Guasca brings together a nature reserve, an architectural complex made up of several buildings, and a festival celebrated every October within the municipality. For orientation, it is important to distinguish between the municipality and its town center: the Reserva Biológica Encenillo is in the Pueblo Viejo sector, in the rural district of La Trinidad within the municipality of Guasca, not in the town center.

Nature at the Reserva Biológica Encenillo

The Reserva Biológica Encenillo is a refuge for coatis, armadillos, and páramo foxes, as well as numerous resident and migratory bird species. The list therefore includes two distinct bird groups alongside mammals: resident species and migratory birds. As a nature destination, the reserve brings together wildlife and habitat rather than focusing on just one animal species. This perspective complements the botanical side of the area.

Remnants of high-Andean Encenillo forests (Weinmannia tomentosa) can be found in the reserve. Plants typical of these forests also include orchids, bromeliads, and mosses. The forest type is thus clearly identified, while the different plant groups offer another perspective on the vegetation. Alongside wildlife, the high-Andean plant life is also a distinct focus as a nature destination.

The road to the Siecha checkpoint

Another point of reference is the road to the Siecha checkpoint of Parque Nacional Natural Chingaza. From Guasca’s town center, it passes through the rural district of La Trinidad, the San Francisco sector, and Paso Hondo. A vehicle is recommended for this route, preferably a four-wheel-drive off-road vehicle. The route leads to the national park checkpoint, not to a destination within Guasca’s town center. If you are planning this journey, the vehicle recommendation is one of the practical details to consider.

Architecture and culture in Guasca

The architectural complex of Capilla de Siecha is laid out across several areas: the Casa Cural adjoins the west side of the chapel, while the ruins of the former Dominican monastery of San Jacinto lie to the east. Together, the chapel, Casa Cural, and monastery ruins form a single complex. Knowing where each part is located helps you understand the ensemble as a whole, rather than seeing its components as separate names.

The traditional Festival del Rito de Correr la Tierra, celebrated in Guasca every October, is part of the cultural calendar. The festival is a cultural expression that highlights the roots, customs, and community spirit of the place. If you want to plan your trip around the celebration, check the date for the relevant year in advance. October is the recurring month to consider for a trip focused on this cultural event.

Planning where to stay

Different questions matter when choosing where to stay, depending on your travel priorities: for the reserve, its location in the rural district of La Trinidad is relevant; for the Siecha checkpoint, consider the route from the town center and the vehicle recommendation; and the festival makes October a recurring travel month. First decide which of these will shape your stay, then, when considering a specific place to stay, check that its address fits your plans. This way, your search for a hotel in Guasca is guided by your actual itinerary.

Discover more destinations

Medina, Occidental, Fomeque, Subachoque, El Colegio, La Mesa, Fusagasuga, Villeta

For the main travel overview: Cundinamarca.