Guasca: Encenillo Forests, Chingaza and Tradition

Guasca brings together several themes to explore: a protected area with remnants of high-Andean forest and diverse wildlife, the access route to the Siecha checkpoint of Chingaza National Park, and architecture and traditions within the municipality. These differences can help you decide what to focus on during your stay. Before searching for a vacation rental, consider whether you want to prioritize nature, the route to the park or Guasca’s cultural expressions.

Nature in the municipality: Reserva Biológica Encenillo

The Reserva Biológica Encenillo is located in the Pueblo Viejo sector, in the rural district of La Trinidad in the municipality of Guasca, Cundinamarca. It is a refuge for coatis, armadillos and páramo foxes, as well as numerous resident and migratory bird species. The description of the area therefore includes both mammals and birds that live there year-round or pass through during migration.

The plant life is also part of this natural area’s character: the reserve contains remnants of high-Andean Encenillo forests, whose tree species is Weinmannia tomentosa. Orchids, bromeliads and mosses are also among the plants typical of these forests. Visitors interested in landscapes and nature will find several different topics to explore together—from the type of forest to the animal groups mentioned. The rural location of Pueblo Viejo is a useful point of reference as you familiarize yourself with the different parts of the municipality.

To the Siecha checkpoint in Chingaza National Park

Another outing takes you from the center of Guasca to the Siecha checkpoint of Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza. The access route passes through Vereda La Trinidad, the San Francisco sector and Paso Hondo. A vehicle is recommended for this route, preferably a four-wheel-drive SUV. This recommendation is a practical point to consider if you are planning to include the park in your trip.

The town center and the Reserva Biológica Encenillo are different geographic points of reference: the route to the checkpoint starts in the center of Guasca, while the reserve is in the rural sector of Pueblo Viejo. This lets you first decide which nature or park topics matter to your stay, rather than planning based only on a place name.

Architecture and traditions

The architectural complex of the Capilla de Siecha is part of the municipality’s cultural identity. The Casa Cural adjoins the chapel on its west side, while the ruins of the former Dominican monastery of San Jacinto lie to the east. The spatial arrangement of these elements makes it easy to understand the site as a unified architectural complex. It offers a different way to explore Guasca than its natural areas and the route toward Chingaza.

Every October, Guasca also celebrates the traditional Festival del Rito de Correr la Tierra. This cultural expression highlights the roots, customs and community spirit of the place. If you are planning a visit, it is worth checking the dates for your intended travel period. Together with the Capilla de Siecha, the festival offers a reason to shape your stay around Guasca’s traditions as well.

Which themes suit your trip?

Your planned activities can guide your choice of a vacation rental in Guasca. If you want to learn about high-Andean forests, wildlife and plants, the Reserva Encenillo is a natural focus. If the Siecha checkpoint is on your itinerary, take the recommended vehicle and the described access route into account. And if you are especially interested in architecture and local traditions, the Capilla de Siecha and the October festival offer a different focus.

These three themes are distinct: the reserve is in the rural sector of Pueblo Viejo, the route to the checkpoint starts in the town center, and the cultural examples tell the story of architecture and a recurring tradition. Consider which of these themes you want to shape your trip around, and focus your vacation rental search accordingly. This way, Guasca is not reduced to a single attraction but comes into view as a municipality with a range of nature and culture themes.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Fusagasuga, Guatavita, Apulo, Tocaima, Cucunuba, Pacho, Anapoima, Tenjo.

For the main travel guide: Cundinamarca.