El Dorado Bird Reserve - Colombia Travel

Bogotá
Bogotá
Chingaza National Natural Park
Villavicencio
How to get there
36 . Birdwatching Colombia
Chingaza
National Natural Park
National Natural Park
Several municipalities
in the departments of Cundinamarca and Meta
Target species
Over 250 bird species have been registered here, including
two endemics. Some outstanding ones are Bogotá Rail
(Rallus semiplumbeus), Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus),
Black-and-chestnut Eagle (Oroetus isidori), Brown-breasted
Parakeet (Pyrrhura calliptera), Rusty-faced Parrot
(Hapalopsittaca amazonina), Bearded Helmetcrest
(Oxypogon guerinii), Black-billed Mountain-toucan
(Andigena nigrirostris), Yellow-billed Cacique (Amblycercus
holosericeus) amongst many other species that are worth
watching here.
Chingaza National Natural Park protects 190 000 acres of paramo, Andean forests, and
East Andean foothill forests. Most of the park is covered by the paramo ecosystem which
makes the park an important watershed: along the park you can nd water sources for
several rivers that provides almost 80% of Bogota’s drinking water and other nearby
municipalities. In these paramos and Andean forests you will nd a great variety of birds
that nd suitable habitat in the park, including our national bird, the majestic Andean
Condor (Vultur gryphus). In Chingaza you can go from 13123 feet above sea level, on Cerro
San Luis, to 2600 feet above sea level on Guatiquia’s river canyon in Meta; this altitudinal
range provides a great diversity of ecosystems and birds. Due the large area covered by
the park, you must consider travel distances between dierent birdwatching points.
Pirrhura calliptera
(Brown-breasted Parakeet)
Services
There is an excellent camping zone with capacity for 25
people with a small kitchen area and parking per tent.
Bathrooms are shared among the guests and have hot
water. The park has a visitors centre with restaurant
service (xed meals). Community guides oer a general
guiding service, ask in advance about this. There is
permanent electric power but there are no telephones or mobile phone
signal.
park is by The the main town access of La Calera, route to 9 miles the park (1/2 is hour) via the from town of La Calera, 9 miles (1/2 hour) from
the urban Bogota. area of About La Calera, 0.6 miles on the after way the to urban Guasca, area you of La Calera, heading towards Guasca, you
e a sign), should this road turn goes right on (you for will about see 12.5 a sign). miles This (40 road goes on for about 12.5 miles (40
rk entrance minutes) or “Piedras until Gordas” you reach zone, the here park entrance you can enjoy or “Piedras Gordas” zone, here you can enjoy
his point, the 17 miles paramo (50 ecosystem. minutes) on From an unpaved this point, road 17 miles you (50 minutes) on an unpaved road you
ors centre will and nd administrating ”Monterredondo” oces. visitors To reach centre La Calera and administration oce. To reach La Calera
from Bogota you can take public transport, from and Bogota from you La Calera can take you public can hire transport, a taxi to and take from La
you to the park (approximately US$25 take to you “Piedras to the Gordas” park (approximately and US$60 to US$25 “Monterre- to “Piedras G
dondo”). The access road is fully sign posted. dondo”). The access road is fully signalized
Tourist facilities
Chingaza National Natural Park has 4 main trails that go through paramos and Andean forests, each
one with a dierent duration and diculty level. Take in consideration that due to the high altitudes
you may feel drowsy, so it is better walk slowly.
Rates & Opening times
The park opens between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.
You cannot enter after this hour.
Entrance ticket
Nationals:
Foreigners:
Students and children:
Prices for camping and meals vary according
Camping zone (Natalia Ocampo)
to season. It is recommended that you speak
to the National Parks oce for up to day prices for accommodation and meals, and to book a
guide, prior to your visit.
Also look for
The beauty of the park’s landscape and its wellconserved
paramos and Andean forest make it a
wonderful place to go hiking and to appreciate its
attractive landscapes and associated fauna.
Recommendations
Clothing should include comfortable waterproof hiking
boots, or rubber boots if you visit during the rainy
season (trails can be rather muddy and wet), protection
from cold weather and rain (rain jacket). Before you visit
you should ask if the park is open for overnight stays or
just for day visits, sometimes the park is not open to the
public. Park rangers and administrators have
established rules of behaviour while you are a guest,
please consult and follow them for a more pleasant visit
(visit their webpage for more details).
Paramo (Natalia Ocampo)
Glowing pueg (Natalia Ocampo)
Contact
Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia
Landline: (+57) (1) 353-2400, ext. 138 y 139
E-mail: ecoturismo@parquesnacionales.gov.co
Web: www.parquesnacionales.gov.co
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