A private reserve on the western rim of the Sabana de Bogota where nine signposted trails drop off the escarpment into a dripping Andean cloud forest of oaks, tree ferns and hummingbirds. The route down is straightforward and the climb back is the hard part, so the reserve keeps horses on hand to carry walkers up to the gate.
Parque Natural Chicaque is a private cloud forest reserve on the western rim of the Sabana de Bogota, at km 8 of the Soacha-Mosquera bypass in vereda Cascajal, San Antonio del Tequendama, Cundinamarca, Colombia. It lies about 60 to 90 minutes by car or taxi south-west of Bogota, and tour operators run day transfers from the city. The park is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., no permit is required, and tickets are bought online or at the gate for about COP 25,000 for adults. Parking is available at the entrance.
More than 20 km of marked paths drop from the 2,720 m rim into the valley, and nine signposted trails are available. The classic outing descends to the Refugio and returns, about 8 km in total and 4 to 5 hours. Descent and re-ascent are about 600 m, between the rim and the 2,100 m valley floor, and the Pico del Aguila viewpoint sits at 2,290 m. The walk down is straightforward but the climb back is the hard part, which puts the main loop in the moderate category. The surface is dirt, roots and stone steps that turn muddy and slippery after rain, and the forest canopy gives near-continuous shade. Exposure is limited to a few viewpoints.
Landmarks include the Pico del Aguila lookout, streams and waterfalls in the valley, and stands of oak, tree ferns and bromeliads alive with hummingbirds and other birds. Water is available at the Refugio and near the entrance, and the reserve offers food service, basic lodging and camping for those who wish to stay overnight. Tired walkers can pay for a horse ride or internal transport back to the rim, at around COP 50,000 and COP 23,000 to 27,000 respectively. A 340 m zip line is an optional extra. Since the forest is wet most afternoons, visitors should start early and carry waterproof gear. Turn-around points are flexible: walkers can stop at Pico del Aguila for a shorter outing or continue to the valley floor and use the horses for the climb. Cell coverage is patchy in the lower forest, so carrying a map from the entrance is sensible.
| Distance | More than 20 km of marked paths; the classic descent to the Refugio and back is about 8 km |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 to 5 hours for the main loop |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | Private car or taxi from Bogota in about 60 to 90 minutes; tour operators run day transfers from the city |
| Best season | Year round; December to March and July to August bring the clearest mornings, with mist most likely in April to May and October to November |
| Address | Km 8 variante Soacha-Mosquera, vereda Cascajal, San Antonio del Tequendama, Cundinamarca, Colombia |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- San Antonio del Tequendama, Cundinamarca, about 45 minutes south-west of Bogota
What to bring
- Waterproof hiking boots for muddy descents
- Rain jacket, since the cloud forest is wet most afternoons
- 1.5 litres of water and trail food
- Insect repellent
- Cash for the horse ride back to the rim
Location
Km 8 variante Soacha-Mosquera, vereda Cascajal, San Antonio del Tequendama, Cundinamarca, Colombia
4.6083, -74.3060 View on map
Highlights
- Descend nine signposted trails into a dripping Andean cloud forest
- Watch for hummingbirds among oaks, tree ferns and bromeliads
- Look out from the Pico del Aguila viewpoint at 2,290 m
- Hire a horse for the climb back to the rim
Tips for visiting
- Start at the 8:00 a.m. opening so the climb back is finished before afternoon rain.
- Wear waterproof boots, as the muddy descents are slippery.
- Carry cash for the horse ride and internal transport back to the rim.
- Pack insect repellent and a rain jacket for the humid cloud forest.
- Save energy on the way down, since the 600 m re-ascent is the hard part.
When to visit
Arrive at the 8:00 a.m. opening on a weekday. December to March and July to August bring the clearest mornings.
Accessibility
The forest trails are steep and uneven, and they are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. Only the entrance area and facilities near the rim are relatively level.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How much does entry to Chicaque cost?
Adults pay about COP 25,000 and children aged 5 to 17 and visitors over 65 about COP 20,000. The zip line, horse riding and internal transport cost extra.
How far is Chicaque from Bogota?
It is about 60 to 90 minutes by car or taxi to San Antonio del Tequendama. Tour operators also run day transfers from the city.
How long does the main loop take?
The classic descent to the Refugio and back is about 8 km and takes 4 to 5 hours.
Can visitors avoid the climb back up?
Yes. The reserve keeps horses on hand to carry walkers up to the gate, and internal transport is also available for a fee.