Paramo of Oceta
Hiking and Trekking and Community tourism
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This magnificent páramo is located at 3.400 meters above sea level on the east of the municipality of Mongui. An astonishing geology has given rise to spectacular stone landscapes in a way of lost cities hidden in the haze. The typical plants like “frailejones” and others form beautiful gardens due to which this place is known as a unique trekking destination and probably one of the most beautiful páramos of Colombia. On clear days it is possible to see the Pisba páramo and the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, Guican and Chita.
This is an intermediate difficulty mountain excursion. A part from a spectacular trekking, you can also visit the small town of Mongui which is considered as one of the most beautiful villages of Boyaca department and the whole country.
Day 1: We will pick you up from your hotel in and drive to Mongui. The drive might take about 5 hours. After we leave our bags in the hotel in Mongui, we will go for lunch. In the afternoon we will do a short walking tour around the historical town of Mongui (2.920 m.a.s.l), regional context. In the night you will enjoy a small cultural show with traditional music, dance and poesy presented by the community. Dinner. Preparation for the next day’s activities and rest in the hotel
Day 2: Transfer from Mongui through the coal village of Topaga and the municipality of Mongua in order to reach the area of Laguna Negra at 3.500 m.a.s.l. In a company of local guides we will do a circular route around the Laguna Negra. The trail is about 10 km long (mix of ascent and descent) with the maximum altitude of 3.750 m.a.s.l. In this region the rocky formations, the lake and upholstered gardens of “frailejones” and other plants of “paramo” ecosystem stand out. During the hike we will have a “box lunch” and visit a small farmers house where you will be able to enjoy a typical “agua panela con queso” snack (“agua panela” is a sweet sugar cane drink served with cheese. Transfer back to Mongui, rest in the hotel.
Day 3: Transfer to the area of Siscuinsi Lake (3.690 m.a.s.l). Circular panoramic route through the area of Siscuinsi Lake with the maximum altitude of 3.800 m.a.s.l. Approximate hiking distance is 8 km on undulated terrain (mix of ascents and descents). Here you will experience one of the most beautiful mountain sceneries in the eastern mountain range of Colombia. During the hike a “box lunch” will be served. Transfer back to the hotel in Mongui.
Day 4: Meeting with artisans of regional products (wool and the typical shoe “Alpargata”). The peasant tradition is expressed in the products which come of the land. This meeting with the artisans will bring you closer to the most complete cultural expression that defines the essence of the Boyacá mountains. Transfer from Mongui to Paipa. Rest in the thermal springs. Night in Paipa or we could take you back to Bogota on the same day.
- Take some acclimatizing time prior to this hike (during this hike you will reach 3.500 m.a.s.l)
- The driest season in high mountains in Colombia is from December to February; still, the páramo is open all year round
- Take in mind that páramo in Colombia has quite cold temperatures, they might fluctuate from 3 to 15 C
- Hotels in Monguia are basic, still comfortable
- Bring a reusable water bottle where you can collect the water from páramo water streams and use purification pills to be safe when drinking this water
- Ensure that you are in good physical shape to do this trek (no heart problems, no breathing issues, and no knee injuries)
- In case you do not want to return to Bogota and prefer to continue your travel to some other destination, let us know and we will adjust the tour for your needs.
- There is no mobile signal in the paramo
- Bring snacks to get more calories during the hike