Explore El Cocuy National Park in Colombia

Sierra Nevada in El Cocuy National Park is one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in South America, formed by two parallel ranges 25 km long that run from north to south. They are filled with stunning valleys, an abundance of flora, and 15 peaks of over 5,000 meters high, including Ritacuba Blanco, the highest peak in the area.

Embark on an adventure and trek through this incredible National Park. On this off-the-beaten bath 7 day trek your guide will lead you through the this stunning Andean park filled with snow-capped peaks, icy glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. You will hike through three challenging trails inlcuding the Parada del Romero trail, the Ritacuba Trail, the Pulpito Trail and the Laguna de La Sierra Trail. Immerse yourself in nature, observing the high mountain ecosystem full of flora and fauna, as well as consuming water straight from the rivers and lagoons.

Please Note: This multi-trek is quite physical and are at a very high altitude so you will need to be coniditon to complete this tour.

Highlights

Visit one of the most spectacular mountain ranges in South America
Spend a week trekking in diverse flora and fauna
Hike among massive 16,000+ foot (5,000 meters) peaks
Marvel at the glaciers, rock formations, and crystal lakes

Itinerary

Day 1: Bogota to Guican

Depart from the bus terminal in Bogotá
Public bus ride from Bogotá to the village of Güicán (~12 hours)
Choose between an overnight or day bus
Basic hotel accomodations in Güicán

Day 2: First day on the Parada Romero Trail

Registration at the El Cocuy National Park office in Güicán
Your guide will send all equipment by car ahead to the destination
Begin your 6 hour trek on the Parada del Romero trail
Overnight in the Cabañas Kanwara

Day 3: Trek to Ritacuba Blanco

Trek about 6 hours to the snow edge of Ritacuba Blanco
Ritacuba Blanco is the highest peak of Eastern Cordillera
Trek back to the cabins and enjoy a warm dinner at Cabañas Kanwara

Day 4: Challenging Trek to San Pablin Lake

A filling breakfast at the Cabañas to begin your day
6 hour trek today to visit the glacial San Pablín Lake
Overnight at Hacienda la Esperanza

Day 5: Trek to Laguna Grande de la Sierra

Breakfast at Hacienda la Esperanza
8 hour roundtrip trek to Laguna Grande de la Sierra and back
Overnight in Hacienda la Esperanza

Day 6: Last Day of Trekking in El Cocuy

Trek about 6 hours to the Pan de Azucar
Observe the Pulpito del Diablo (one of the highest peaks in the park)
Return in a private 4×4 truck to Güicán or Cocuy
Overnight in Güicán or Cocuy

Day 7: Cocuy back to Bogota

Public bus back to Bogotá and on to your next adventure!

What’s Included

National Natural Park entry
Public transportation from Güicán – El Cocuy National Park – Güicán
Transport equipment in 4×4 truck or by horse on Day 2, Day 4, and Day 6
All accommodations in Güicán and the park
Meals from breakfast on Day 2 to lunch on Day 6
Spanish-speaking local guide throughout the tour

What’s Not Included

Personal equipment
Food and lodging on the road or on the Night 1
Travel insurance – we recommend World Nomads Travel Insurance

What to Bring

Back Pack 65-80 lt
Light day pack 20 lt. approx
Leather boots for trekking
Tennis shoes or sandals. (light weight)
3 pairs of synthetic / wool socks
Sunglasses and hat
Waterproof pants and rain jacket
Fleece hat
Down jacket for nights
2 pairs of thermal underwear – t-shirt and pants
Fleece pants and sweater
Wind-stopper jacket
Gloves and gaiters
Trekking poles
Head lamp and extra batteries
2 lt. Water containers (Nalgene-style is best)
Watch
Dry bags for clothes and sleeping bag
Pocket knife
Personal toiletries (toothbrush, sun block, small towel, ecological soap)
Reading book, notebook, and pencil

About the Weather

Temperatures during your trip can range between -4ºC and 20ºC (25ºF and 68ºF). Summer weather (from December to February) is a bit more consistent, the rest of the year has extremely unpredictable weather. Sun, rain, and snow in the same day is normal.

Important Notes

A 5 day option is available which not including transportation from and to Bogota. If you are interested in booking this option please contact us.
Some of the most-visited areas in the park are also considered sacred areas by the local indigenous communities, who have been in the area for hundreds of years. Unfortunately, in recent years, some travelers have been disrespectful of the local communities’ rules regarding the park, crossing into areas that are off-limits for travelers and leaving litter in the park. Because of this, the communities have tightened restrictions on where travelers can go in El Cocuy National Park. Additionally, the communities believe that the melting of the glaciers is associated with the presence of travelers on the mountain peaks, so they have a rule that park visitors are not allowed to climb the peaks or step on the snow. This tour is designed to follow the trails designated for travelers and to respect the rules the communities have established. Please be respectful of these rules and listen to your guide throughout the trip.
Group size 1-5 people
Cancellation policy of this tour operator:
- 30% of the payment is immediately non-refundable
- If you cancel more than 20 days before the departure date of the tour, you may receive a refund of 70% of the payment
- If you cancel 6-19 days before the departure date of the tour, you may receive a refund of 50% of the payment
- The tour is non-refundable within 5 days of the departure date