Chingaza National park: Day Trips and Tours from Bogotá

A beautiful, geographically diverse, untouched region, Chingaza National Park is the perfect day trip from the capital. Its lush greenery, rolling hills and bubbling brooks offer a tranquil experience amidst the hustle of city life.

With its unique wildlife — bears, deer, condors and more — stunning mountainous views, Chingaza National Park leaves adventurous travelers with a bounty of things to do.

From hiking to birdwatching to learning about the fascinating legend of El Dorado, there is something for everyone in this sprawling jungle – making Chingaza National Park day trips from Bogotá some of the most popular tourist activities.

Here's all you need to know about Chingaza National Park, one of the most exciting day trips from Bogotá.

How to get to Chingaza National Park From Bogotá?

Chingaza National Park is located east of Bogotá, in the eastern Colombian Andes mountain range within the Orinoco River basin. At 77,000 hectares in size, it's truly enormous — crossing over both the Condinamarca and Meta regions.

From Bogotá to Chingaza National Park by car

To reach the park from Bogotá by car, you need to first decide which area you'll be exploring. For Laguna Chingaza, for example, you'll drive east along the Choachi–Bogotá road, through the town of Choachi — the journey takes a little over 3 hours.

If you want to see the Siecha Lakes in Guasca, drive northeast from Bogota toward the Capilla De Siecha — this trip takes about 2 hours. The most common route is to the visitor center (Centro Administrativo Piedras Gordas PNN Chingaza) and t he drive takes about 2 hours east of Bogotá, through the town of La Calera.

Guided tour to Chingaza National Park From Bogota

The easiest, most convenient way to explore Chingaza National Park is with a guided tour. These tours pick you up from your accommodation central Bogota and provide transportation, snacks, activities and a knowledgeable guide for the day.

How much does the entrance ticket to Chingaza National Park cost?

The park entrance fees and vehicle fee are usually included in the tour prices.

• Resident Adults (over 25 years old): COP22,500 (US$5)
• Resident Children (over 6 years old up to 25 years old): COP19,500 (US$4)
• Non-residents: COP62,000 (US$13
• All children (under aged 5) and seniors (over aged 65): Free (with ID)

What is the typical itinerary?

Every tour will vary depending on the length – and what you’d like to see and do. However, most tours start with convenient morning pickup from your Bogotá hotel. After meeting your guide and fellow travelers, you'll be driven through the Colombian countryside toward the Chingaza National Park.

Once you arrive, your guide will introduce you to the area and explain all the activities available for that day, such as the best hiking tours in Bogotá — as well as bird watching, swimming in a river or lake, and more.

You can expect to see places like the lagoon of Buitrago or the lagoon of Siecha, passing through the famous 'paramo' landscape. Depending on your group and specific itinerary, you can also visit waterfalls, bathe in natural pools or observe the native wildlife and plants.

Afterward, your guide will take you back to Bogotá  after a day of exciting exploration and discovery, sometimes stopping in towns like La Calera for an authentic local meal.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Chingaza National Park?

Depending on your travel style and budget, choose from several types of day tours to Chingaza National Park from Bogotá.

Small group guided tours to Chingaza National Park from Bogotá

Usually revolving around birdwatching, hiking and nature exploration, these tours are perfect for those wanting to explore the park with fellow curious travelers. You can choose from options that include places like the Siecha Lakes or the Casarriales Trial. These are generally the cheapest options.

Private tour to Chingaza National Park from Bogotá

Suited to couples, families and other small groups, private tours offer a more customized experience with your own guide and itinerary. With a flexible schedule, you can spend more time in the places that interest you most.

3-Day savannah hiking expedition, including  Chingaza National Park

Suited for the very adventurous, these multi-day tours from Bogotá cover a variety of landscapes, including the Tominé reservoir in Guatavita, the municipality of La Calera and the demanding Las Termales de Santa Mónica hike. Meals, accommodation and entrance fees are all included.

How much does a day trip to the Chingaza National Park from Bogotá cost?

The prices for day trips to the Chingaza National Park from Bogotá start at around US$100 per person but can vary depending on the type of tour you choose and its length.

Generally, small group guided tours range between US$100 and US$180 and private tours typically cost between US$130 and US$290. Meanwhile, multi-day expeditions are usually priced upwards of US$400.

What will you see and do?

At nearly 77,000 hectares, Chingaza National Park is a haven for wildlife and nature lovers alike. With its diverse ecosystems, the park provides an array of activities to explore such as bird watching, swimming in natural pools, visiting waterfalls and observing native plants and animals.

Each tour provides a different selection of highlights. With that in mind, some of the most popular hiking routes include the Siecha lakes trail, the Buitrago lakes trail, the Suasie trail in Monterredondo, the La Arboleda trail, the Dry lake trail, and the Cuchilas de Siecha trail.

Meanwhile, coveted landmarks and regions include the landscapes of Los Cerros de los Gigantes, the Chingaza Lake and the Serrania de los Organos ridge, which towers at 3,830 meters above sea level.

What are the opening times?

Chingaza National Park is open to visitors for entrance between 8 AM and 12:30 PM every day. Exit hours are 4 PM daily.

When is the best time to visit Chingaza National Park?

The best time to visit Chingaza National Park is between December and March, when the weather is warmer and drier. However, it's possible to visit all year round – just be sure to bring a waterproof coat during the wet season (usually April to May, and October to November).

What are the other day trips from Bogotá?

• Day trips to Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá from Bogotá
• Chicaque National Park day trips from Bogotá
• Villa de Leyva day tours from Bogotá
• La Chorrera Waterfall day trip from Bogotá
• Páramo de Sumapaz day trips from Bogotá

Travel tips

• Book a tour that departs early in the morning, as this will give you more time to explore the park and its attractions.
• Wear comfortable shoes because you'll be doing a lot of walking.
• Lastly, don't forget your camera – there are so many incredible things to see and capture!