Paramo de Oceta
Paramo de Oceta
5
About
Trekking in the paramo de octa Oceta is considered one of the most beautiful paramos in the world. Trekking - Ecological hike, to develop this activity a specialized guide will lead you through this place, with the possibility of doing it any day of the year. Guide the region will guide you through each of its attractions, and will describe in detail each part of this beautiful paramo. Trekking difficulty 6/10 It is recommended to go with children older than 8 years The walks on average last 6 hours and will depend on the physical capacity of the walkers. The Paramo of Oceta is considered one of the most beautiful moors in the world. It is located at 3,800 m.s.n.m. In the western part of the municipality of Mongui. We will start our tour in the main park of Mongui, we will enter the mountain to visit the mythical stone of the Chest that the locals respect for the legends that exist there, we will pass by the Waterfall of Penagos, the Stone City or Lost City, some formations Rocky areas that evoke a city built by nature surrounded by gigantic stones and vegetation. About 3,800 m.s.n.m. We can appreciate the spectacular Laguna Negra. The wonderful thing about this site and what makes it unique is the formation of gardens with these typical species, small enclaves of flora, permanent water factories and shelter of animal species, in short a place that is worth knowing and to conserve .. The other attraction of this place is the City of Stone, a name that was placed by the peasants to this rocky area, where by the detachment of stone floorboards have horizontally separated and have formed alleys that resemble a small town. There the walls are about 15 meters high and about 12 meters wide, they are covered with green, yellow and red mosses, there is also a series of rocks along the paths forming small gardens of micro vegetation in which it gives pleasure to let fly the imagination . In total the alley is about 100 meters long The other element that makes of Oceta a very special place are the peaks whose walls exhibit well defined rock strata, from the central peak you can see the Black Lagoon and the waterfalls that fill it, the Colombian explorer Andres Hurtado Garcia baptized one of these Peaks the ship by its form of great ship, since it rises of the valley in monumental form and its horn seems the bow, and the tail the stern. From these high areas we can also observe in the distance the great Paramo de Pisba to the north. With its almost 4,000 meters above sea level, Oceta has a magical spectacle that, surprisingly, being on the moor, it is very possible that he leaves him in awe and ready to return someday; At times the ghost of the everlasting mist of the 3,000 meters eternal surrounds the environment, and generates with the help of the rays of the sun a multicolored spectacle of beauty without equal. A call from nature to help us conserve. Fauna and Flora As for fauna can be sabaneros rabbits, frogs, Condor, eagles, guatines and white-tailed deer. Within the typical flora that is in Oceta we find the silver frailejones, the yellow ones and the whites, the yellow senecios, purple lupinus, and great amount of moss and lichen attached to the rocks. As for flora are senecios, lupinus, mosses, lichens and the frailejon which is in the greater part of the paramo. The frailejon grows only one centimeter per year and its stem conserves water. recommendations Wear clothes suitable for the climate of moor, raincoat, jackets, cream or face blocker, hats and gloves, spare clothing, camera. As for food it is necessary to carry all food. If you go camping do not forget your tent and a good sleeping bag. Do not forget to leave no litter and do not contaminate water sources.
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Marie-Laure C
31 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
We had read at lot of great comments on this day trip from Mongui so we decided to contact Maria by Whatsapp and see if she could take us up there. Maria was quick to answer, she offered to stop by at the place we were staying to sort out the details and answer our questions.
The next day we were already hiking (Maria and just the 2 of us). Maria knows the area really well, she will adapt the route according to your physical expectations and will show you all sorts of highlights you would not have spotted otherwise.
As a guide, she is amazing. She has so many stories to tell, it makes your surroundings look alive. She really plunged us into the Muisca culture, mixing history with personal experience and stories her grandmother used to tell her. The Muisca culture in one that is passed on to younger generations orally, it is great to hear it from a local and to understand their perception of nature and history.
The walk is really nice, you even forget you're walking being so carried by Maria's stories. The path took us through some beautiful landscape and ever changing flora. Once we got to the top, we had an amazing 360 view over the paramo and the Colombian highlands.
One of our best experiences in Colombia, I highly recommend it!
Practical info
Guide name: Maria Soto
Whatsapp number: +57 (313) 4798492
Price: $35.000 pp for 2 ($30.000 pp for 3 or more)
The next day we were already hiking (Maria and just the 2 of us). Maria knows the area really well, she will adapt the route according to your physical expectations and will show you all sorts of highlights you would not have spotted otherwise.
As a guide, she is amazing. She has so many stories to tell, it makes your surroundings look alive. She really plunged us into the Muisca culture, mixing history with personal experience and stories her grandmother used to tell her. The Muisca culture in one that is passed on to younger generations orally, it is great to hear it from a local and to understand their perception of nature and history.
The walk is really nice, you even forget you're walking being so carried by Maria's stories. The path took us through some beautiful landscape and ever changing flora. Once we got to the top, we had an amazing 360 view over the paramo and the Colombian highlands.
One of our best experiences in Colombia, I highly recommend it!
Practical info
Guide name: Maria Soto
Whatsapp number: +57 (313) 4798492
Price: $35.000 pp for 2 ($30.000 pp for 3 or more)
Written 23 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magmatrek
Stromboli, Italy9 contributions
Nov 2016 • Solo
It was amazing to visit this place. It is like to be on Mars and the plants look like aliens of another world. I was so lucky to do it with Maria. She is enthusiastic, extremely knowledge and explain everything with love. It is clear that this is her place and also the place of her ancestors. Highly recommended.
Written 20 November 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Powpow4ever
Melbourne44 contributions
Jun 2016 • Solo
This hike went through 18 kms of the most spectacular scenery. In fact it is the highlight of my trip to Colombia. The guide Guillermo really made it special because he guided in English and told me all the folklore of the Muisca people for example the King's box, which you will pass in the walk. We went through landscapes covered with soldiers of Frailejons. Guillermo had the patience of an angel because I had at one stage needed to stop frequently due to high altitude. We made it in 7 hours. Please use a good guide because if you did this on your own you would miss out on the folklore which comes with the stunning scenery. Guillermo is a local and his office is in the square called Mongui Travels. I highly recommend both doing this amazing trek and Mongui travels.
Written 12 June 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rodrigo D
Gibsons, Canada48 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
You start from Monguí, a little town in Boyacá departement. You can go by your own but you don't get to see everything, just a good view of the Páramo ecosystem. You can hire a local guide for 50.000 COP/group (it worth it!! I usualy don't spend money on guides!) and he will lead you to beatifull places.
It's a 6 hours hikking aprox, you start at 3.000 meters above sea level and end up at 4.000. It's a little bit hard to breath, but it can be done! You better bring good hikking shoes and a good rain coat. If you don't go in the good season (December and Janury), probably it will be rainy and really cold (10 - 5 ºC), but you can still do it.
100% recomended
It's a 6 hours hikking aprox, you start at 3.000 meters above sea level and end up at 4.000. It's a little bit hard to breath, but it can be done! You better bring good hikking shoes and a good rain coat. If you don't go in the good season (December and Janury), probably it will be rainy and really cold (10 - 5 ºC), but you can still do it.
100% recomended
Written 16 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Annelies
22 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We did this hike in August 2018.
The hike starts from Mongui. Mongui is a tiny town but offers accommodation. We slept in Sogamoso and via our hostel we arranged a taxi to bring us to Mongui (1h drive max).
Once we arrived in Mongui by 8am, we met our Spanish guide Maria from Maria tours, this was arranged by our hostel but you can find her yourself via Facebook "Maria Tours - Paramo de Oceta", or via mariasosi1004@gmail.com, or via 3134798492.
I think a guide is mandatory but we couldn't find an English guide. Luckily, there were other people joining our tour who spoke Spanish and could translate. Even without translation it's worth taking a guide because it's really hard to find the way at some points! The group consisted out of 9 people and 2 guides (Maria and her brother Jose).
Price was 30.000 COP/pp (it's more expensive if you are with less than 4 people).
We then first registered at Maria's tourist boot at the main square (fill in your name and passport number) and then, together with the group, we went to a hut where we could borrow boots for free. We hung them on the outside of our backpacks to use them later on during the walk in the mud - really handy and necessary!
By the time we started with the hike it was near 9am. Beginning of the hike is quite boring on a clear path but as soon as you have to take the side track it becomes tricky. During the first part of the hike you will reach the unique Paramos. We sometimes took a short break to eat a snack and to have lunch. The second half of the hike is via a different path, and involves climbing over and under rocks, and ends in fields. So the second half is without the paramos de oceta but is still pretty.
We arrived back at the hut around 5pm, so it is a long hike. The beginning is slowly going up and the second half is going down, and the middle part with the rocks is quite adventurous. You need to be in normal physical shape to do this hike.
We also needed all kinds of clothing: T-shirt, sunhat, suncreen, sweater, rain coat, ... it's amazing how different the weather zones are during this hike! ;o
The boots we could borrow definitely came in handy because at some parts it got slippery and muddy and sometimes you need to step in water.
After we arrived back in Mongui by 5, Maria called a taxi to pick us up and bring us back to Sogamoso around 6pm, so that we had another hour to explore Mongui after finishing the hike: more than enough since the town is really small. If you want, Maria can also arrange you dinner after the hike via a restaurant in Mongui, in case you are too tired to cook yourselves.
I wouldn't say it is the best hike I have ever done (I have travelled a lot) but this is a certainly a firm and very pretty one day hike, and my boyfriend and I are really glad that we did this. So I would recommend the hike if you like your physical exercise and if you want to see a new kind of nature.
The hike starts from Mongui. Mongui is a tiny town but offers accommodation. We slept in Sogamoso and via our hostel we arranged a taxi to bring us to Mongui (1h drive max).
Once we arrived in Mongui by 8am, we met our Spanish guide Maria from Maria tours, this was arranged by our hostel but you can find her yourself via Facebook "Maria Tours - Paramo de Oceta", or via mariasosi1004@gmail.com, or via 3134798492.
I think a guide is mandatory but we couldn't find an English guide. Luckily, there were other people joining our tour who spoke Spanish and could translate. Even without translation it's worth taking a guide because it's really hard to find the way at some points! The group consisted out of 9 people and 2 guides (Maria and her brother Jose).
Price was 30.000 COP/pp (it's more expensive if you are with less than 4 people).
We then first registered at Maria's tourist boot at the main square (fill in your name and passport number) and then, together with the group, we went to a hut where we could borrow boots for free. We hung them on the outside of our backpacks to use them later on during the walk in the mud - really handy and necessary!
By the time we started with the hike it was near 9am. Beginning of the hike is quite boring on a clear path but as soon as you have to take the side track it becomes tricky. During the first part of the hike you will reach the unique Paramos. We sometimes took a short break to eat a snack and to have lunch. The second half of the hike is via a different path, and involves climbing over and under rocks, and ends in fields. So the second half is without the paramos de oceta but is still pretty.
We arrived back at the hut around 5pm, so it is a long hike. The beginning is slowly going up and the second half is going down, and the middle part with the rocks is quite adventurous. You need to be in normal physical shape to do this hike.
We also needed all kinds of clothing: T-shirt, sunhat, suncreen, sweater, rain coat, ... it's amazing how different the weather zones are during this hike! ;o
The boots we could borrow definitely came in handy because at some parts it got slippery and muddy and sometimes you need to step in water.
After we arrived back in Mongui by 5, Maria called a taxi to pick us up and bring us back to Sogamoso around 6pm, so that we had another hour to explore Mongui after finishing the hike: more than enough since the town is really small. If you want, Maria can also arrange you dinner after the hike via a restaurant in Mongui, in case you are too tired to cook yourselves.
I wouldn't say it is the best hike I have ever done (I have travelled a lot) but this is a certainly a firm and very pretty one day hike, and my boyfriend and I are really glad that we did this. So I would recommend the hike if you like your physical exercise and if you want to see a new kind of nature.
Written 7 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heather H
13 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
A stunning hike, worth it even though the rain / fog.
I caught a bus from Sogamoso (takes about 1 hour $4000) arriving in Mongui at 10. After consulting reviews and looking at Maps me I choose to go solo- have minimal Spanish so wasn't sure how much I'd gain from a guided tour.
Initially all was well. The path was of high quality and matched that on MapsMe. After about 1 hour 30 (~7km) the path became less clear. I was starting on the upper route so aiming for Mirador Ciudad. (Have attached screenshot) It also started raining +++ and visibility becane very poor which didn't help matters.
Using MapsMe I started ignoring the paths - at one point it went straight over a cliff edge- and using it purely as GPS.
From about 1km after Ciudad de Piedra I came across a good path, which exactly matched that in MapsMe so the end of the walk was very easy.
I got back to bus stop in the main plaza after 6 hour 30 (even with some getting lost time), giving me some time to explore the pretty town!
My tips
If going alone I would take the Ciudad de Piedra route initially.. you might be better going with a guide (I became rather aware of the situation I'd be in if my phone died / I injured myself.. once leaving the town I saw nobody for my entire hike)
On that note a dry bag / waterproof phone case
Lots of layers
Good quality waterproof shoes
Snacks!
Make sure people know where you are when you'll be back etc
It is a really pretty surreal landscape..with lots of quirky features en route so definitely do it!!
I caught a bus from Sogamoso (takes about 1 hour $4000) arriving in Mongui at 10. After consulting reviews and looking at Maps me I choose to go solo- have minimal Spanish so wasn't sure how much I'd gain from a guided tour.
Initially all was well. The path was of high quality and matched that on MapsMe. After about 1 hour 30 (~7km) the path became less clear. I was starting on the upper route so aiming for Mirador Ciudad. (Have attached screenshot) It also started raining +++ and visibility becane very poor which didn't help matters.
Using MapsMe I started ignoring the paths - at one point it went straight over a cliff edge- and using it purely as GPS.
From about 1km after Ciudad de Piedra I came across a good path, which exactly matched that in MapsMe so the end of the walk was very easy.
I got back to bus stop in the main plaza after 6 hour 30 (even with some getting lost time), giving me some time to explore the pretty town!
My tips
If going alone I would take the Ciudad de Piedra route initially.. you might be better going with a guide (I became rather aware of the situation I'd be in if my phone died / I injured myself.. once leaving the town I saw nobody for my entire hike)
On that note a dry bag / waterproof phone case
Lots of layers
Good quality waterproof shoes
Snacks!
Make sure people know where you are when you'll be back etc
It is a really pretty surreal landscape..with lots of quirky features en route so definitely do it!!
Written 15 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sitem
Paris49 contributions
Jul 2017 • Couples
I had done various trek in colombian paramos especially around Bogota and i have to admit that the Paramo de Oceta is the most beautiful. This paramo is unique with different species of Frailejones, small lagunas, and other suprise
Before going at Mongui, i have contacted the local guide Maria recommended on TripAdvisor. We arrived at the end of the afternoon and Maria welcomed us with her husband Moises inviting us to take coffee and empanadas and we spoke about the trek to evaluate what we can do. They helped us to find an hotel cheap and good.
Finally we did the 20km trek (we were just 2 person - around 8h) with Moises who is a very great person knowing everything about the history, the culture of the Muiscas, the nature...
We went at 4000m and enjoy the beautiful view of the paramo.
You have the possibility to stay 2 or 3 days and do camping in the paramo.
I definitely recommend Moises as a guide, you will not be disappointed!
Before going at Mongui, i have contacted the local guide Maria recommended on TripAdvisor. We arrived at the end of the afternoon and Maria welcomed us with her husband Moises inviting us to take coffee and empanadas and we spoke about the trek to evaluate what we can do. They helped us to find an hotel cheap and good.
Finally we did the 20km trek (we were just 2 person - around 8h) with Moises who is a very great person knowing everything about the history, the culture of the Muiscas, the nature...
We went at 4000m and enjoy the beautiful view of the paramo.
You have the possibility to stay 2 or 3 days and do camping in the paramo.
I definitely recommend Moises as a guide, you will not be disappointed!
Written 12 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
celine_lyon
Paris, France35 contributions
Aug 2017 • Friends
We did a morning hiking trip with Maria (+57 313 479 8492), and we really enjoyed it. We left at 8:00 with a car that she arranged before, so that we could go out of Mongui and skip the less interesting part of the way, in order to dedicate our time (and efforts!) to the visit of the mountain.
Maria was a perfect guide, she adapted her speed to us and help us acclimate of the altitude, she explained the paramo (typical ecosystem), the vegetation, the culture of Muiscas... don't hesitate to ask her questions! She talked slowly in Spanish so that we could easily understand her.
Beside the quality of the guide, we also enjoyed our hike a lot, (the loop took us 4 hours), because the landscapes and the plants were so unique. If you come to Mongui, that's definitely the activity to do there (it costed us 100 000 pesos for 3 persons, including the lift by car
Maria was a perfect guide, she adapted her speed to us and help us acclimate of the altitude, she explained the paramo (typical ecosystem), the vegetation, the culture of Muiscas... don't hesitate to ask her questions! She talked slowly in Spanish so that we could easily understand her.
Beside the quality of the guide, we also enjoyed our hike a lot, (the loop took us 4 hours), because the landscapes and the plants were so unique. If you come to Mongui, that's definitely the activity to do there (it costed us 100 000 pesos for 3 persons, including the lift by car
Written 10 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gwen vK
2 contributions
Jan 2019 • Couples
We booked a tour to the Páramo de Ocetá with Maria via Whatsapp. Her daughter Esmeralda was our guide. She is very knowledgable and kind. We were able to walk on our own speed and tp make lots of fotographs. You can not do the tour by yourself, this could be very dangerous.
The tour is not expensive and Maria and her daughter take great care of nature. They take garbage they find in the area with them to preserve the environment.
The tour is not expensive and Maria and her daughter take great care of nature. They take garbage they find in the area with them to preserve the environment.
Written 31 January 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Love to Travel
Potters Bar, UK812 contributions
Apr 2018 • Couples
We got a lift up to the start of the hike, glad we did as we were struggling with the altitude.
The hike through the Frailejones was great having only seen the ground high ones before.
I am sure our guide would have liked to have given us more information, but he had no English and our Spanish is very limited.
The hike through the Frailejones was great having only seen the ground high ones before.
I am sure our guide would have liked to have given us more information, but he had no English and our Spanish is very limited.
Written 12 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hola, tendrás el contacto de Maruja? quisiera reversar con ella
Written 17 November 2022
Hola me podrian decir cual es la mejor epoca del año para subir al paramo y tambien el grado de dificultad? muchas gracias.
Written 12 November 2019
Hello , Would like to get recommendations for local guide in muzo/borbur and chivor. area .Thank you.
Written 7 November 2016
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