Discover Guasca

Guasca is a destination with nature and cultural attractions spread across different parts of the municipality. For orientation, it is therefore helpful to know the exact location of individual destinations. The Reserva Biológica Encenillo is located in the Pueblo Viejo sector, in the rural vereda of La Trinidad in the municipality of Guasca, Cundinamarca. It is not in the town center. This distinction helps you understand the Reserva’s natural setting in relation to the other aspects of a stay in Guasca.

Nature and landscape in the municipality

The Reserva Biológica Encenillo is a refuge for coatis, armadillos and páramo foxes. It is also home to numerous resident and migratory bird species. If you are prioritizing nature for your trip, the Reserva offers a clear focus on wildlife: both mammals and different groups of birds are part of it. Together, they provide a nuanced overview of the wildlife in the municipality.

Remnants of high-Andean Encenillo forests (Weinmannia tomentosa) are found in the Reserva. Orchids, bromeliads and mosses are among the plants typical of these forests. The nature focus therefore includes not only the animals and birds mentioned, but also forest remnants and characteristic plants. If you are interested in the landscape, you will find a botanical perspective here that is distinct from, while complementing, the wildlife.

Architecture and cultural tradition

The architectural complex of the Capilla de Siecha comprises the chapel, the Casa Cural adjoining its west side, and the ruins of the former Dominican monastery of San Jacinto on its east side. The compass directions show how the elements are arranged in relation to the chapel: the Casa Cural adjoins it to the west, while the monastery ruins lie to the east. This allows you to view the site as a group of architectural elements rather than considering the Capilla de Siecha only as a standalone building. The ruins explicitly preserve the connection to a former monastery.

Another way to experience Guasca’s culture is through the traditional Festival del Rito de Correr la Tierra. Guasca celebrates the festival every October. It highlights the roots, customs and community spirit of the place. It is therefore a recurring cultural event in the annual calendar, while the architectural complex offers a built-heritage focus. If you would like to plan your trip specifically around the festival, check the exact date for your travel year.

Access to the Siecha checkpoint

From Guasca’s town center, the access route to the Siecha checkpoint of Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza passes through the vereda of La Trinidad, the San Francisco sector and Paso Hondo. The destination on this route is the Siecha checkpoint. The route therefore leads from the town center to a destination in the national park; the checkpoint is not an attraction within the town center. The sequence of sections listed helps distinguish the destination from the course of the access route.

A vehicle is recommended for the journey, preferably a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle. Take this recommendation into account when planning if the checkpoint is part of your trip. This lets you treat the drive as a separate planning consideration alongside nature and cultural attractions, without confusing the different destinations in the municipality.

Discover more destinations: Tabio, Casablanca, La Mesa, Chia, Pantano Redondo, La Horqueta, Cachipay, Tocancipa.

Return to the regional travel overview: Cundinamarca.