A steep Andean forest path that follows the La Vieja stream straight up the Cerros Orientales from Chapinero, used by Bogotanos as an early-morning fitness walk. Four linked sections lead from Claro de Luna and La Virgen up toward the ridge, through wax palm, encenillo and moss-draped cloud forest that supplies part of the city's water.
Quebrada La Vieja Trail follows the La Vieja stream up the Cerros Orientales inside the Reserva Forestal Protectora Bosque Oriental de Bogota, entering from Avenida Circunvalar at Calle 71 in the Chapinero district of Bogota, Colombia. It is one of the city's most popular fitness routes, and it is managed by the city water utility, which runs the Caminos de los Cerros booking platform. Entry is free, but every walker must reserve a place in advance and carry an identity document that is checked at the gate. Reaching the entrance is straightforward: TransMilenio to Calle 72 or Flores station, followed by a SITP bus or short taxi ride east to the Circunvalar.
The standard walk is about 4 km round trip to the Claro de Luna and La Virgen sectors and takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Longer options continue to the Paramo and La Cruz sections higher on the ridge. Elevation gain is about 300 m, starting near 2,700 m and rising to just over 3,000 m, so the climb is steep and continuous but has no technical scrambling. The surface is dirt and rock with timber steps and roots, and clay sections become slippery after rain. The path is shaded for most of its length by encenillo, wax palm and moss-covered cloud forest, though the upper sections are windier and more open. Exposure is limited, although the steep slopes beside the stream call for care.
The forest along the stream supplies part of Bogota's water and shelters birds such as tanagers and hummingbirds. Landmarks are the four linked sections, marked by signs, with Claro de Luna and La Virgen serving as the usual turning points for a shorter outing. Water is available from the stream but should not be drunk untreated, so walkers should carry their own. There are no huts or shops inside the reserve, only basic shelter from the tree canopy, and cell coverage is generally good because the trail stays close to the city. The reserve opens early in the morning only, broadly from 6:00 a.m. until about 11:00 a.m. on weekdays and until midday at weekends and on holidays. Visitors should arrive on time with their reservation confirmation, since places are limited each day and walkers must exit by the closing time.
| Distance | About 4 km round trip to the Claro de Luna and La Virgen sectors, longer to the Paramo and La Cruz sections |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 to 2.5 hours |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Trailhead | TransMilenio to Calle 72 or Flores station, then SITP bus or a short taxi ride east to the Circunvalar entrance |
| Best season | Year round; December to March and July to August are driest and the path is less slippery |
| Address | Avenida Circunvalar, Calle 71 with Carrera 2 Este, Chapinero, Bogota D.C., Colombia |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Reserva Forestal Protectora Bosque Oriental, Chapinero, Bogota D.C.
What to bring
- Trail shoes with aggressive tread for wet clay
- Windproof layer for the ridge
- 1 litre of water
- Identity document, which is checked against the booking at the gate
- Head torch in the early opening hour
Location
Avenida Circunvalar, Calle 71 with Carrera 2 Este, Chapinero, Bogota D.C., Colombia
4.6538, -74.0402 View on map
Highlights
- Walk up a cloud forest stream path minutes from Chapinero
- See wax palm, encenillo and moss-draped Andean forest in the eastern hills
- Reach the Claro de Luna and La Virgen viewpoints above the city
- Take the longer route toward the Paramo and La Cruz sections
Tips for visiting
- Reserve a place in advance at caminos.eaab.gov.co, since walk-ups are turned away at the gate.
- Bring an identity document, which is checked against the booking on entry.
- Wear shoes with strong tread, as wet clay on the steep sections is very slippery.
- Arrive at opening, since the trail is open only until late morning.
- Carry all the water needed, because stream water is not safe to drink untreated.
When to visit
Arrive at the early-morning opening on a weekday for cooler air and fewer walkers. December to March and July to August are driest.
Accessibility
The trail is steep with uneven steps, roots and mud, and it is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. No section is step-free.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need to book Quebrada La Vieja in advance?
Yes. Entry is free but a prior reservation through the Caminos de los Cerros platform is compulsory, with limited daily places.
What are the opening hours?
The trail opens early morning only, broadly 6:00 a.m. to about 11:00 a.m. on weekdays and until midday at weekends and on holidays.
How hard is the walk?
It is a steep, continuous climb of about 300 m over roughly 4 km round trip. Most reasonably fit walkers finish in 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
How does a visitor reach the trailhead?
Take TransMilenio to Calle 72 or Flores station, then a SITP bus or short taxi east to the Avenida Circunvalar entrance.