Road Trip Logo

Walk along the Paths of the Royal Botanical Expedition

4.90(29 reviews)Bogotá, D.C. - Tena - Bogotá, D.C.

Join us to walk the Camino Real de Tena, the site chosen by El Sabio Mutis to start the Royal Botanical Expedition

roadtrip:info.availableIn Spanish

Ecotourismroadtrip:info.difficultyLevel Medio Alto departuresFrom Bogotá, D.C. 11 roadtrip:info.hours

The royal road of Tena was traced by the Muiscas to exchange their products with other indigenous people of the savannah, a route that was later used by colonizers, viceroys, Spanish armies, religious people and merchants. This Camino Real was chosen by El Sabio Mutis to begin the Royal Botanical Expedition in 1772. Here he found several species of cinchona in the mountains of Tena, the first finds in the viceroyalty of New Granada.

We will travel this wonderful path that still preserves the natural wealth of forests of trees such as cedar, encenillo, alder, yarumo, laurel, cucharo, walnut, balso, cajeto and myrtle, covered by mosses and ferns.

We will trek in the forest to enjoy an experience of connection with nature.

🌱 If you like challenges, this trail is for you. Dare to travel more than 12 kilometers uphill.

🌱 Travel the paths that our ancestors traced for the exchange of their products.

🌱 Enjoy the wonderful landscape that awaits this trail.

🌱 Marvel at the fauna and flora that inhabit this place.

🌱 Learn about the stories that our ancestors lived in this place.

🌱 Admire the products made by the artisans of the municipality of Tena.

roadtrip:info.whatYouWillDo

Walking the Camino Real de Tena

We will take a 12-kilometer walk up the Camino Real that led from the Magdalena valley to the Cundiboyacense plateau, one of the main routes in colonial times. These routes traced on ancestral roads were of great importance for trade between civilizations such as the Muiscas and Panches. Trade that could integrate other civilizations with settlements in the Magdalena River valley. This was the path chosen by José Celestino Mutis in 1772 to begin the Royal Botanical Expedition.

Difficulty Level: Medium - High

Travel time: approximately 6 hours.

Mild weather

Altimetry: 1,600 – 2,500 m.a.s.l.

roadtrip:info.whatYouWillVisit

Camino Real de Tena

On the Camino Real de Tena, chosen by El Sabio Mutis to begin the Royal Botanical Expedition, exuberant vegetation of importance in world medicine was found, a great variety of orchids and other species, with which he made valid descriptions for their classification.

Municipality of Tena

Tena will be waiting for you, its inhabitants are producers of multiple products that are exhibited at a local fair and they also grow organic foods. This is a great opportunity to learn about their culture and their exquisite food.

roadtrip:info.whatIsIncluded

Transportation to and from Bogotá
Environmental Guidance and Interpretation
Snack-type lunch (vegetarian sandwich, mix of nuts and natural juice)
Medical Assistance Insurance

roadtrip:info.requirements

Carry out a screening survey and report if you present any of the corona symptoms
Make use of PPE Personal Protection Elements during the trip, follow the recommendations of the trip coordinators and guides.
This hike is of a high level. Keep in mind the distance to travel, there are 12 kilometers that are mostly uphill and the level of the trail is 3.4 (Medium - High Level).
The minimum age for this route is 15 years.
The entire trip must be paid through the website 3 days before departure

roadtrip:info.recommendations

😷 Bring your EPP Personal Protection Elements Kit (Masks, antibacterial gel or alcohol in a spray bottle, disposable tissues, bag for personal waste disposal).

💦 This trail is rocky and there may be very muddy areas. Please don't forget to bring a change of clothes for after the tour. Do not wear jeans or cotton clothing, preferably wear quick-drying clothing.

🥾 We will hike through rocky terrain, there can be a lot of mud and very smooth parts. Wearing shoes that can get muddy, boots or footwear with good grip soles that protect the ankle is ideal. Avoid wearing converse-type sneakers or ballet shoes. Don't wear new shoes on these outings.

🧢 Wear a hat or cap, sunscreen.

💊 Bring your medications and personal documents (medical insurance card and ID).

🎒 Use an ergonomic two-strap backpack to carry on your back.

roadtrip:info.additionalInfo

How do you know if this plan is for you?

This trail is level 3.4 (medium - high level). The entire route is uphill, you will have to cross some ravines. It is a route with great physical challenges and is recommended for people who hike regularly or do physical activity regularly. The distance is 12 km that will be done in more than 6 hours, with an altimetry of 900 meters. Please verify your physical condition necessary to undertake this trail.

What will the food be like?

At Road Trip we are aware of our impact on nature, which is why we choose to offer a vegetarian food option. If you consider that animal protein is necessary in your diet, you can leave this observation in our comment box when making the reservation.

We recommend you have breakfast before. This route is demanding, so you can eat something in town before the tour. We also suggest bringing snacks such as fruits, nuts, sandwiches or cereal bars. Don't forget to bring at least a liter of water to hydrate yourself along the way.

Relevant information:

Keep in mind that you are responsible for your belongings. Protect your electronic devices and personal documents from rain and humidity.

Carry your cell phone charged, this will allow you to take photographs and use it in case of emergency.

Your safety is very important, please be cautious, always keep the group in sight and follow the guide's instructions.

Do not bring cigarettes or alcoholic beverages. Do not attend a walk late at night, while intoxicated, pregnant, or with medical disabilities.

Strictly follow your doctor's instructions regarding injuries and, if necessary, carry your personal medications.

roadtrip:map.title

4.90(29 reviews)

Avatar Carlos
Carlos
5.00

Excelente destino poco explorado, paisajes espectaculares. Excelente guianza....

Avatar Andres
Andres
4.60

El recorrido es bastante agradable y se disfruta mucho. En la oferta ofrecen un recorde 12km pero en realidad fueron 7.5 km. Deberíam ofertar la dista...

Avatar Margarita
Margarita
4.80

El servicio de guía tanto local como de Road Trip fue muy bueno, se aprendió mucho de la historia del camino y de los alrededores de la zona. Consider...

Avatar Valeria
Valeria
5.00

La experiencia es super bonita, la conexión con la naturaleza es increíble, el recorrido es de dificultad media-alta pero el acompañamiento de los guí...

Avatar Katherin
Katherin
5.00

Esta caminata es increible, el paisaje es maravilloso y el conocimiento que Pedro nuestro guia nos enseño fue muy valioso, la caminata es un poco lar...

Avatar Rocio
Rocio
5.00

Es una hermosa caminata en subida! El clima es bastante húmedo así que hay que ir preparados. Súper recomendado el Guía Pedro y de local Roberto, ambo...

roadtrip:dates.title

0 availables

roadtrip:share.title

roadtrip:share.onSocialNetworks
roadtrip:share.inviteAFriend
roadtrip:share.shortUrlTitle

roadtrip:related.title

Desde $135.000por persona