The Siecha lakes sit in a glacial bowl of frailejon paramo inside Chingaza, the national park that supplies most of Bogota's drinking water and shelters spectacled bear and paramo deer. Access is strictly controlled: entry is by reservation with an accredited guide, and the thin air at 3,700 m makes what looks like a gentle walk genuinely hard work.
The Lagunas de Siecha walk lies in the Siecha sector of Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza, about 15 km from the centre of Guasca in Cundinamarca, Colombia. Chingaza supplies most of Bogota's drinking water and shelters spectacled bears and paramo deer. Access is strictly controlled: reservations must be made at least three days ahead through the park's online form, an accredited guide or interpreter is compulsory, and every visitor must carry an accident and rescue insurance policy. Entry is between 7:00 and 11:00 a.m., and all visitors must leave by 4:00 p.m. Foreign visitors pay about COP 78,500 for park entry, with guiding, transport and insurance contracted separately.
The trailhead is reached by private car or operator transfer from Bogota via La Calera and Guasca, about two hours to the Siecha control point. The route is about 8 km round trip to the three lakes and takes 4 to 6 hours including the park briefing. Walkers stay between roughly 3,500 m and 3,700 m, with about 300 m of gain. Although the distance looks modest, the thin air makes the walk moderate in difficulty, and the boggy ground slows progress. The surface is peat, wet grass and rock, with some stepping stones over streams. There is no shade above the treeline, and exposure to wind, cold rain and strong ultraviolet light is constant.
The lakes sit in a glacial bowl of frailejon paramo, and the walk passes stands of these silvery, tall-stemmed plants along with cushion plants and small wetlands. The three lagoons are the main landmarks and the natural turn-around; the guide sets the pace and decides when to turn back if the weather worsens. There are no huts or shops on the trail, so walkers must carry all water and food, and stream water should not be drunk untreated. Temperatures hover near freezing at dawn, and mist can close in rapidly. Visitors should bring their printed reservation, identity document and insurance certificate, and follow the park rules on staying on the marked path to protect the fragile paramo vegetation.
| Distance | About 8 km round trip to the three lakes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 to 6 hours including the park briefing |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Private car or operator transfer from Bogota via La Calera and Guasca, about two hours to the Siecha control point |
| Best season | December to March is the driest and clearest window; the park is wettest between April and June and again in October and November |
| Address | Sector Siecha, 15 km from Guasca town centre, Guasca, Cundinamarca, Colombia |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza, Siecha sector, Guasca, Cundinamarca
What to bring
- Waterproof boots and gaiters for boggy paramo
- Warm layers, hat and gloves, as temperatures hover near freezing at dawn
- Full waterproof shell
- 2 litres of water and high-energy food
- Printed reservation, identity document and accident insurance certificate
Location
Sector Siecha, 15 km from Guasca town centre, Guasca, Cundinamarca, Colombia
4.7756, -73.8225 View on map
Highlights
- Reach three glacial lakes at 3,500 m to 3,700 m in Chingaza paramo
- Walk among frailejones with a park-accredited guide
- Look for spectacled bear and paramo deer habitat
- Enjoy a protected watershed that supplies Bogota's water
Tips for visiting
- Reserve at least three days ahead and confirm the accredited guide before travelling.
- Carry the accident and rescue insurance certificate, which is checked at the control point.
- Wear waterproof boots and gaiters for the boggy ground.
- Pack warm layers, hat and gloves, as dawn temperatures are close to freezing.
- Spend a day or two at altitude in Bogota beforehand to reduce headaches and breathlessness.
When to visit
December to March is the driest and clearest window. Begin at the 7:00 a.m. opening to finish before afternoon mist and rain.
Accessibility
The paramo trail is boggy and uneven and is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. No section is step-free.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is a guide required at the Siecha lakes?
Yes. An accredited guide or interpreter is compulsory, and reservations must be made at least three days ahead through the park's online form.
What are the entry hours?
Entry is between 7:00 and 11:00 a.m., and all visitors must leave the park by 4:00 p.m.
How far is the walk?
It is about 8 km round trip and takes 4 to 6 hours including the briefing, with about 300 m of gain at 3,500 m to 3,700 m.
How much does park entry cost?
Foreign visitors pay about COP 78,500. Colombian nationals and Andean Community residents pay about COP 24,500 to 29,000, depending on age.