Trekking to the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy (3 days)

Day 1.

Arrival at Cocuy. Registration and instructions of National Parks. Acclimatization day. Short walk in the northern area of the Sierra (on average at 4,000m high). Rest and preparation for the high mountain journey.

Day 2.

Tour to the Lagunillas Valley. Start of the walk. Ascent to the edge of the Pan de Azúcar glacier (3,700m – 4,900m). It's not a snow hike, we only go to the edge. Decline. It is a walk of more or less 8 hours round trip (approximately 21 km).

Day 3.

Ascent to the Grande de la Sierra lagoon (3,800 – 4,500m). Decline. It is a walk of approximately 7 hours (18 km). In the afternoon we return to the town of Cocuy. Night in the town. Return to Bogotá.

The days on which each trail is carried out could vary according to the availability of National Park spaces.

Sierra Nevada of Cocuy

The Sierra Nevada of Cocuy is located in the National Natural Park of Cocuy. This park covers 306,000 hectares and was created in 1977 and touches the jurisdictions of the towns of El Cocuy, Guicán, El Espino, Chiscas, Chita y Cubarà (in Boyaca), Tame, Fortul and Saracen (in Arauca) and the Salina and Sacama (in Casanare). The temperature ranges from minus 4 degrees Celsius and 20 degrees Celsius. The most mountainous part of the Sierra has an altitude ranging from 3,400 to 5,330 metres above sea level and contains the highest peaks in the Eastern Colombian range. In contrast, on its eastern flank it slopes down from the paramos to virgin tropical rain forest.

El Cocuy Municipality

This charming colonial town has conserved its architectural heritage, and is a great place to sample the local cuisine and pick up hand made, traditional crafts.

Mahoma Range

A place popularised by myths and legends. From 4040 metres above sea level the views over the landscape and the different towns of Boyaca are stunning.

💧 Carrying a water bottle and staying hydrated is important, especially during long hikes.

🧢 Wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun. It's crucial to use sunscreen, especially mineral sunscreen for your face.

👕 Pack enough clothing for three days. We recommend avoiding cotton and opting for synthetic fiber clothing that dries quickly, particularly mountain-appropriate attire: jacket, quick-drying pants, wool hat, gloves, UV-filter glasses. Don't forget your change of clothes in case you get wet or muddy.

🥾 Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes, and avoid ballet flats or fabric sneakers. Bring an extra pair of shoes in case your primary ones get wet during the journey.

💊 Remember to pack your medications and personal documents, including your medical insurance card and ID.

🎒 Avoid using a wheeled suitcase. Carry a hands-free backpack to store all your luggage, properly distributed in plastic bags. Bring a small backpack for your personal items during hikes.

🔦 Consider bringing a blanket for the cold mornings when departing from Bogotá, along with a flashlight.

🦯 A walking stick can be useful for added support (optional).

The hikes will take place in high mountainous terrain, so being in good physical condition is necessary. We'll start from 3200 meters above sea level and reach up to 4860 meters above sea level. The difficulty level is high, and the hikes can last between 3 and 8 hours depending on the day's itinerary.

*Non-residents will be required to pay an additional fee of $39,000 COP for entry to the National Natural Parks of Colombia.

**The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy National Park is responsible for assigning reservations for entry to the trails. Therefore, this reservation depends on the allocation made by the National Parks according to the trail's carrying capacity.

***Since it's necessary to make reservations in the Cocuy National Park in advance to ensure entry, the cancellation policy for this trip is different from the website's general policy. A 30% penalty will be applied for cancellations made 24 hours after the reservation is made.

Relevant Information:

Please remember that you are responsible for your belongings. Protect your electronic devices and personal documents from rain and humidity.

Ensure your phone is charged; this will allow you to take photos and use it in case of an emergency.

Your safety is paramount, so please be cautious. Always keep the group in sight and follow the guide's instructions.

Do not bring cigarettes or alcoholic beverages. Do not participate in hikes if you are sleep-deprived, intoxicated, pregnant, or have medical disabilities.

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