Spectacled Bear

2 days / 1 Night

A black bear is standing in the grass and looking at the camera.

Discover Chingaza National Park: A Haven for Andean Bears and Special Hummingbirds!

The tour begins from: Bogotá.

Location: Chingaza National Park (Cundinamarca).

Chingaza National Park, located in the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes, is a natural treasure characterized by its stunning biodiversity and ecosystems. Spanning over 76,000 hectares, this park plays a crucial role in water conservation, serving as a significant water source for Bogotá. Chingaza is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including the iconic frailejones that dominate its high-altitude moors, as well as wildlife such as the white-tailed deer and the elusive Andean bear. The park's unique environment, from cloud forests to páramo landscapes, makes it a critical conservation area and a haven for birdwatchers, especially those seeking to observe rare and endemic hummingbird species.


Among Chingaza's many bird species, three hummingbirds stand out for their beauty and uniqueness. First is the Green-bearded Helmetcrest (Oxypogon guerinii), an endemic species that thrives in high-altitude páramos. Recognized by its striking green "beard" and unique head crest, this hummingbird is a remarkable sight for birdwatchers, as it is specially adapted to the cold temperatures and sparse vegetation of its environment.


The second notable hummingbird is the Purple-backed Thornbill (Ramphomicron microrhynchum), a small yet vibrant bird with a striking purple back. It inhabits the Andean forests and edges of the páramo. Its fast, agile flight makes it difficult to spot, but its iridescent purple colouring makes it one of the most rewarding birds to observe in Chingaza.


Lastly, the Bronzy-backed Thornbill (Chalcostigma heteropogon), another small yet magnificent hummingbird, adds to the park's rich avian biodiversity. With its bronzy-green back and tiny size, it darts among flowers, feeding on nectar while helping pollinate many plant species in the area.


Chingaza National Park is a vital sanctuary for the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), the only bear species native to South America and one of the most iconic animals of the Andes. Known for the distinctive white markings around its eyes, which give it the name "spectacled," this bear is a symbol of the region's rich biodiversity. While elusive and difficult to spot, the spectacled bear plays a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance within Chingaza's páramos and cloud forests. As a key seed disperser, the bear contributes significantly to forest regeneration and the health of the ecosystem.


The spectacled bear's presence in Chingaza is evident through tracks and other signs often found along trails, particularly in the Monteredondo sector. Although sightings are rare, the knowledge that these magnificent creatures roam the park adds a sense of mystery and excitement to any visit. Conservation programs over the past decade have focused on protecting the bear’s habitat, ensuring that this vulnerable species continues to thrive in its natural environment.bear's


Day 1: 

You will be picked up from your hotel in Bogotá at 6:30 a.m. Our journey begins with a drive to the village of La Calera, where we’ll take the unpaved road leading to the national park entrance at Piedras Gordas. Here, park rangers will give a brief orientation and complete the registration process. 


We will then continue driving through the park, making several stops along the way to appreciate the remarkable diversity of native plants and looking out for the Andean Bear. Moving slowly, we’ll head toward the Monterredondo Visitor Center and from there we will continue for another 30 km into the heart of the park to reach Chingaza Lake. In this area, we’ll walk a 5 km trail known as “Plantas del Camino”. In this area, we have been able to spot the bear in most cases. 

After our exploration, we will return to Monterredondo to rest. Overnight stay in a cabin. 


Day 2: 

Today we’ll begin our day very early, heading out once more toward Chingaza Lake. This will be our second attempt to spot the elusive Andean bear. After the search, we’ll return to the car and return to the Monterredondo Visitor Center for a well-deserved lunch. Later, we’ll make our way back through the park and travel to Bogotá—carrying with us the memories of an unforgettable journey into Colombia’s wild and sacred highlands. 

Remark: It’s important to keep in mind that this route can be quite challenging, as the drive is long and mostly along dusty, unpaved roads. 


On Day 1, you’ll cover approximately 100 km—with several stops before reaching Chingaza Lake (the farthest point reached during the tour). About 80% of the road is unpaved, which can make the journey more demanding. Afterwards, you’ll drive another 30 km back to Monteredondo for the night. 

The next day, you will repeat the same route—just in the opposite direction. 




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A deer with antlers is laying in the grass.
A small bird with a blue beak is perched on a branch.
A man is standing on top of a hill taking a picture with a camera.

Additional information

• Private transport from Bogota and return

• Professional biologist and photography guide in English

• Local authorized Chingaza guide - compulsory (Spanish)

• Parks entrance fee for foreigners

• Local travel insurance (compulsory)

• 1 night in the refuge Monteredondo (wooden cabins)*

• 1 dinner on Day 1, 1 breakfast and 1 lunch on Day 2

  • International flights.
  • Domestic flights.
  • Nights before or nights after the tour.
  • Meals not stipulated.
  • Wire Transfer extra costs are 0,5% per transaction.
  • Laundry.
  • Alcohol Beverages.
  • Insurance.
  • Other expenses are not specified.
  • Tips.

  • Bring Binoculars
  • Photography equipment
  • External memory for downloading pictures at night.
  • Computer to process at night.
  • Be prepared for rain and sun: waterproof rain jacket and quick-drying clothing.
  • Bring a camera protector.
  • Bring silica gel to store the equipment at night and avoid humidity.
  • Sunscreen, hat, or cap.
  • Waterproof trekking boots or rubber boots.
  • VERY IMPORTANT: insect repellent

LOGISTICS COULD CHANGE FOR MANY REASONS AS FOLLOWS:

a. Bird activity.


b. For the decision of the travellers.


c. Security issued. Healthy issue. Road Issue.


e. Other no specify.


The travellers have to accept any of these changes. If the shift carries extra costs, they assume them. The price is budgeted before the change.


Retorno does not provide equipment rental or loan service; each person must bring their cameras, lenses, batteries, memories and computer to carry out the activity in the best conditions. Retorno is not responsible for the loss, deterioration, or theft of photographic equipment or accessories.


RETORNO does not guarantee any species of birds or photography of them; nature is unpredictable.


RETORNO works hard to have the best logistics and protocols for safety during your visit to COLOMBIA BIRD PARADISE.