Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz

The largest páramo ecosystem in the world, Sumapaz is a vital water source and a unique high-altitude landscape. It's home to spectacled bears, deer, and...

Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz at a Glance

Location
Andes - Eastern Cordillera & Páramos, Colombia, Central & South America
Coordinates
3.937828, -74.197174
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz

Nearest airport: Base Aérea Luis F. Pinto, 58 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado (BOG), 85 km away.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz occur in May, averaging 7.4°C (up to 11.1°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 6.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 93.2mm. Average humidity: 84.2%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 6.6°C (rainfall: 127.7mm)
  • February: 7.0°C (rainfall: 191.7mm)
  • March: 7.3°C (rainfall: 265.6mm)
  • April: 7.3°C (rainfall: 197.7mm)
  • May: 7.4°C (rainfall: 210.7mm)
  • June: 6.6°C (rainfall: 185.9mm)
  • July: 6.0°C (rainfall: 202.2mm)
  • August: 6.3°C (rainfall: 147.4mm)
  • September: 6.5°C (rainfall: 93.2mm)
  • October: 7.0°C (rainfall: 156.7mm)
  • November: 6.9°C (rainfall: 243.1mm)
  • December: 6.8°C (rainfall: 125.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz

The best months to visit Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz are September, January, February, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 6.59°C, rainfall 127.7mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 84.4%
  • February: Poor, temperature 7.03°C, rainfall 191.7mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 88%
  • March: Poor, temperature 7.25°C, rainfall 265.6mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 90.2%
  • April: Poor, temperature 7.29°C, rainfall 197.7mm, sunshine 8.2 hrs, humidity 88.4%
  • May: Poor, temperature 7.36°C, rainfall 210.7mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 90.2%
  • June: Poor, temperature 6.63°C, rainfall 185.9mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 89.4%
  • July: Poor, temperature 6.04°C, rainfall 202.2mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 91.7%
  • August: Poor, temperature 6.27°C, rainfall 147.4mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 87.2%
  • September: Good, temperature 6.53°C, rainfall 93.2mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 84.2%
  • October: Poor, temperature 6.99°C, rainfall 156.7mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 86.2%
  • November: Poor, temperature 6.93°C, rainfall 243.1mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 88.5%
  • December: Poor, temperature 6.82°C, rainfall 125.2mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 86.5%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz

Home to 47 recorded species including 17 waterbirds, 14 iconic birds, 10 birds of prey, 6 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz

Based on average temperature of 6.8°C, typical conditions, humidity 88%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 7°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Andes - Eastern Cordillera & Páramos

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz

We love the profound solitude and the otherworldly beauty of Sumapaz, a place where the frailejones stand sentinel over a landscape that feels ancient and vital. It's a truly humbling experience to witness the source of so much life-giving water, a silent testament to Colombia's extraordinary natural heritage.

Gate Times

Access to Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz is highly restricted and requires significant prior planning. This isn't a park with traditional gates and daily opening hours. We strongly recommend arranging your visit through an authorized tour operator who can secure the necessary permits from Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia well in advance. Unaccompanied or spontaneous visits are generally not permitted due to the park's ecological sensitivity and sometimes challenging access routes.

Tipping

While not as standardized as in luxury safari camps, we always recommend showing appreciation for your local guides and any support staff. For a dedicated guide on a day trip, a tip of 50,000-100,000 COP per person is a thoughtful gesture, depending on the length and quality of the experience. We find that small, genuine expressions of gratitude go a long way here.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Colombia

Travel advisory for Colombia

Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz FAQs

When is the best time of year to visit Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz for optimal hiking conditions?

The dry season, typically from December to March and July to August, offers the most stable weather for exploring Sumapaz. During these months, you'll experience clearer skies and less rain, making the high-altitude trails more accessible and enjoyable. Be prepared for cold temperatures and strong winds year-round, as it's a páramo ecosystem.

What level of physical fitness is required for exploring Sumapaz, and what kind of trails can I expect?

Sumapaz offers a challenging experience due to its high altitude (often above 3,000 meters) and rugged terrain, requiring a good level of physical fitness. Trails are generally unpaved and can be steep or muddy, leading through unique frailejón landscapes and glacial valleys. It's advisable to acclimatize to the altitude before undertaking strenuous hikes.

Are there entry fees for Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz, and how is access typically arranged?

As of current regulations, there is no direct entry fee for Parque Nacional Natural Sumapaz itself, but access is restricted and requires prior authorization from Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia. Visitors typically arrange guided tours from Bogotá, which cover transportation, permits, and expert guidance through the protected area. Independent access is generally not permitted due to the park's sensitive ecosystem and security considerations.

What specific safety precautions should I take when visiting the high-altitude environment of Sumapaz?

Beyond general wilderness safety, visitors must be prepared for extreme weather changes, including sudden drops in temperature and strong winds, and the significant risk of altitude sickness. It's crucial to bring warm, waterproof clothing, stay hydrated, and ascend gradually to allow for acclimatization. While the malaria risk is moderate in Colombia, it's less of a concern at Sumapaz's high elevation; focus instead on hypothermia and altitude-related issues.

How likely am I to spot spectacled bears or other unique wildlife during a visit to Sumapaz?

While Sumapaz is home to spectacled bears and páramo deer, sightings of these elusive animals, especially bears, are rare due to their shy nature and the vastness of the ecosystem. Visitors are more likely to observe a variety of páramo-adapted birds, such as the Andean condor or various hummingbirds, and appreciate the unique flora like the frailejones. Focus on the stunning high-altitude landscapes and unique plant life for a fulfilling experience.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.