Tourism in Bogotá: City of Deer, Green Mountains, Paramos, and Wetlands

Translated by Andrés Martínez Forero 

‘Bogotá, My City, My Home’ is a destination rich in biodiversity, showcasing stunning flora and fauna. Bogotá is embraced by the Eastern Mountains and bordered to the south and northwest by the paramos, crucial ecosystems that contribute to the city’s water supply. Additionally, Bogotá preserves extensive wetlands and protected areas vital to maintaining this balance.

Check out:Tourism in Bogotá, My City: Discover the Centro Internacional

Colombia’s capital stands as a model of harmony between urban and natural spaces. With over 163,660 hectares dedicated to conservation, Bogotá protects a significant part of its natural beauty, including 30% of Sumapaz, the world’s largest peramo. This vast territory, along with its commitment to sustainability, makes it an essential green lung in the region.

The city also hosts 17 wetlands, eight mountain parks, four rivers, and over 1.4 million trees, becoming a haven for over 600 plant species, 200 animal species, and more than 200 bird species, making it a top birdwatching destination.

“Bogotá, My City, My Home” is indeed a city where nature and urban life coexist. In the surrounding paramos, such as Chingaza, the iconic white-tailed deer roam freely. These animals, symbols of freedom and harmony, add a unique charm to the city’s landscape, sharing their habitat with smaller deer species that also inhabit the reserve areas of the Eastern Mountains.

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The white-tailed deer, also known as Virginia Deer or Gray Deer (Odocoileus virginianus), is a medium-sized, slender-bodied mammal with long, slim legs and a short tail. Females measure between 90 and 150 cm in length, while males reach between 135 and 205 cm, with tails spanning 12 to 30 cm and weighing between 80 and 310 pounds. These measurements vary across subspecies.

Discover why “Bogotá, My City, My Home” is celebrated as a city of biodiversity by checking out this post from Visit Bogotá:

¡Bogotá, la casa del ciervo! 🦌 ¿Sabías que en los páramos que rodean la ciudad, como Chingaza, habitan majestuosos venados de cola blanca? ¡Descubre el Páramo de Chingaza en tu paso por la #COP16, de la mano de @ecoxplorerscol

Conoce más en https://t.co/ZxOiEIQWpspic.twitter.com/ujKsf7u3S9

— Bogotá (@visitbogotaco) October 16, 2024

Bogotá, a Destination of Biodiversity

1. Wetlands: Bogotá protects 17 wetlands, essential to urban biodiversity. These ecosystems support over 200 species of flora and fauna, helping to conserve biodiversity and mitigate climate change.
2. Nature Trails: With eight ecological trails, such as Monserrate and La Vieja Stream, Bogotá offers scenic routes perfect for hiking and taking in breathtaking views.
3. Birdwatching: Bogotá is home to over 200 bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers who can observe diverse species in the wetlands and along nature trails.
4. Botanical Garden: The José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden spans 20 hectares, making it Colombia’s largest and a hub for preserving Andean and tropical flora, where science and nature meet.
5. Parks: With over 5,000 parks, including the emblematic Simón Bolívar Park, Bogotá offers ample green spaces ideal for outdoor activities and family recreation.

Learn more about the white-tailed deer and other species in ‘Unexpected Neighbors’ (Vecinos inesperados),” available here:

Check out this video to explore Bogotá’s iconic spots, food, cultural events, attractions, and natural landscapes. The Colombian capital, located at 2,600 meters above sea level, invites you to experience its vibrance firsthand: