Chingaza National Natural Park

The Chingaza National Natural Park is located in the Eastern Cordillera, in the Andean region, comprising ecosystems as varied as wetlands, forests and humid forests, this has a total area of 76,000 hectares, its surface is part of the departments of Cundinamarca and Meta , encompassed by 11 municipalities, Fómeque being the municipality with the greatest territorial extension within the park with a participation of 31.84% where it contemplates in its territory the most important concentrations of water such as the chuza reservoir and the ancestral Chingaza lagoon, as well as the headwaters of numerous rivers of national importance, which supply 80% of the water needed for Bogotá, Villavicencio and other towns and hydroelectric projects such as Guavio.

Chingaza, a true water factory heritage of all Colombians, was declared a National Park in 1977 and a Ramsar area in 2008, an international agreement whose purpose is the protection and conservation of wetlands as habitat for numerous species of animals and plants.

 

This is considered one of the most important ecological reserves in the world, housing an important variety of plant species. In the vicinity of the Chingaza lagoon, no less than 383 species of plants have been recorded, and it is estimated that the total flora of the park may exceed two thousand species. Among these are eight species of swamp moss, considered ecological wonders for the conservation of environmental humidity since they can absorb up to 40 times their weight in water, releasing it gradually to the water sources. As for fauna, there are records of 81 families of arthropods and 245 families of vertebrates.

The species that stand out most are the giant hummingbird, the chámo de páramo, the squirrel and numerous species of rodents. There are some endemic species and others in danger of extinction, among these last wildlife such as the Andean bear, the white-tailed deer, the red deer, the tapir de páramo, the condor of
the Andes, the páramo borugo, the rock rooster and the cougar.

Approximately 180 species of birds have been reported for the area. There are records of 16 amphibian species and six of reptiles. In endemic and endangered amphibian species there are two species of frogs of singular importance: Atelopus muisca and Atelopus lozanoi.

Although at present there are no groups of indigenous communities within the territory of Chingaza, the significance and relationship that the Muisca civilization with moors such as Chingaza had more than 10,000 years ago, especially linked to the appropriation of the territory, is of great relevance. which lagoons, rock shelters, mountains and particularly water represented ceremonial centers and sacred sites of worship and respect. Recent studies indicate that in the Muisca language Chingaza, it could have been called "thim-gua-za", which means "Serrania de la dios de la noche". 

The population close to Chingaza Park in its entirety is of peasant origin and is conceived as a peasant community, which means that socially it has its own forms of organization, dynamics of relationship between itself and abroad, and cultural patterns that differentiate it from the peasants from other regions of the country

 

TRAVEL GUIDE TO CHINGAZA

To reach:

By way of Bogotá - Fómeque. The 56 km journey to get to Fómeque.

Entrance permit:

To enter PNN Chingaza you must have the authorization of National Natural Parks of Colombia, for it you must approach the office of attention to the visitor, in Carrera 10 No. 20-30 floor 1, from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. at 5 p.m. There they quote the accommodation and with the consignment that you must send by email they will send you the entry permit.
Reports on the phone 353 2400.

Allowed activities:

Monte Redondo manages two systems for the entrance of visitors: entry for departure on the same day and camping. Only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Keep in mind that the check-in time is from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and you must leave before 3 p.m.

Recommendations:

The camping area has seven individual huts composed of white tables, burners, dishwashers and electricity (all under roof), space for the tent and space to park the vehicle. The camping area has a battery of toilets consisting of three sinks, laundry, four showers with separate walk-in closet. There is light and hot water. Bring light bulbs, dry wood or stove, food, clothing and equipment for high mountain, flashlight and
rubber boots.

Ecotourism activities in Chingaza:

Witnessing a true water factory and living an unforgettable experience are part of the list of activities you can do in this area located 3 hours from Bogotá.
The Chingaza Natural Park offers its visitors perfect activities to get out of the congested urban world, among which are:

• - Trekking
• - Wild fauna and flora observation
• - Photography and video
• - Environmental research and education