CHINGAZA NATURAL NATIONAL PARK

Introductory talk

Welcome to Chingaza Natural National Park, my name is Jaime C. They are my

partners, Natural National Parks workers (a kind of rangers).
We are in Siecha control station, one of the five stations inside the park.
Do you know where?
This park is located in the east mountain range and is one of the sixty Natural Parks
in Colombia.
Do you know another one?
What do you think about the shape of the park? is like ? ... Yes a butterfly, or lungs.
That shape have seventy six thousand six hundred hectares located in eleven
municipalities of two states: Cundinamarca y Meta, towns, like Guasca, where we
are. This area was found in 1977 to protect two important ecosystems: Moorlands
(paramo) and high Andean forest, however in the east wing of the park we can find
another ecosystems in warm climate.
In this park you can do activities like: hiking, lodging house and camping in
Monterredondo station, take not commercial pictures, wildlife observation and
fishing only in Chuza dam cause this is way to control exotic fish.
Some prohibitions and recommendations:

 No pets
 No bicycle
 No smoke and bonfire
 No hunting
 No drink
 No feed animals
 Leave the park at 4 p.m.
 Keep the garbage with you
Finally, we are going to walk in the Siecha Lagoons trail, this is a five kilometers circuit
trail with a maximum high of three thousand seven hundred meter above the sea
level at lookout.
1. General information to access the Chingaza Natural National Park, control posts
and visitor trails.

The Chingaza Natural National Park has three access points to receive visitors:

1. Guasca, Cundinamarca access: starting at the Guasca Township, the Siecha Comentado [jac1]: Municipio
control post is located 15 kilometers away. The Lagunas de Siecha is the only Comentado [jac2]:
place accessible from this entrance, according to the current nature tourism
organization.
1. Private vehicle access: starting at the Guasca Township, towards the La
Trinidad rural settlement-San Francisco sector, passing the Paso Hondo
site and from there continuing to the detour where you will find a signal
indicating vehicle parking. From there, continue on foot for 1 kilometer
until you reach the park cabin. No parking is available at the cabin.
Vehicles are to remain on the road as indicated. This trip is
recommended on a 4×4 vehicle. The distance between Guasca and the
parking location is 14 kilometers.
2. Public transportation access: Take a bus or taxi at the Guasca township
to Paso Hondo, at La Trinidad rural settlement. The bus will drop you
at Paso Hondo, from where you must continue on foot for 6 kilometers
(1.5 hours) to the Siecha control post. Hikers are advised to be extra
careful due to the transit of food-loaded trucks.
2. La Calera, Cundinamarca access: starting at the La Calera urban center, passing
the Cemento Samper ruins and the Buenos Aires rural settlement, 22 kilometers
later you will arrive at the Piedras Gordas control post. Continue for 28
kilometers to the Monterredondo administrative center. Access through this
sector is only possible by private vehicle. No public transportation access exists.
For the safety of visitors, no hiking beyond the trails is allowed as the travel
time between trails is over 10 hours.
The tourism organization for the protected area allows for visiting the following
amenities:

1. Las Cuchillas de Siecha trail

2. Lagunas de Buitrago trail
3. Laguna Seca trail
4. Monterredondo – Suasie trail
5. Las Plantas del Camino-Laguna de Chingaza trail

Private vehicle access: starting from the La Calera urban center towards the Guasca Comentado [jac3]: Diccionario bilingüe
Township. Continue for 1 kilometer passing the La Calera urban center, a detour
toward
appears on the right (passing the old Cemento Samper facilities-La Siberia), and then preposición hacia ; we are working toward a
follow the road directions to the Chingaza Natural National Park. Although the road solution estamos intentando encontrar una solución
is not paved, it is in good shape, making possible access by automobiles, jeeps, and
buses. Comentado [jac4]: Diccionario bilingüe

3. Fomeque, Cundinamarca access: starting from the Fomeque urban center,
continue for 26 kilometers, passing through the La Paila-Laguna de Chingaza
control post, continue for 28 kilometers to the Monterredondo administrative
center.
pave
with concrete pavimentar; with slabs adoquinar; pave
the way for figurado preparar el terreno para

The tourism organization allows for the visiting of the following amenities:

1. Las Plantas del Camino-Laguna de Chingaza trail

2. Monterredondo – Suasie trail
3. Laguna Seca trail
4. Lagunas de Buitrago trail
5. Cuchillas de Siecha trail

Private vehicle access: starting from the Fomeque urban center, take the road to San
Juanito, Meta. The total distance from Fomeque to the La Paila control post cabin is
26 kilometers. It is advised to take this land access in a private 4-wheel drive vehicle,
or hire one at Fomeque.

Public transportation access: There is a route from Fomeque to San Juanito, Meta
which passes by the La Paila control post on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and
Saturdays. However, this route does not return the same day and there is no camping
or accommodation available.
 2. Description of the area

The Chingaza Natural National Park is a

natural and cultural treasure located in the
center of Colombia. The magic of its
mountains keeps secrets and thoughts from
the Muiscas and the Guayupes, indigenous
peoples who inhabited this territory, as well
as from farmer communities who inhabited
the area less than 40 years ago. It is currently Comentado [jac5]: Diccionario bilingüe
a haven for Andean fauna and flora,
currently
revealing to the visitor the secret of life. adverbio actualmente

Located on the Eastern Andes, it is found northeast of Bogota. It comprises 11 Comentado [jac6]: Diccionario bilingüe
municipalities: 7 in Cundinamarca (Fomeque, Choachi, La Calera, Guasca, Junin,
Gachala and Medina), 4 in Meta (San Juanito, El Calvario, Restrepo and Cumaral.) haven
figurado refugio masculino

The high Andean, sub-Andean forest and moorland ecosystems are predominant in
Comentado [jac7]: Diccionario bilingüe
the area, acting also as havens for majestic fauna and flora reserves.
comprise
verbo transitivo comprender ; be comprised of
constar de
 3. Special recommendations

 To visit the Chingaza Natural National Park, an entrance request must be filed
at least 15 days prior to the intended visit date, by writing to
ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co or calling 3532400 Ext. 3011 and
3012, and/or personally at Calle 74 # 11-81 in Bogota.
If you wish to stay at the shelter or in the camping zone, use the guidance and food
services, please contact Corpochingaza – Corporación de Ecoturismo Comunitario
under contract with the Colombia Natural National Park System, at 301-326-1114 or
312-427-6354. More information at Facebook Corpochingaza
Comentado [jac8]: Diccionario bilingüe
least
1. adjetivo (slightest) menor ; the least amount,
money, baggage menos ; there's not the least
reason to ... no hay la más mínima razón para que ...
2. adverbio menos
3. sustantivo lo menos; he drank the least fue el que
menos bebió; not in the least surprised en absoluto
sorprendido; at least por lo menos

Up to 40 people are allowed on the trail every day, save on the Suasie short trail Comentado [jac9]: Diccionario bilingüe
which can welcome 80, and the Lagunas de Siecha trail, with a capacity of 60 people. prior
Climatic conditions may affect the above figures. 1. adjetivo previo
2. preposición prior to antes de
The document authorizing entrance, issued at the authorized contact points when the
reservation is complete, must be shown upon arrival, without exception. Comentado [jac10]: Diccionario bilingüe

shelter
Visitor access is only permitted though the authorized locations: Piedras Gordas, 1. sustantivo refugio masculino; (bus shelter)
Siecha and La Paila-Laguna de Chingaza. Entering the park through different locations marquesina femenino
2. verbo intransitivo from rain, bombing etc refugiarse
is subject to penalties pursuant to current legislation. 3. verbo transitivo (protect) proteger

Please give heed to the indications offered at the entrance points during the welcome Comentado [jac11]: Diccionario bilingüe
instructions.
guidance
orientación femenino, consejo masculino
No public transportation to the Chingaza Natural National Park is available. Access
only by private vehicle.

No motorcycle, bicycle or ATV access. Comentado [jac12]: Cuatrimoto

No pets allowed.

Ensure you have enough gasoline, as there are no service stations inside the park.
Ensure your vehicle is in top shape.
The roads to access the park are not paved, though in good shape. Climate conditions
warrant care while driving. Maximum speed is 40 km/hour. Headlights must be on at
all times.

Only one sector may be visited a day, per climate conditions and the long distances.

Bring plastic boots, sunscreen, cold-weather clothing and rain protection.

All waste caused must be taken out of the park.

Do not throw any organic or inorganic waste along the protected area access roads.

The safety of the visitors is their own responsibility. Ensure that you are in good
physical shape to undertake the hikes (no heart problems, no breathing issues, no
knee injuries.)

The closest health centers are located in the La Calera Township for Piedras Gordas,
and in the Guasca Township for Siecha.

There is no mobile signal in the park.

Bring biodegradable personal hygiene products.

No smoking.

Alcoholic beverages, hallucinogens or psychoactive substances are forbidden in the

protected area.

Noise levels must be controlled inside the protected area, to avoid disturbing the
harmony of nature, and other visitors.

Camping equipment must be fit for high mountain environments.

Entrance hours: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Exit hours: 4:00 p.m.

The Chingaza park has six ecotourism trails, thus:

 Cuchillas de Siecha
 Lagunas de Buitrago
 Laguna Seca
 Suasie (Monterredondo sector)
 Las Plantas del Camino-Laguna de Chingaza
 Lagunas de Siecha (entrance through the Guasca municipality)
Contact your tour guide before your visit

Supporting the regional tour guides you strengthen the conservation of the park as
you support the local economy of the families who give up livestock and potato
farming in moorlands for sustainable practices such as ecotourism and green produce.

The tour guides are constantly undergoing training, learning information about the
Chingaza park, which makes your visit to the trails a unique experience when
combined with traditional knowledge.

Each trail follows a specific theme. Contact the community guide ahead of time and
immerse yourself in the secrets of nature.

There are three land routes leading to the park:

 La Calera land access: starting at the La Calera urban center, leads to the Piedras
Gordas visitor center and ends at the Monterredondo administrative center.
 Fomeque land access: starting at the Fomeque urban center, leads to the La
Paila-Laguna de Chingaza visitor center and ends at the Monterredondo
administrative center. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended for this option.

Guasca land access: starting at th

ACTIVITIES

The Chingaza Natural National Park offers perfect activities for its visitors to rebuild Comentado [jac13]: Diccionario bilingüe
links with nature and learn about conservation, ecosystemic services and biodiversity
rebuild
through the following activities: verbo transitivo (pretérito y participio pasado rebuilt)
reconstruir
Hiking:

The following internal hiking trails are recommended: Lagunas de Siecha trail; Lagunas
de Buitrago trail; Laguna Seca y Verde trail; Suasie trail; La Arboleda trail; Las Plantas
del Camino trail. The park has three observer spots: near to La Arboleda, which allows
for a panoramic view of the mountain range, La Ye, which offers an unrivalled view
of the Chingaza lagoon, and the Mirador de los Condores.

Wild fauna and flora watching:

The NNP Chingaza is a perfect place for those interested in fauna and flora, where
endemic species, as mentioned hereafter under Fauna and Flora, can be sighted.
Environmental education and research:

The exuberant beauty of the protected area and its preservation status make it an
ideal location for scientific research. Additionally, as in all parks open to ecotourism,
there are environmental education activities underway in the Park. A permit is
required to undertake scientific research activities.

Photography and video:

o The scenic beauty of the Chingaza park make it the perfect place for this activity,
though you must specify whether the images will be intended for commercial or
advertising purposes, in which case a special permit from the National Parks System
is necessary. Pursuant to Resolution 396 of 2015, no drones taking photographs or
videos for private use, or for recreational use, are allowed in the protected areas.

Ecotourism Services

Only a few hours away from Bogota, the NNP Chingaza allows visitors to be in touch with
nature, giving them the opportunity to have unforgettable experiences.

Camping zone

Located at the Monterredondo sector, with facilities including parking, electric power,
restrooms with drinking and hot water. Administered by Corpochingaza, a community
ecotourism corporation.

Restaurant

Food services are available for all Park activities. Administered by Corpochingaza, a
community ecotourism corporation.

Visitor center

At the Monterredondo administrative center, the Natural National Park System has a cabin
to house visitors, administered by Corpochingaza, a community ecotourism corporation.
Auditorium

The Park has an auditorium that can host 50 people

Entrance Fees

Visitor: Person authorized by National Parks to enter one of the areas part of the National
Natural Parks System, whether only to visit, or to undertake any of the activities or services
regulated by the System administrator within a given timeframe.

High season: High season is declared for the following dates: between 15 June and 15 July;
15 December and 15 January; the Holy Week between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday; long
weekends pursuant to Act 51 of 1983 (from Friday to Monday.)

Low season: all dates other that high season.

The following individuals are exempted from entrance fees to areas protected by the
Natural National Park System:

Children under 5 years of age, and Colombian nationals over 65 years of age (must
show ID.)

Staff working at the Natural National Park System, their spouses or permanent
companions, and their relatives twice removed, or thrice removed and their spouses, once
every calendar year for recreation purposes. The visitor must have a written authorization
issued by the General Management.

Public servants and contractors for Colombia Natural National Parks while working for
the organization.

Students and teachers from public institutions working with strata 1 and 2.

Residents from urban centers with under 10000 inhabitants located in the zones adjacent
to the Natural National Park System areas, as well as the Guapi natives in the case of NNP
Gorgona, and Providencia natives for access to the NNP Old Providence and McBean Lagoon
(must show ID.)

Volunteer park rangers, and researchers working on projects inside the Natural National
Park System areas.

Disabled Colombian nationals or foreigners, provided the conditions are suitable for
access.

Members of indigenous communities residing inside the protected areas, or in the

vicinity.

Representatives from private and public institutions donating money or goods to

Natural National Parks to aid in their mandate to protect the areas of the Natural National
Park System, in order to verify the use of donated resources, provided they have the written
authorization by the General Management.

Public servants and contractors on official business.

Foreign public servants on official business.

Owners of land extensions located inside the protected area, their spouses and relatives
four times removed and their spouses.

Inhabitants of the region who need to pass by the park.

Armed Forces personnel, and staff of public or private companies or associations with
facilities located inside the protected areas on official business.

Honorary park rangers for one year following their appointment.

National or foreign dive instructors provided they are with the crew of the vessel. To
this effect, dive operators will submit a list of the dive instructors in their crew, specifying
their identification numbers for verification purposes.

4. Hydrography

99% of the park area is located on the basin of the Orinoco river, the high basins of the
Blanco and Negro rivers, the Guatiquia, Guacavia, Gazaunta, Gazamumo, Humea y Guavio,
with the 1% on the Magdalena river basin, represented by the San Lorenzo stream at the La
Calera township, flowing into the Teusaca river and the heads of the Siecha river in the Guasca
township which reach into the Bogota, Siecha and Tomine rivers, from the Magdalena river
basin.

The Chingaza Massif contains about 40 natural lagoons of glacial origin, the largest of which Comentado [jac14]: macizo
is the Chingaza lagoon, found to the northwest of the park at 3250 meters above sea level.
This is one of the most representative and meaningful lagoons in the area, along the Siecha
lagoons, which is a system of three lagoons in the Guasca Township.
Comentado [jac15]: Diccionario bilingüe
The Chuza dam, also found within the Chingaza Park limits on the basin of the Chuza river
within
as a tributary of the Guatiquia river, is the heart of the Bogota Aqueduct Company. Chingaza preposición (inside) dentro de; in expressions of time
provides Bogota with 80% high quality drinking water. en menos de; within five miles of home a cinco
millas de casa ; we kept within the budget no
superamos el presupuesto; it is well within your
capabilities lo puedes conseguir perfectamente ;
within reach al alcance de la mano
FLORA

This beautiful park features some of the endemic species of Colombian flora, amongst which Comentado [jac16]: Diccionario bilingüe
is the frailejon known as Espeletia uribei, whose specimens grow in the vegetation found
feature
between the moorland and the Andean wetland. The Park frailejon population is estimated
1. sustantivo on face rasgo masculino, facción
at over 1000 species. It is frequent to find wetland moss species, which can absorb up to 40 femenino; of city, building, plan, style característica
times their weight in water. In the Andean wetlands, the encenillo Weinmannia sp. is femenino; article in paper reportaje masculino; movie
largometraje femenino; make a feature of ... destacar
predominant, as well as the gaque Clusia multiflora and the tibar Escallonia myrtilloides. The
...
frailejones Espeletia grandiflora are common in the wetland areas, along with the scrublands 2. verbo transitivo a movie featuring ... una película
Calamagrostis sp., the senecios Senecio niveoaureus and peatlands in the swamp zones. en la que aparece ...

Fauna Comentado [jac17]: musgo

Some Colombian endangered species are found in the park, such as the Andean bear Comentado [jac18]: Diccionario bilingüe
Tremarctos ornatus, the white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus goudotii, the colored deer
along
Mazama rufina, the Andean condor Vultur gryphus, the wetland spotted paca Cuniculus 1. preposición (situated beside) a lo largo de; the
taczanowskii, the Andean cock-of-the-rock Rupicola peruvianus and the cougar Puma shop is halfway along Baker Street la tienda está a
concolor. mitad de Baker Street; walk along this path sigue
por esta calle
396 bird species have been reported in this area. 16 species of amphibians have also been 2. adverbio would you like to come along? ¿te
gustaría venir con nosotros?; he always brings the
identified, of which Atelopus muisca and Atelopus lozanoi are endemic and are endangered. dog along siempre trae al perro ; along with junto
Six species of reptiles have also been identified. con; all along (all the time) todo el tiempo , desde el
principio
ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

NNP Chingaza provides drinking water for about 80% of the 10 million inhabitants of the Comentado [jac19]: matorrales

Bogota region, as well as 11 nearby towns. It also helps maintain the hydric dynamic of the Comentado [jac20]: y turberas en las zonas pantanosas
Orinoco basin. Culturally, it helps maintain important ancestral sites, such as Chingaza lagoon.

Thanks to its scenic beauty and historic memory, NNP Chingaza provides ecotourism for over
15000 visitors a year, serving also as a scientific research location. The great biodiversity
represented in species such as the spectacled bear is also a benefit for humanity in terms of its
aesthetic value, its research importance, and the support it can provide for future generations.

ECOSYSTEMS

This area features Andean wetlands complexes, which are relevant due to their biological
wealth, and their scenic and cultural beauty (e.g. Muisca and Chibcha cultures.) The 20-lagoon
Chingaza lagoon system stands out. It was declared as a Ramsar site in 2008, and it is also an
Important Bird Area. The three Lagunas de Siecha, or glacial origin, also stand out. It was
from the main of these lagoons that the famed Balsa Muisca (Muisca raft), representing the El
Dorado ceremony, a Muisca legend, was extracted.

The western sector of the park features chiefly moorlands, followed by Andean wetlands.
The eastern sector features plains ecosystems, with pristine landscapes and majestic strong
streams, worthy of Orinoco fame.

COMMUNITIES

Indigenous: Though there are currently no indigenous communities within the Chingaza
territory, the meaning and the connection that the Muisca culture formed over 10000 years
ago in wetlands such as Chingaza is utterly relevant, especially concerning the appropriation
of the territory where lagoons, rocky shelters, mountains and particularly water represented
ceremonial centers and sacred sites of worship and respect. Recent studies suggest that, in the
Muisca language, Chingaza may have been called Chim-gua-za, which means Mountains of
the Lord of the Night.

Farmers: The population settled near to the NNP Chingaza is fully composed of farmers
and is conceived as a farming community, which means that it has its own social organization,
with interaction dynamics both internal and external, and cultural patterns that differentiate
it from farmers of other regions in the country.

About Dry Lagoon

 Dry lagoon is in Fomeque municipality

OFFICIAL INFORMATION OF THE CHINGAZA NATURAL NATIONAL PARK

 The National Parks System has a total of 59 protected areas for the protection of
Colombia's biological and cultural diversity.
 Protected areas with ecotourism vocation are (23): Cocuy, Gorgona, Malpelo, Los
Nevados, Isla de Salamanca, Chingaza, Estoraques, Tayrona, Macuira, Galeras, Isla de
la Corota, Los Colorados, Amacayacu, Los Flamencos, Iguaque, Otún Quimbaya,
Tuparro, Corals of the Rosary and of San Bernardo, Old Providence McBean Lagoon,
Utría, Puracé, Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta, Cave of the Guácharos
 Chingaza Park has an area of 76,600 Ha.
 Chingaza was declared a national park in 1977
 The Park is in the jurisdiction of 11 municipalities: La Calera, Guasca, Junín, Gachalá,
Medina, Choachí, Fómeque of the department of Cundinamarca and San Juanito, El
Calvario, Restrepo and Cumaral of the department of Meta. The municipalities with
the largest area within the park are Fómeque and Medina.
 The altitudinal range goes from 800 m.s.nm at the foot of the Llanero mountain to
4020 m.s.n.m Cerro San Luis.
 The ecosystems present in the park are: páramo, Andean forest and wetlands
(lagoons).
 The conservation objectives of the park are related to: 1. Connectivity of ecosystems,
páramos and Andean forests; 2. Improve the ecological connectivity of water sources;
3. Protection of their cultural values.
 The target value species are: Yellow-winged Parakeet, Andean bear, Frailejones.
 The Chingaza territory was inhabited by the Muiscas in the western part and Guayupes
in the eastern part.
 The values subject to cultural conservation are the Siecha Lagoons and the Chingaza
Lagoon.
  The trails for ecotourism are: Lagunas de Siecha, Lagunas de Buitrago, Siecha Blades,
Laguna Seca, Suasie, Las Plantas del Camino.
 The park is a tributary of the basins: Bogotá (Magdalena 1%), Guavio, Guatiquía,
Guayuriba, Guacavia, Humea (Orinoco 99%)
 To enter the park visitors must make a reservation through the National Parks user
service office, the exempt people who are on their certified identity document. Place
of birth in any of the municipalities.
 jurisdiction of the park, adults over 65 and children under 5 years of age.
 Invasive species within the Park are: Spiny dog, feral dogs, rainbow trout.
 Endemics epidemdrum carlos-uribei, Chingazaense epidemdrum, plutarchia = slope
 The park has 5 checkpoints: Siecha, big stones, palace, monterredondo, la paila. And
2 offices in Medina and San Juanito.
 The number of visitors in the PNN Chingaza in the last three years was: 2013 15,202
people, 2014 11,972 people and 2015 19,870 visitors.
 The load capacity of the trails is 40 people per day, except for the Suasie trail with a
capacity of 80 people / day.

PROHIBITIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS WITHIN THE PNN CHINGAZA

 The garbage that will generate a declaration will be withdrawn from the PA, including
organic ones.
 Respect the established trails, do not open new roads as it could cause an irreversible
environmental impact.
 The maximum speed is 40 km / h, keep lights on
 The departure of the AP is at 4pm
 Take responsibility for your personal items
 The park was not responsible for accidents or incidents that occurred during your stay
 Do not feed the deer, nor try to touch them. They are wild animals
 It is prohibited to extract plant, mineral and animal material
 All the control posts have bathrooms for their service, USELOS.
 The entry of pets is prohibited
 It is forbidden to smoke or make any kind of bonfire
 In case of sighting with the Andean bear, please do not try to approach the animal,
do not shout or generate sound that could scare you; If the sighting is by the road
please do not leave your vehicle.
 Fishing is allowed only in the Chuza reservoir.
 Camping activity can only be done in Monterredondo.
 Night walks or on the road are prohibited.

According to the activity that your group wishes to carry out, please request information
from the NNP officials located at the control posts.