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About the experience
A 4.7 km linear trail that starts at the Carrizal ranger station and climbs to the sacred lake of Iguaque. It begins at 2,846 metres and tops out at 3,640, passing through Andean forest, high Andean forest and páramo.
The round trip takes around 6 hours and the difficulty is high — this one is for travellers who want a serious high-altitude day in the mountains.
What's included
- Entrance to Iguaque lake (foreign visitor rate)
- Authorised guide
- Private vehicle transfer
- Insurance with visitor assistance
Options and add-ons
The base rate covers transfer by private vehicle. Larger groups can upgrade at booking:
- Minibus transfer — add USD $14 / COP $42,900
- Full-size bus transfer — add USD $37 / COP $119,600
Not included
- [TO CONFIRM: meals or snacks]
Location and transport
Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Bachué trail sector, starting at the Carrizal ranger station. [TO CONFIRM: exact pickup and meeting point]
Itinerary and schedule
- Entry to Iguaque lake via the Bachué trail: 8:00 to 10:00am
- Welcome talk with an educational introduction to the protected area
Duration
Approximately 6 hours return
Difficulty and requirements
- High difficulty, due to gradient and altitude
- Not advisable during pregnancy, or with heart or respiratory conditions, reduced mobility, or at either extreme of age (small children, older adults)
- In the rainy season the ground is slippery and the climbs are demanding
- Minors must always be accompanied by a responsible adult
Sanctuary rules
- Advance booking, an authorised guide or interpreter, and insurance are mandatory
- No pets, external seeds or flowers
- Do not collect flora, fauna or minerals
- No alcohol, cigarettes, weapons or psychoactive substances; no fires or capturing animals
- Whatever you bring in, you carry out
- Drones and commercial photography require prior authorisation from Parques Nacionales
- No mobile signal — WhatsApp only
Price and booking
- From USD $148 / COP $482,300 per couple
- [TO CONFIRM: cancellation and rescheduling policy, and wet weather policy]
Cultural and environmental context
Iguaque lake is a sacred Muisca site, birthplace of the goddess Bachué in Muisca cosmology. It is viewed from a distance, without direct contact or offerings, out of respect for both its cultural meaning and its ecological fragility.
Frequently asked questions
Is this suitable for beginners?
No. It is a high-difficulty trail best suited to hikers in good physical condition.
What if we are a larger group?
Minibus and full-size bus transfers can be added at booking.
Can I do it while pregnant?
Not advisable, given the gradient and the altitude.
