Chicaque Cloud Forest Hike near Bogotá: Tanagers and Toucans

The forest fills with mist as you climb, and the birds emerge from it.

A guided hike through Chicaque Cloud Forest near Bogotá takes you up steep, slippery terrain through mist-wrapped forest in search of colorful tanagers and toucans. The trail climbs 300 meters to 2,700 meters elevation over high-difficulty terrain. Private transportation and park entry are included. Temperatures stay between 10°C and 15°C, and rain is common enough that a rain jacket is essential.

The experience

Chicaque Cloud Forest sits in the mountains outside Bogotá, and the hike there is steep. The trail gains 300 meters in elevation and crosses uneven, slippery ground that demands hiking shoes and solid physical fitness. You'll climb through forest wrapped in cloud: mist rolls in and out all morning, which is what makes the place look the way it does and also why the birds stay hidden until you're close. Tanagers and toucans live here, and the sounds of the forest are constant: the guide knows where to listen for them.

The operator provides private transportation from Bogotá and covers the entrance fee, so the logistics are settled before you start. Bring a rain jacket. About 30 percent of the time the forest gets light rain, and ten percent of the time it's heavier. Temperatures range between 10°C and 15°C, so layers matter more than you might expect at this latitude. The hike runs four hours, and the group stays small: others may join, but it's not a crowded march.

This is a group tour, so you're not alone on the trail, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, Italian or French depending on which option you book. The difficulty is high, and the operator is clear about it: you need to be in good physical condition, with no spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns. Hiking shoes are non-negotiable on these surfaces. The operator rents boots if you need them.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Bogotá.
• park entrance fee.

Options for this experience

2 options

Four-hour hike in SpanishNo fixed timeGuided tour in Spanish. Duration: 8 hours, including a 4-hour mountain hike of high difficulty. Private vehicle: we do not use public transport. Pickup is included.

Four-hour bilingual hikeGuide in English, French or Italian · No fixed timeBilingual guide offered in English, French or Italian (subject to availability). Duration: 8 hours, including a 4-hour demanding mountain hike. We travel by private vehicle and never use public transport. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (9 to 69 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupUp to 16

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 5

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Andes EcoTours

Is this one for you?The steep terrain and 300-meter elevation gain mean this hike suits travelers in strong physical condition who want to move through forest actively, not walk a gentle path. The four-hour duration fits a morning or afternoon, leaving the rest of your day in the city free.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.

What birds can I actually see on the Chicaque Cloud Forest hike?

Tanagers and toucans are the main species the guide looks for, though the forest is full of bird calls and movement. The mist makes spotting them a matter of patience and listening as much as looking.

How steep is the Chicaque hike, and what's the elevation gain?

The trail climbs 300 meters from 2,400 to 2,700 meters above sea level over high-difficulty terrain with steep, uneven and slippery surfaces. You need solid hiking shoes and good physical fitness to manage it safely.

What should I wear and bring for this hike near Bogotá?

Bring a rain jacket, comfortable non-slip hiking shoes, and sun protection like a cap or hat. Temperatures range between 10°C and 15°C, so layers are useful. The operator rents boots if you don't have hiking shoes.

Does the tour include transportation from Bogotá?

Private transportation from Bogotá and the park entrance fee are both included. You choose between a Spanish-language hike or a bilingual option when you book.