The Siecha Lagoons are one of the main attractions of Chingaza National Natural Park and, at the same time, one of the best-kept secrets near Bogotá. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to get there, how long the hike takes, and recommend the tour we’ve personally tried.
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Where are the Siecha Lagoons and how to get there?
The Siecha Lagoons are located within the Chingaza National Natural Park, in the rural area of the municipality of Guasca, Cundinamarca, about 60 kilometers from Bogotá. It is one of the most impressive destinations in Colombia, where you can explore the páramo ecosystem with all the respect it deserves.
To visit the lagoons, the first thing you should know is that the park has several entrances, and you must schedule your visit with the National Parks Department at least one week in advance. Additionally, you must be accompanied by a licensed local guide and have medical insurance.
The easiest way to get there is by joining this tour, as there is no public transportation to the park entrances. You’ll need to leave Bogotá for La Calera, continue to Guasca, and take the detour to the Siecha sector. The trip takes about two hours and requires a 4×4 vehicle.
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To book the Chingaza day tour with transportation from Bogotá, simply click this link to check available dates, what’s included, the itinerary, and pricing. After selecting your preferred date, you’ll need to register and can secure your spot by paying a 30% deposit of the total cost.
The tour to the Lagunas de Siecha starts at 6:30 a.m. and finishes around 6:00 p.m. It includes round-trip transportation from Bogotá, a snack-style lunch, medical assistance insurance, and guidance from environmental interpreters (spanish). Be sure to book early to secure your spot!
Check Chingaza day tour prices and details from Bogotá!
What to expect from the Siecha Lagoons tour
Difficulty level: Medium
Hike duration: Approximately 5 hours
Altitude: Between 3,200 and 3,900 meters above sea level
You’ll leave Bogotá very early for Chingaza National Natural Park, where you’ll be greeted by a guide and environmental interpreter from the communities surrounding the park. This person will accompany you throughout the journey and help you connect with the surroundings from a cultural and environmental perspective.
Before starting the hike, which we consider one of the best hikes near Bogotá, you’ll have an introductory talk led by National Parks officials, who will tell you about the ecological richness and the importance of conserving the Chingaza páramo ecosystem.
You’ll then begin the hike to the Siecha Lagoons, following a circuit surrounded by frailejones (Espeletia), a plant native to the Andean páramos. With your guide, you’ll learn about medicinal plants, peasant traditions, and legends of the ancient Muisca indigenous civilization, which still live on in the memory of these ancestral lands.
The first part of the trail is an ascent, leading to the natural viewpoint, which, in pre-Columbian times, was a ceremonial site for indigenous peoples. From there, you’ll have a privileged view of the Andes mountain range and the three sacred lagoons: Fausto, América, and Siecha.
Recommended: Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá Day Trip
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Tips for visiting the Siecha Lagoons in Chingaza
Now that you know how to get to the Siecha Lagoons, keep in mind that this is a medium-level hike, suitable for people in good physical condition and with limited mobility. Make sure you bring enough water, appropriate clothing for the cold and changeable weather of the páramo, and hiking boots.
Always remember to respect the flora and fauna, remove all trash you generate, and follow the park rules: swimming in the lagoons, leaving the trail, making fires, and bringing pets are prohibited. This is a sacred and fragile place, ideal for connecting with Mother Earth in silence and respect.
Also, keep in mind that to visit the Siecha Lagoons, reservations must be made in advance. Each trail has limited daily capacity to protect the ecosystem, so without a reservation, you may be denied access to the park. You can see our recommended tour from Bogotá here.
If you decide to take this trip, you will discover one of the most magical places in the Cundiboyacense plateau. And if you’re passionate about nature and culture destinations, on the Travelgrafía blog we have many other guides that may interest you. Here are some recommendations:
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El Cocuy National Natural Park
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Other experiences that may interest you:
4 Days in the Colombian Andes: Nevado El Cocuy Trek from Bogotá
This guided tour starts in Bogotá, from where you will travel overnight to El Cocuy, and upon arrival you will take an acclimatization walk. The next day, you will visit one of the three authorized trails in the National Park. On the last day, you will begin the return trip.
The trip includes round-trip transportation from Bogotá, accommodation in a private room, meals, entry fees and permits for the national park, experienced guides, and travel insurance. Please note that the guides only speak Spanish.
Scheduled dates: October 16-19, October 23-27, October 30-November 2, October 31-November 3 (Holiday), November 6-9, November 14-17 (Holiday), November 20-23, and December 5-8 (Holiday).
Price per person from: $753,000 COP
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Recommended Tour: The World’s Largest Páramo from Bogotá - 1 Day
On this tour, you’ll hike 14 kilometers along a medium-difficulty trail, designed in collaboration with local communities, around the Sumapaz Páramo. You’ll ascend from 3,372 to 3,775 meters above sea level to discover Laguna de Ubchiqua, a sacred site for the Muisca people.
The route crosses private land outside the National Park, respecting its conservation. During a 5- to 6-hour hike in cold weather, you’ll explore the world’s largest páramo while following the directions of local guides.
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