Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
Photography | Wildlife

Chingaza National Park: Wildlife Refuge for the Spectacled Bear

Overview

The privileged geographical conditions of this region have made protected areas refuges for thousands of species of flora and fauna. Their beauty and great variety make Colombia an ideal destination for nature lovers and photographers, especially of birds and certain mammals. On this itinerary we will explore reserve areas in the Páramo de Chingaza region and discover conservation projects aimed at protecting the emblematic Spectacled Bear (Tremarctos ornatus).  A comfortable 4×4 vehicle, adapted to different terrain conditions, will be driven by a guide experienced in wildlife tracking and photography. It’s the ideal way to enjoy a memorable experience.

RECOMMENDED SEASONS:  December – April  //  August – September

From 562 USD 5 Days / 4 Nights Departure: Dec 9th, 2024 Walking Grade: Easy
  • Day 1: EL PALMAR, Natural Reserve
  • Day 2: PÁRAMO Ecosystem
  • Day 3: ECOPALACIO, Rincón del Oso
  • Day 4: CHINGAZA, National Natural Park
  • Day 5: Return to Bogotá

Trip Details


Country

  • Colombia

Group Size

  • 4 Travelers Max

Schedule

  • Normal

Tour Highlights

  • Learn about the monitoring project of the Andean Bear with the use of camera traps, while you can learn about its behavior by following the tracks of this wonderful animal.
  • It is not only about the Spectacled Bears, you will also be able to see beautiful bird species and other large mammals such as the White-tailed Deer.
  • Enjoy the Paramo! This ecosystem is located above the cloud forest. It's a "high mountain neotropical biome with vegetation composed mainly of giant rosette plants, shrubs and grasses".

Tour Type

  • Customizable
  • Private
  • Shared

Next Departures

  • Dec 9th, 2024
  • Jan 13th, 2025
  • Feb 10th, 2025
  • Mar 10th, 2025

Thematics

  • Photography
  • Wildlife

Itinerary

El Palmar, natural reserve
DAY 1 - Monday Dec 9th, 2024

EL PALMAR, Natural Reserve

After breakfast, we’ll head for the Chingaza National Nature Park, and more specifically the El Palmar Reserve. Located two and a half hours from Bogotá, this private reserve welcomes you in a simple, rural, family atmos...

L, D 57 km // 2h15m
Andean Teal (Anas andium)
DAY 2 - Tuesday Dec 10th, 2024

PÁRAMO Ecosystem

On our second day of exploration, we chose different trails: Chocolatal, Laguna Seca and the mining area. This area, once affected by mining, has been undergoing restoration for the past 30 years. Here we will be able to...

B, L, D 3km // 3h30 50 km // 2h30m
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
DAY 3 - Wednesday Dec 11th, 2024

ECOPALACIO, Rincón del Oso

We will be able to appreciate the passing of magnificent White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and the appearance of different species of orchids and plants. Some of them are part of the diet of the Specktacled Bear...

B, L, D 5 km // 3h 35 km // 2h
Spectacled Bear (Tremactos ornatus)
DAY 4 - Thursday Dec 12th, 2024

CHINGAZA, National Natural Park

Bird watching early in the morning in the vicinity of the refuge, on the banks of the river where it is possible to find trogons and hummingbirds. After breakfast, we leave for the Monteredondo sector and the Chingaza la...

B, L, D 3k // 2h30m 87 km // 5h30m
Chingaza, National Natural Park
DAY 5 - Friday Dec 13th, 2024

Return to Bogotá

After breakfast, we say goodbye to our hosts and enjoy one last glimpse of these special landscapes on the road.

B 60 km // 2h30m

Hotels

El Palmar Natural Reserve

| $$$

El Palmar reserve. Located two and a half hours from Bogotá, this private reserve welcomes you in a simple, rural, family atmosphere. Your hosts are fierce protectors of the local biodiversity, and in particular of the Spectacled Bear.

Restaurant Spa

Refugio Ecopalacio

| $$$

Refugio Ecopalacio is located 52 km from the city of Bogota in the protective forest reserve of the Blanco and Negro rivers in the buffer zone of the Chingaza National Park. It provides ecotourism guiding services with a focus on environmental education, bird watching, restoration activities, and hiking. The lodging service is in three (3) rooms with double beds, electricity with solar panels and shared bathrooms with hot water. Surrounded by gardens and Andean forests that are the ideal space for nature lovers.

Restaurant Spa

Gallery

Price Details


Included

  • Meals indicated in the program
  • Accommodation in standard hotels
  • Transportation in comfortable vehicles
  • Tour leader and English speaking guide
  • Local guides specialized in the region
  • Local transportation

Not Included

  • Domestic flights
  • International flights
  • Additional drinks and meals
  • Medical insurance
  • Expenses not specified in the program
  • Tips

Minimum Deposit

  • 30% (The last payment must be completed 45 days prior to the start of the trip.)

Price

  • 562 USD per person

Terms & Conditions

The terms of sale may differ based on the nature of your trip and how close your departure date is. Please review our conditions here for more information.

Spotted Species

Here is a non-exhaustive list of Animal Species you can spot during this tour

Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) @ Jose Ivan Cano

Andean Condor

The Andean Condor (Vultur gryphus) has black plumage with a white collar of feathers around...

Discover
Andean Teal (Anas andium)

Andean Teal

The Andean Teal (Anas andium) is an small duck found in high elevation lakes and...

Discover
Black-billed Mountain Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris)

Black-billed Mountain Toucan

The Black-billed Mountain Toucan (Andigena nigrirostris) is a colorful bird species found in the andean...

Discover
Inca Jay or Querrequerre (Cyanocorax yncas)

Green Jay

The Green Jay (Cyanocorax yncas) is a colorful and noisy tropical bird. It belongs to...

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Your Tour Guide

Jose Ivan Cano

Languages:English, Spanish
Guiding since: 2000
Specialties: Photography, Willdlife, Communities, Trekking
Learn More
Jose Ivan
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