Iguaque Flora and Fauna Sanctuary is located in the department of Boyacá at a distance of 230 km from Bogota. And only 15 kilometers from the romantic and historic town of Villa de Leyva. This one of the most respected and best-preserved flora and fauna reserves in the departments of Cundinamarca and Boyacá. The area covers 6960 hectares and the summits reach altitudes between 2.400 and 3.800 meters above sea level.
Experiencing the mystical ascent to Lake Iguaque, the birthplace of the ancient Muiscas water is the main attractions for visitors to this National Park. At first you will hike through cloud forests, then through the wilderness that surrounds the lake, a renowned sacred place of the first settlers of the region and one of eight lakes that form in this cloud-covered wasteland of mystery.
Hummingbird at Iguaque National Park
The landscape in this National Park is amazing and the terrain can be rugged, making it an ideal place for hiking and trekking. To this end there is an interpretive trail with an initial tranche of a mile, marked with eleven panels describing the natural resources of the area. The same path extends into the Laguna de Iguaque. It is important to start early because of weather changes are frequent and temperatures can drop rapidly. Always go prepared and ask the park rangers for the latest weather forecasts and advice.
This national park features an area of 6750 hectares. The elevation ranges from 2400 to 3800 meters above sea level. The temperature ranges between 12°C and 18°C. The highest rainfall occurs in April, October and November. Moderate months for rainfall are February, March, August and December. The vegetation is characterized by lower montane rain forest (in the north) and dry montane forest (in the south). Oaks, pines, scoop, mosses, lichens, quiches, ferns and orchids are some examples of the flora you will encounter here. The fauna is very diverse and there are several species of birds. According to the cosmology of the indigenous group Muisca, humanity originated in Lake Iguaque, from where Bachué arose with a child in her arms. When he became a man, he had children, populated the earth before disappearing into the lake, turned into a snake.
The main sights and attractions include Iguaque sacred lake, where the mother earth (Bachué) emerged according to mythology Muisca. It is said that a pilgrimage to this lake cleanses the soul and purifies the spirit. Other interesting places to visit are Los Robledales Center, for its oak, the astronomical observatory in Villa de Leyva and nine smaller lakes such as El Monte, La Empedrada, La Colorada, Carrizal, Cazadero and Ojo de Agua.
The Iguaque national park can be accessed via the following route from Bogota. Bogota to Tunja (147 miles) and then Tunja – Villa de Leyva (39 kilometers). Alternatively Chiquinquirá to Villa de Leyva (38 kilometers) to reach El Carrizal on a journey of ten miles. From Arcabuco, you can also reach this reserve. There are several accommodation options. The Furachiogua visitor center can accommodate up to 48 people. The nearest cities are Tunja and Villa de Leyva.