Chicaque Natural Park Colombia
A breathtaking cloud forest reserve near Bogota, offering challenging hikes, unique lodging, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy crisp air
Chicaque Natural Park Colombia
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy crisp air
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking cloud forest reserve near Bogota, offering challenging hikes, unique lodging, and abundant wildlife.
"One of the most incredible places on earth. Beyond spectacular scenery, rare birds and butterflies, and everywhere you look, spectacular beauty."
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails are steep and can be muddy. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe experience.
🎒 Pack light for overnight
You'll carry gear down to the refuge. Only bring essentials to avoid a strenuous hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cloud Forest Trails
Various trails
Explore dense sub-Andean forest teeming with diverse flora and fauna. A truly spectacular natural beauty.
Overnight in a Treehouse
Bellota accommodation
Experience unique lodging with stunning views and an unforgettable adventure for kids and adults alike.
Nocturnal Wildlife Walk
Guided tours
Discover the park's nocturnal creatures and learn about the local ecosystem on a guided night excursion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Hike: Steep Trails Ahead!
Overnight Stays: Book & Arrive Early
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Donde se puede ir a acampar solo?
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails are steep and can be muddy. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe experience.
🎒 Pack light for overnight
You'll carry gear down to the refuge. Only bring essentials to avoid a strenuous hike.
💧 Be prepared for rain
Cloud forests are unpredictable. Bring rain gear, even on sunny days.
⏰ Start your day early
Maximize your time and enjoy the park before it gets busy. Check-in for overnight stays is at 3 PM.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Trails are steep and can be muddy. Good footwear is essential for a comfortable and safe experience.
🎒 Pack light for overnight
You'll carry gear down to the refuge. Only bring essentials to avoid a strenuous hike.
💧 Be prepared for rain
Cloud forests are unpredictable. Bring rain gear, even on sunny days.
⏰ Start your day early
Maximize your time and enjoy the park before it gets busy. Check-in for overnight stays is at 3 PM.
📞 Contact in advance
Communication can be slow. Try email or WhatsApp for inquiries, though responses may vary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chicaque Natural Park is overwhelmingly praised for its spectacular cloud forest scenery, diverse wildlife, and unique overnight accommodations like treehouses. Visitors rave about the delicious food and the dedication of the staff, making it a highly recommended day trip or overnight escape from Bogota. However, be prepared for challenging, steep trails and a significant walk to the main facilities.
"The park has amazing scenery. This National Park is a stunning cloud forest reserve located about 30 minutes Bogotá. There we started what was a pretty arduous walk but certainly made up for by the astounding scenery. This was only part of the park which spans 300 hectares of sub-Andean forest, with elevations from 2,000 to 2,700 meters, and temperatures ranging from 11°C to 17°C.
On the way the foliage is dense and you can make out quite a variety of bird and animal life. However, it was a bit of a relief to finally reach the restaurant for Food and the well-deserved rest. If you are hiking be prepared for weather and some difficult walking but it is all worthwhile."
Ross Daniels
"Such a worthwhile place to visit outside Bogota! Can be done either as a day trip or overnight-- it is beautiful, scenic, quiet, adventurous and run by dedicated, wonderful staff. I stayed overnight in the bellota and it was very comfortable and my kids loved sleeping in a "treehouse"-- stunning views and such an interesting experience. Whether you go for the day or are staying overnight, start early! The car park is nowhere near someplace you can put your bags down and then hike/ explore-- I learned this the hard way and had a TON of extra stuff we didn't need but nevertheless had to schlep up and down the steep hike to the 'refugio'-- or main area where everything takes place (horseback riding, zipline, meals, accommodation, etc). Yes, check in is at 3, which really means you should be parking your car no later than noon to start the process and walk down. They do have jeep or horse service if you don't want to walk, but it is a beautiful if not challenging path both up and down. I can't say say enough positive things about the overall experience: our accommodation was clean and lovely, the food was fantastic and we had so much fun doing their activities! They even host a nighttime walk followed by a campfire where you can learn about the area and see nocturnal animals like the native monkeys to Chicaque. This is an athletic vacation but one that is rewarded with wonderful scenery, hospitality and connection."
Stephanie van Diepen
"One oc the most incredible places on earth. Beyond spectacular scenery, rare birds and butterflies, and everywhere you look, spectacular beauty. Absolutely not to be missed !"
Yakov Nissen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chicaque Natural Park is located about 30 minutes from Bogota. You can drive or take a taxi. Some visitors mention using local transport options, but driving is generally the most convenient.
Yes, there is a car park. However, it is located a significant distance from the main refuge and facilities, requiring a substantial walk down.
While not explicitly detailed in social media, Reddit discussions suggest exploring local transport options near Soacha, which is close to the park. Driving is the most commonly recommended method.
The park spans elevations from 2,000 to 2,700 meters, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 17°C. Be prepared for cool, damp conditions typical of a cloud forest.
Yes, Chicaque is a great destination for solo travelers seeking nature and tranquility. It's recommended to choose safe, accessible locations, and Chicaque fits this description.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on specific entrance fees is not readily available in the provided content. It's advisable to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing.
The park is open for day visits and overnight stays. For overnight guests, check-in is at 3 PM, but it's recommended to arrive by noon to allow time for the walk down.
While not explicitly stated, booking in advance is recommended, especially for accommodations. For day trips, arriving early is advised to make the most of your visit.
Details on discounts are not provided. It's best to inquire directly with the park management for any available concessions.
Yes, Chicaque Natural Park offers camping facilities. This is a great option for solo travelers looking to immerse themselves in nature.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Activities include hiking, horseback riding, ziplining, and guided nocturnal walks. The park offers a range of adventures for nature enthusiasts.
The trails are described as arduous and steep, especially the walk down to the main refuge. Proper hiking shoes and good physical condition are recommended.
Yes, there is a jeep or horse service available if you prefer not to walk the steep paths to the refuge. This service can be arranged upon arrival.
The park is home to a variety of bird and animal life, including native monkeys. Rare birds and butterflies are also frequently spotted.
Absolutely! The park offers spectacular scenery, lush forests, and abundant bird and butterfly life, making it a photographer's paradise.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants available, including one near the car park and at the main refuge. The food is generally praised as fantastic and of high standard.
While not explicitly forbidden, the reviews highlight the quality of the park's food. Bringing snacks for hikes is advisable, but meals at the refuge are recommended.
Overnight guests can enjoy meals at the park's restaurants. The food is consistently described as delicious and a highlight of the stay.
Yes, visitors can enjoy a cold beer or a hot chocolate while taking in the views from the refuge's balcony.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but the food is generally well-regarded. It's best to inquire with the restaurant staff upon arrival about available choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Everywhere you look offers spectacular beauty! The cloud forest trails, viewpoints from the refuge, and areas known for butterflies are prime photography locations.
A versatile lens for landscapes and wildlife is ideal. Consider a wide-angle lens for the forest and a telephoto lens for birdwatching.
Yes, guided nocturnal walks offer opportunities to see and photograph native animals. Bring a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod.
Early mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting for the landscapes.
No specific restrictions are mentioned. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the lodging, the park's activities like horseback riding and the nocturnal wildlife walk are engaging for all ages. The chance to see native monkeys and a variety of birds adds an educational and exciting element to the visit. Pack plenty of snacks and be ready for an active day, as the terrain requires a good amount of walking.
Solo Adventurers
While the trails can be challenging, the park offers services like jeep or horse transport to the main refuge, ensuring accessibility. The friendly staff and the opportunity to connect with nature make it a rewarding solo destination. Enjoy the quiet trails, the abundant wildlife, and the breathtaking views at your own pace.
Nature Photographers
Key photography spots include the various hiking trails, the viewpoints from the refuge, and specific areas known for butterfly activity. Consider visiting during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light. The guided nocturnal walks also offer a chance to photograph the park's elusive nighttime inhabitants.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails and Terrain
For those who prefer to avoid the strenuous hike, Chicaque offers a jeep or horse service. This can be arranged to transport visitors and their belongings to and from the refuge. However, even with these services, it's wise to pack light for overnight stays to minimize the effort required. The park spans a considerable area with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 2,700 meters, so be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially damp conditions.
Beyond the main refuge, numerous trails wind through diverse habitats, offering opportunities to explore different aspects of the sub-Andean forest. These paths lead to areas like cascades and oak woods, each presenting unique flora and fauna. Planning your hikes and understanding the terrain will significantly enhance your experience in this breathtaking natural reserve.
An Unforgettable Overnight Experience
Check-in for overnight stays is at 3 PM, but to truly enjoy the experience and avoid a rushed descent, visitors are advised to arrive by noon. This allows ample time to park, make the walk down to the refuge, and settle in before the official check-in. The staff at Chicaque are noted for their dedication and wonderful hospitality, contributing to the overall positive experience.
Beyond the comfortable lodging, the park offers engaging activities such as guided nocturnal walks, where you can discover the forest's hidden life after dark. The food at the park's restaurants is consistently praised as fantastic and of high standard, making dining a delightful part of the stay. Waking up to the stunning views and the sounds of nature is an unparalleled reward.
Wildlife and Photography Opportunities
The dense foliage and varied habitats within the park provide excellent opportunities for observation and photography. Whether you're trekking through the oak woods or near the cascades, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse animal life. The park's natural beauty, from the lush greenery to the mist-laden mountain views, offers a stunning backdrop for any photograph.
For photographers, early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best light. The guided nocturnal walks also present a unique chance to capture images of the park's creatures that are active after sunset. Bringing a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod can be beneficial for these excursions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit