizens aged 5 to 25 pay $24,500 (US$7). Nationals over 25 pay $29,000 (US$8). Non-resident foreign citizens pay $78,500 (US$22). Light vehicle access costs $19,000 (US$5). It is mandatory to purchase a rescue insurance policy at an approximate cost of $7,000 (US$2) per day.
Visitors must make their reservations at least 15 days in advance through the official National Parks website. Payment is completed online after receiving the invoice. Additionally, hiring a certified local guide is mandatory. The tourists must present proof of payment and a valid ID at the checkpoints.