Just minutes from bustling Bogotá, three outstanding national parks offer pristine natural escapes. Chicaque National Park, a mere 30-minute drive, stands out with well-marked hiking trails and guided horseback rides through misty cloud forests. We love their Birding & Nature Tour for its expert guides and guaranteed wildlife spotting. Sumapaz National Park impresses with South America’s largest páramo (high-altitude ecosystem), while Chingaza National Park delivers rugged hiking through varied landscapes. Our favorite excursion combines Sumapaz’s panoramic views with local ecological insights. These parks deserve a full day of your Colombian adventure. Let’s explore the best tours available at each park.
Key Points
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Chicaque National Park offers diverse activities like hiking, horseback riding, and birdwatching, with guided and self-guided tour options starting at $185 per person.
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The Horseback Wilderness Ride through the Colombian rainforest is a popular 6-hour guided tour priced from $145, featuring private transport, lunch, and insurance.
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Birding and nature tours in Chicaque Cloud Forest Reserve provide a chance to observe colorful birds and plant diversity, with a 100% recommendation rate.
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The Sumapaz National Park hike tour immerses visitors in the world’s largest Andean páramo ecosystem, including a traditional Colombian lunch and equipment.
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Chingaza National Park offers eco-tours and hiking adventures ranging from 7 to 8 hours, led by expert guides and featuring flexible cancellation policies.
Chicaque National Park
While located just 30 minutes from the bustling city of Bogotá, Chicaque National Park offers visitors a peaceful escape into nature.
Sprawling across 244 hectares, the park boasts a variety of activities, including hiking, horseback riding, bird watching, and wildlife spotting. Guests can explore the park’s trails independently or join guided activities at an additional cost.
Lunch options include bringing a picnic or dining at the park’s restaurant. The full-day, self-guided tour includes hotel pickup, private round-trip transport, and entrance fees, with prices starting from $185 per person.
However, visitors should note that the park isn’t wheelchair accessible, and moderate physical fitness is required.
Read our full review: Chicaque National Park Review
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Bogota: Horseback Wilderness Ride
Travelers can embark on a captivating horseback riding adventure through the lush Colombian rainforest with Bogota: Horseback Wilderness Ride. Priced from $145 per person, this 6-hour guided tour offers the opportunity to explore the local nature and visit the village of Tobia.
Round-trip private transportation is included, with pickup available from hotels or Airbnbs in Bogota. Bilingual guides, travelers insurance, and lunch with beverages are provided.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 243 lbs. Recommended items include comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a jacket.
Pets, oversized luggage, smoking, alcohol, and drugs are prohibited. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour promises an unforgettable wilderness experience.
Read our full review: Bogota: Horseback Wilderness Ride Review
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Birding & Nature to Chicaque Cloud Forest Nature Reserve
Birding and nature enthusiasts can embark on an early-morning private tour to the Chicaque Cloud Forest Nature Reserve, just outside Bogotá.
The tour includes private transportation, breakfast, and lunch, as well as soda and tips. The flexible schedule allows for personal attention from the guide, who’ll share insights into the reserve’s colorful birds and rich plant diversity.
Highlights may include spotting the Golden-bellied starfrontlet and various hummingbird species. With a 100% recommendation rate from 10 reviewers, this tour is a must for those seeking an immersive nature experience near the Colombian capital.
Prices vary based on group size, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour.
Read our full review: Birding & Nature to Chicaque Cloud Forest Nature Reserve Review
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Bogotá: Sumapaz National Park Hike Tour With Lunch
Venturing beyond the bustling city of Bogotá, this full-day tour transports visitors to the captivating Sumapaz National Park, home to the world’s largest Andean páramo ecosystem.
Guests can explore this unique landscape, reaching heights up to 4,000 meters, and learn about the park’s indigenous myths and traditions.
The guided hike includes a traditional Colombian lunch, and all necessary equipment like waterproof footwear.
With a knowledgeable guide, travelers can enjoy the park’s stunning natural beauty and environmental significance.
This tour offers a perfect escape from the city, with convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, and excellent reviews from past participants.
Read our full review: Bogotá: Sumapaz National Park Hike Tour With Lunch Review
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Day Trip to Chicaque National Park—from Bogota
Though just a short drive from the bustling city of Bogotá, Chicaque National Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy a lush, pristine cloud forest ecosystem.
This private tour provides the opportunity to spot over 200 bird species, hike nature trails, ride a cableway, and even try tree climbing and rappelling.
Included in the tour are a traditional lunch and medical insurance, ensuring a worry-free experience.
With a 5.0-star rating from 9 reviews, this small-group tour is led by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into the local flora and fauna.
Just note that a moderate fitness level is required, and the tour isn’t suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
Read our full review: Day Trip to Chicaque National Park—from Bogota Review
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From Bogotá: Chingaza National Park Eco Tour
Situated northeast of the bustling capital city of Bogotá, Chingaza National Park beckons nature enthusiasts with its vast, pristine landscapes.
The Chingaza National Park Eco Tour offers a comprehensive 7-hour experience, including a 1.5-hour transfer each way and a 4-hour guided tour along the Rincón del Oso Trail. Priced from $155 per person, the tour provides an opportunity to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, home to species like spectacled bears and deer.
Led by expert local guides, the tour highlights the park’s scenic landscapes and provides a unique adventure for those seeking to enjoy Colombia’s natural wonders.
With flexible cancellation policies and inclusive services, this eco-tour is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Bogotá.
Read our full review: From Bogotá: Chingaza National Park Eco Tour Review
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Birdwatching, Nature & Photography in Sumapaz National Park
Sumapaz National Park, nestled just south of Bogotá, beckons nature enthusiasts and photography buffs alike with its exceptional birdwatching opportunities.
This small-group tour accommodates up to six participants, ensuring personalized attention from the guide. Participants will be picked up from their hotel or the airport and treated to breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and round-trip transportation.
The tour schedule starts at 5:00 AM, allowing ample time to explore the park’s diverse avian life. With a perfect 5-star rating across various platforms, this tour offers wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as infant seats, making it an ideal choice for families.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Birdwatching, Nature & Photography in Sumapaz National Park Review
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Chingaza National Park Hiking Private Tour (8 Hrs.)
The Chingaza National Park Hiking Private Tour is an 8-hour adventure that takes visitors on a captivating journey through one of Colombia’s most breathtaking natural wonders.
Priced from $369.00 per person, the tour includes lunch, snacks, bottled water, private transportation, and the services of a knowledgeable private bilingual guide.
While the tour is wheelchair accessible and welcomes infants, it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers, or those with heart conditions. A moderate fitness level is required.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, and a reserve now, pay later option is available for added flexibility.
Read our full review: Chingaza National Park Hiking Private Tour (8 Hrs.) Review
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Sum Up
Bogotá offers a variety of national park tours that cater to diverse interests. From horseback riding in Chicaque National Park to birdwatching in Sumapaz National Park, there’s something for all. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a longer hike, these tours provide an opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes surrounding the city. With knowledgeable guides and well-planned itineraries, visitors can make the most of their time in these protected areas.