El Cocuy National Park
Colombia · Boyacá · 2750 m
Description
The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy is Colombia's most spectacular high-mountain landscape and the highest mountain range of the Eastern Andes. Numerous snow-capped peaks rise above 5,000 m (16,400 ft), including Ritacuba Blanco at around 5,400 m (17,700 ft). The dramatic scenery is defined by glaciers, turquoise glacial lakes, jagged rock spires, and the vast páramo grasslands dotted with distinctive frailejón plants. As Colombia's largest remaining glaciated region, it ranks among the country's greatest natural wonders and is a premier destination for experienced hikers and mountaineers. Access is primarily via the Andean towns of El Cocuy and Güicán and is subject to conservation regulations and agreements that respect the cultural significance of the mountains to the indigenous U'wa people.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 5 to 10 days (optimal 7 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: January – February or July – August
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, Güicán & Chita
- Laguna Grande de la Sierra Trail
- Ritacuba Glacier-Edge Trail
- Púlpito del Diablo & Pan de Azúcar Views
- High-Andean Páramo & Frailejones
- El Cocuy Glaciers
- Laguna Grande de la Sierra & Cóncavo Glacier Views
- Ritacuba Blanco Views
- Lagunillas–Púlpito del Diablo Trail
- Glacial Lakes & High-Andean Wetlands
- U'wa Sacred Landscape & Cultural Heritage
- Andean Wildlife & Birdwatching
- Andean Condor Watching in El Cocuy
- Andean Bear & Tapir Habitat
- El Cocuy Mountain Village
- Güicán de la Sierra
- High-Altitude Mountain Photography
Getting there
- Airports:
- BOG