Ecotourism Activities
The Sanctuary is a privileged place for contemplation due to the exuberant páramo landscape around the lagoon. Among the activities allowed in the area are the observation of cultural heritage and flora and fauna, research and environmental education, and photography and video. The only trail open to the public is the one to the Sacred Lagoon of Iguaque, the Sanctuary’s main attraction. Clic here for the Iguaque Lagoon Trail Map.
The highlands of Cundinamarca and Boyacá must be understood as a greater region containing different local communities determined by the Muisca ancestors’ belief system. For the Muisca culture, the sacred lagoon of Iguaque was the cradle of humanity since Bachué, the mother of men, emerged from it.
Bachué Trail to the Sacred Lagoon of Iguaque: Trail starting hours are from 8am – 10am in the Carrizal Administrative Center; it continues to the Furachiogua Visitors Center 700 meters ahead. The climb begins at 2,800 MASL and finishes in the lagoon at 3,650 MASL (4.1 km, 6 – 7 hours round trip, high difficulty).
The exuberant nature of the protected area and its state of conservation make it an ideal place for scientific research. Additionally, as in all the parks with ecotourism, education institutions carry out environmental education activities in the park, as do the park rangers who speak to the visitors about the Park, its conservation objectives and ecotourism services and activities.
It is the perfect place to observe fauna and flora. The Sanctuary has mammals such as tiger cat, white-tailed deer, weasel and ring-tailed coati: And birds such as the Andean guan, typical of Andean forests, dove, band-winged nightjar, Andean toucanet, woodpecker and hummingbird, among many others.
The scenic beauty of the Sanctuary make it an ideal place for this activity, although, if the photos or video are intended for commercial use or publication, a permit must be obtained from Parques Nacionales Naturales.