Those exploring Cundinamarca encounter nature that can be understood on different scales: Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza is a refuge for Andean wildlife and plant life; the Sistema Lacustre de Chingaza is protected as a wetland of international importance. There is also a route connecting municipalities and the Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá. Together, these span themes from Andean habitats to a named landmark in Zipaquirá.
Chingaza: Hiking Trails and Getting There
Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza has seven hiking trails: De los Sentidos, Suasie, Laguna Seca, Plantas del Camino-Laguna de Chingaza, Lagunas de Siecha, Cuchillas de Siecha and Lagunas de Buitrago. De los Sentidos is designated as accessible. These names offer a specific selection for anyone interested in hiking trails in the park; visitor conditions may change.
There is an important practical detail to keep in mind when getting there: there are no public transport routes to Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza. Access is possible only by private or rented vehicle, such as a car, bus, minibus or van. Check transport arrangements again before your trip and factor this requirement into your plans.
Andean Landscape and Wetland
Páramos are most commonly found in the western part of Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza, followed by Andean and high-Andean forests. The Sistema Lacustre de Chingaza offers another perspective: 4,058 hectares are protected under the Ramsar Convention, and it is listed as a wetland of international importance. Its significance as a habitat for waterbirds is particularly emphasized. It was designated by Decree No. 233 of 2008. Together, these details show different aspects of the area: the ecosystems most commonly found in the west and the habitat for waterbirds that is specifically highlighted.
A Regional Route and Culture in Zipaquirá
A regional route description dated April 3, 2026, presents the Ruta del Agua as a route connecting municipalities in Cundinamarca, including Guasca, Guatavita and Gachalá. This offers a different way to explore the area than the seven named hiking trails in Chingaza: here, the focus is on connections between municipalities, while there, it is on the choice of trails within the national park. A regional perspective and a specific natural area can thus be considered as distinct travel interests.
The Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá also offers a distinctive point of interest. It is known as the “Primera Maravilla de Colombia” (“First Wonder of Colombia”). For travelers who would like to include a cultural landmark alongside landscapes and habitats in their plans, it complements the nature themes with a named attraction in Zipaquirá.
The Wider Sumapaz Landscape
A broader landscape area is Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz. It covers 210,739 hectares and extends across municipalities in Cundinamarca and Meta, as well as areas of the Distrito Capital de Bogotá. Its páramo and Andean forest ecosystems provide habitats for diverse wildlife and plant life. Its reach across several administrative divisions makes Sumapaz a regional point of reference that extends beyond Cundinamarca alone.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Villeta, Guasca, Chocontá, Girardot, Pacho, Medina, El Colegio, Cachipay, Fusagasuga, Cota, La Vega, Zipaquirá, Anapoima, Tabio, Chia, San Bernardo, La Florida, Cabrera, La Palma, El Boqueron, Suesca, Susa, Mosquera, Briceño, Soacha, Occidental, La Calera, Tocancipa, Ricaurte, Polinesia, Apulo, Silvania, Guatavita, Cucunuba, San Francisco, Nocaima, Chipaque, Cogua, Cajicá, La Mesa, Facatativa, Tocaima, Llano Del Pozo, Ubate, Subachoque, Tobia, Guaduas, El Peñón, Aposentos, Puerto Salgar, Hato Viejo, La Concepcion, Sasaima, Pantano Redondo, Casablanca, Santandercito, La Cabana, Marsella, Choachí, Bojaca, Fomeque, Utica, Flandes, Sopó, Cumaca, El Potrero, Quebradanegra, Sesquilé, Vergara, Las Ceibas, Anolaima, Tenjo, Camargo, Zipacón, El Ocaso, Balastera, San Antonio del Tequendama, Agua de Dios, Simijacá, La Verbena, La Horqueta, Guayabal de Síquima.
For the broader travel overview: Colombia.
