Every Sunday, at the Las Delicias stream, a group of neighbors gathers before dawn. Equipped with gloves, cloth bags, and muddy boots, they arrive ready to ensure the water flows clean. They are not officials; they are the hill caretakers, a network of residents of Chapinero Alto who have spent more than a decade protecting the streams and forests of the Reserva Forestal Protectora Bosque Oriental de Bogotá.
The eastern hills, spanning approximately 14,000 hectares, are much more than a green backdrop for the city. They generate water and biodiversity vital to the capital. Few tourists know about these guardians. If you want to join them, here's how.
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Community hikes are not a conventional tourism service. They happen informally, organized by groups of neighbors who share information through word of mouth, WhatsApp, and social media. Here are some of the most active routes:
- Quebrada Las Delicias: This is the best-known route, starting from the El Castillo neighborhood, in Chapinero Alto, up to the source of the stream, a historic spot for the area's water supply.
- Sendero de la quebrada El Chicó: This shorter, easier hike is perfect for first-time visitors or families with children. It starts near Parque El Country and climbs toward the reserve strip.
- Trails toward the Reserva Forestal Protectora Bosque Oriental: Challenging hikes that connect you with ecological restoration areas. Remember to walk only on marked trails.
- Reforestation and cleanup days: These are not tourist outings, but volunteer work activities where native species are planted and waste is removed.
An interesting fact: the highest peak of the eastern hills is the Alto de la Viga, at 3,650 meters above sea level, in the Verjones area. Few know about it, and even fewer visit it.
Updated costs
One of the surprises for those coming from conventional tourism is that here there is no fixed fee. The hikes are based on voluntary contributions, so you decide the amount.
- Suggested contribution for guided hikes led by neighbors: between $15,000 and $40,000 COP per person, depending on the duration and difficulty of the hike.
- Volunteer days: generally free. Some collectives ask that you bring your own water and snack.
- Transportation to the meeting point: a taxi or app ride from La Candelaria or the Zona T to Chapinero Alto costs between $12,000 and $20,000 COP, or you can take TransMilenio to stations near Carrera 7 with Calle 60.
- Basic gear: if you don't have boots, a basic purchase can cost between $80,000 and $200,000 COP. It's worth it if you plan to come back.
The contributions are used for tools, gloves, bags, native plants, and, in some cases, to support community leaders. Prices may change, verify with each collective before attending.
Estimated times
Times vary depending on the route and the group's pace. These are references for community hikes:
- Quebrada Las Delicias (round trip): between 2 and 3 hours, depending on the group's pauses to observe nature.
- Sendero quebrada El Chicó: 1.5 to 2 hours on a relaxed hike.
- Routes toward the forest reserve: 3 to 5 hours, with steep elevation changes.
- Reforestation days: half a day, from 7 am to 12 pm.
Departures are usually early, between 6:30 and 8:00 in the morning, due to the changing weather and the chance to see birds. Check the schedules before visiting, as they depend on the weather and the availability of volunteers.
Practical tips
These are the unwritten rules that the caretakers appreciate. Respecting them can make your experience more enjoyable.
- Wear hiking boots with good grip. The trails can be slippery and muddy.
- Carry your own water in a reusable bottle. There are no vendors on most routes.
- Leave nothing behind. The Reserve prohibits waste disposal, and the neighbors are strict about it.
- Campfires are prohibited. Resolution 1766 of 2016 from the Ministry of Environment establishes this, and the CAR carries out enforcement.
- Do not leave the marked trail. Ecological restoration is fragile; stepping off the path can damage native seedlings.
- Do not bring music at high volume. Noise scares the wildlife and is considered disrespectful.
- Ask before photographing people during the volunteer days. It's a courtesy.
- If you go with a dog, ask first. Some hikes allow pets on a leash; others don't, for the protection of wildlife.
- Bring cash for the voluntary contribution. Many collectives don't have a card reader.
An important detail: the area has faced problems with unauthorized events. Recently, authorities have intervened in clandestine parties, which means active surveillance. If you're invited to a "party in the hills," be suspicious: it's probably illegal and harmful to the ecosystem.
What you'll see (and why your visit matters)
The eastern hills are home to hundreds of species of fauna and flora. On a quiet hike through Las Delicias, it's common to see hummingbirds, opossums, squirrels, and a wide variety of birds that the caretakers easily identify. There are also frogs, pollinating insects, and, if you're lucky, you'll see páramo deer at the higher elevations.
Your visit has a direct impact: the contributions fund tools and native plants, and every person who walks these trails helps care for the reserve. Conservation doesn't depend only on the CAR or the District, but on the network of neighbors who know every corner of the path.
Frequently asked questions
Can I join a community hike if I don't live in Chapinero Alto?
Yes. The hikes are open to everyone, residents and visitors. The important thing is to respect the rules of the place. Many come from other parts of Bogotá and even from abroad. It's best to contact the organizing collective to confirm the spot and the meeting point.
Do I need a professional guide or special permit to hike the hills?
No special permit is required, but it's recommended to go with someone who knows the route, since there are restricted areas. Walking with the caretakers is the safest and most respectful way to do it.
What is the best time of year to do these hikes?
Bogotá has rainy and dry seasons, which can affect the experience. Ideally, ask the caretakers about the weather conditions before planning your visit.
