Chingaza National Natural Park, National natural park in Cundinamarca Department, Colombia
Chingaza National Natural Park sits in the Eastern Cordillera and spans two departments, with elevations ranging from 800 to 4,020 meters (2,620 to 13,190 feet). The landscape shifts from dense cloud forests at lower levels to open grasslands dotted with frailejón plants at higher elevations.
The Colombian government established the area as a national park in 1977 to protect water sources and biodiversity. In September 2020, the wetlands gained Ramsar status for their importance to waterbirds and freshwater systems.
The name comes from the Muisca language and means "god of the night," reflecting the connection between the indigenous people and these highlands. Today, hikers walk trails where Muisca communities once gathered plants and water from the surrounding slopes.
Visitors must register with park authorities before entering the trails. Warm, waterproof clothing is essential because weather at high elevations changes quickly and fog often rolls in.
More than 400 lagoons dot the terrain, forming a natural filtration system that purifies millions of liters of water daily for the capital. Some lagoons sit hidden among hills and can only be reached after several hours of hiking.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
