Chicamocha National Park wilderness guide
National Park · Santander

Chicamocha National Park

Chicamocha National Park features a spectacular canyon landscape offering thrilling outdoor adventures and stunning vistas in the northeastern Andes of Colombia.

National Park70,0004+ Trails

Designation

National Park

Total Wilderness Area

70,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Chicamocha National Park

Chicamocha National Park features a spectacular canyon landscape offering thrilling outdoor adventures and stunning vistas in the northeastern Andes of Colombia.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Chicamocha National Park, known locally as Parque Nacional del Chicamocha, is located in the Santander Department of Colombia and centers around the dramatic Chicamocha Canyon carved by the Chicamocha River. The park covers an expansive area featuring rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and arid to semi-arid ecosystems characteristic of the region. It is both a natural paradise and an adventure destination, attracting visitors with panoramic viewpoints, hiking trails, and extreme sports opportunities such as paragliding and zip-lining. The park celebrates local culture and nature through museums and thematic attractions like the cable car system—one of the longest in Latin America—that provides spectacular aerial views of the canyon and surrounding landscape. The biodiversity includes specialized plants adapted to the dry climate and wildlife typical of the Andean slopes, such as spectacled bears and numerous bird species. Historically, the area has been inhabited by indigenous groups such as the Guane people, whose cultural heritage is featured in the park’s educational and interpretive offerings. Chicamocha National Park is a popular destination for day trips and extended visits, as its combination of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural elements make it a compelling site in Colombia's protected area system.

Field Guide · National Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Chicamocha National Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Chicamocha Canyon Viewpoint offering sweeping panoramic vistas✦ One of Latin America’s longest cable car rides crossing the canyon✦ Adventure sports zone featuring paragliding, zip-lines, and rafting✦ Cultural museum showcasing Guane indigenous heritage and regional history
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Chicamocha National Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Chicamocha National Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Chicamocha National Park
Park Recreation

Paragliding

Available in Chicamocha National Park
Park Recreation

Zip-lining

Available in Chicamocha National Park
Park Recreation

Cable Car Riding

Available in Chicamocha National Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in Chicamocha National Park
Park Recreation

Rock Climbing

Available in Chicamocha National Park
Park Recreation

Sightseeing

Available in Chicamocha National Park
Park Recreation

Cultural Tours

Available in Chicamocha National Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Chicamocha National Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Entrance fee required; tickets available at park or online; no special permits needed for day use

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Chicamocha National Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Panachi Camping Area

A designated camping zone adjacent to the park's entrance with basic amenities for tents and RVs.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Chicamocha National Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

El Carmen de Chucurí, Santander
⌖ 13.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

El Carmen de Chucurí, Santander

El Carmen de Chucurí is a hidden gem in Santander offering pristine hiking, vibrant birdwatching, and rugged mountain biking trails amid lush cloud forests. Ideal for adventurers seeking remote nature and cultural charm.

December to March (dry season)
Explore Town
San Gil, Santander
⌖ 14.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Gil, Santander

San Gil is Colombia’s adventure capital, offering thrill-seekers whitewater rafting, canyoning, hiking, and paragliding amid stunning canyons and waterfalls. This small town is the perfect basecamp for exploring natural parks and mountain landscapes.

December to March and July to August (Dry Seasons)
Explore Town
San Vicente de Chucurí, Santander
⌖ 18.24 miles
Gateway Basecamp

San Vicente de Chucurí, Santander

San Vicente de Chucurí is a serene Andean town in Santander known for hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, and authentic coffee farm experiences surrounded by rich forests.

December to March (dry season)
Explore Town
Páramo, Santander
⌖ 18.29 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Páramo, Santander

Páramo, Santander is a tranquil highland town offering serene hikes through unique páramo moorlands. Perfect for hikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers seeking remote Andean landscapes and rich biodiversity.

June to September
Explore Town
Lebrija, Santander
⌖ 34.52 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lebrija, Santander

Lebrija, Santander is a quiet Andean town ideal for hiking, river paddling, and bird watching. Enjoy peaceful trails, cultural festivals, and stunning mountain views in one of Colombia’s less-explored outdoor destinations.

December to March
Explore Town
Floridablanca, Santander
⌖ 34.57 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Floridablanca, Santander

Floridablanca, near stunning Chicamocha Canyon, offers hikers, climbers, bikers, and paragliders scenic adventures year-round. This town’s outdoor vibe and proximity to protected parks make it a perfect base for exploring Santander’s natural wonders.

December to March (dry season)
Explore Town