Maza Fonte Andes Mountain Trek
Description: In this private Nature Reserve within the Chingaza National Park buffer zone (but not inside the Park itself) you will find the most preserved and pristine forest in the region at 2800 m.a.s.l. Keep an eye for fresh andean bear foot prints, their feeding grounds, stunning orquids and endemic Frailejon plants found nowhere else!
Availability: This tour is available every day of the year except December 25th and January the 1st. We ask however, that during the months of December, January, February, you email us or whatsApp us to verify availability before making your purchase ;)
Difficulty: This trek is of high difficulty. It is required that you be in good physical condition due to the low air pressure present above 3000 m.a.s.l. The trails are uneven, steep and muddy most of the time. The elevation gain for this trek is about 400 meters, starting at 2600 m.a.s.l. and reaching 3000 m.a.s.l. Keep in mind that each hour you spend hiking at high altitudes is the equivalent effort of two hours at sea level.
Note: If you are interested in visiting the Páramos but aren't much of a hiker, we also offer a car-based Chingaza Páramo Adventure.
Note: With a minimum 48 hour request we are able to provide you with rain boots in most sizes free of charge.
Accessibility: Anybody between the ages of 10 to 70 years-old can join. We are happy to arrange a customized hike should you have a visual or hearing impairment.
Duration: The tour is approximately 10 hours total, from start to finish, with a hiking time of approximately 4 hours. The speed of the trek will mostly depend on weather conditions.
Location: Maza Fonte faces the back side of the Natural Park Chingaza East of Bogotá approximately 2 hours from our meeting point (this reserve is not part of the Park itself). If you would like to learn more about the Páramo ecosystem CLICK HERE.
Elevation: The elevation gain for this hike is about 400 meters from 2600 to 3000 m.a.s.l.
Weather: The average temperature is between 10ºC and 16ºC. The weather on the mountaintop is unpredictable, you must be prepared for cold temperatures, wind and rain. We have rain boots in most sizes, scarfs and warm hats that you can borrow from us if you let us know at least 48 hours before the tour starts.
Covid-19: We are expected to wear masks inside public transport and medical centers only. There is desinfectant and masks available in the vehicle.
Includes: Private 4x4 transport from Bogotá, a Spanish-speaking local guide and entrances.
Add-ons (extras):
- Door to door pick-up & drop-off (depending on location)
- Bilingual guide in English, French or Italian (pending availability)
- Picnic sandwich (no vegan and no vegetarian)
Things to Bring:
- Rain jacket, water proof poncho or an umbrella
- Comfortable non-slip hiking boots
- Long pants (shorts are not recommended)
- Binoculars and/or camera
- Sun protection, cap or hat
Route
A BogotáB Maza Fonte
*This tour usually lasts 9 to 10 hours from start to finish*
- Departure from Bogotá
- Drive to the town of Choachí to buy snacks (1.5 hours)
- Drive to trail entrance along rural roads (1 hour)
- Hike through the Nature reserve (3 to 4 hours)
- Drive back to Bogotá (3 hours)
