Bogota Day Trippin' #5: Parque Chingaza (Lagunas de Siecha)

Yes, it is time for another adventure outside the boundaries of Bogota. Today, the choice is Parque Chingaza - a national park a couple of hours from Bogota that supplies the majority of water to the city. The total hike lasted about 5 hours and, as always, half the fun was getting there...let me tell you:

THE ARRIVAL (about 1.5 hours)

Bus #1 (Bogota to Guasca): We hopped on the bus to Guacsa at Calle 72 y Cra 13 and traveled via La Calera. The views were spectacular and the change in scenery refreshing.

Bus #2 (Guasca to Pasahonda): We arrived in Guasca just in time to catch the colectivo -other word for van with no leg room that acts like a public taxi service. Since we were a little vague on the directions, we inspired a little bus discussion and received lots of helpful hints on how to arrive. The most advantageous was that one of the other passengers was one of the park guards (excellent!).



Stop #3 (Pasahonda): Actually, it wasn't so much of a city as it was a sheltered bus stop...bustling with activity (everyone eager to help us find the entrance).



THE ENTRANCE (about 1 hour)
We ventured out on foot and soon came upon the park entrance sign - yes, on the right track! Then, we worked on some international relations with the local wildlife - there may have been an unexpected kiss involved. A few more twists and turns and the little casita of the parque rangers appears - none too soon for these randomly wandering travelers.




THE PARQUE CHINGAZA (2 hours)



We finally arrived at the park rangers cabin and knew we were on the right track. From there, we headed in with the two rangers and visited all three lakes. We had reached the paramo and walked through the forests of frailejones - which bares a striking resemblance to a Dr. Suess book! Here are some of the photo highlights including our friendly guides and my fellow adventurer, Sergio (the only one brave enough to trust my scattered directions!):



GUASCA
We bid farewell to the beautiful scenery and friendly hosts and made our way back to the "bus stop". We celebrated our adventure with a quick tour of Guasca - as well as a stop at the local panaderia and church. Of course, when you are two people who are at least 6 feet tall...it is amazing the type of attention you attract. Just more of an excuse to get to know the locals:)

Bogota Day Trippin' #2: Parque Chicaque

Have public transport, will travel!

At least, I have adopted this statement as my new motto. The combination of Bogota's taxis, Transmileno, Busetas, and Colectivos maybe be perfect but it sure works for me. So, continuing on my extended Christmas vacation, I took the opportunity to find Parque Chicaque. Ironically, I don't think this website was posted prior to my departure...it would have been extremely helpful!

Early on a Saturday morning, I ventured to the south of Bogota to find the town of Soachi, which I understood was the gateway to this amazing cloud forest. As half the fun is getting there, I think you might enjoy my adventures:

1. Take the Transmilenio: I took the Trans to Portal del Sur. From there, I hoped on an Alimentador- ensuring to ask the bus driver to advise when we reached Soachi.

2. Arrival in Soachi: About 5 minutes later, we arrived in Soachi (which has now become engulfed in Bogota and seems another bump on the freeway). Hmmm, the path seemed unclear to me, so I took the next logical course of action....

3. Time for Coffee Talk: I went to the friendliest looking locale, ordered a cafe con leche, and asked directions. 20 minutes, 10 puzzled Colombians, and a handwritten note, I at least knew the direction I wanted to go. I wanted to go toward Meseta.

4. Just Keep on Asking: I generously thanked my new friends and headed out to the freeway to try my luck with the buses. After flagging down about 5, one finally understood where I wanted to go and told me to get on.

5. Time to Transfer: About 15 minutes down the autopista, they dropped me at El Puente which is the intersection right after the gas station Guayasa. I hopped on the little van which seemed to just be awaiting my arrival.

6. Entering the Entrance: Another 15 minutes passed and they let me out in front of an ominous looking gate that said Parque Chicaque. I had arrived! (Of course, I still had about a 3 kilometer hike to the actual park.


7. Nothing Like Hitching a Ride: A continued my journey with a renewed sense of direction as I was engulfed in the freshness of the space. . . and maybe feeling a little overwhelmed by the solitariness of it all. A car finally passed to ask me if they were headed the correct direction...because I am sure that I look local! The kind couple took pity on my and invited me to join them in the car for the journey.

8. We Arrived! Another 15 minutes later and we entered the official gates and were immediately taken over with the fog of the cloud forest...from that point it just kept getting better!


I hiked about 3 hours climbing hills, going down slopes, and finding the waterfall. It was an amazing day surrounded by natural beauty and also engulfed with true Colombian hospitality. People were so friendly and very curious when they discovered I was out and about on an independent adventure. In fact, I meet a great couple on the way out who were not only great walking buddies (yes, we had to walk the entire way out) but also helped find my way back to the Transmilenio. Another excellent day trip around Bogota!