The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, Güicán y Chita, as it is known among mountain hikers, extends from north to south along the eastern branch of the Andes, continuing into Venezuela before descending towards the Caribbean Sea.
This high-altitude mountain range is one of Colombia’s most important areas for mountaineering. It features 22 summits above 5,000 metres, divided by two parallel ranges stretching for approximately 23 km. These ranges create rich and diverse valleys, both from a biological and geological perspective. The valleys are connected by several mountain passes ranging from 3,900 to 4,850 metres in elevation, making the area an ideal destination for a variety of outdoor activities.
This program has been designed to include several scenic and panoramic acclimatization hikes outside the National Park, as well as the only three trails currently open within the park. All activities are day hikes, with trekkers spending the days on the trails and the nights at rustic local farms, lodges, or huts outside the park boundaries.
The trekking is graded T2–T3, not because the terrain is particularly difficult, but mainly due to the length of the hikes, as overnight camping is no longer permitted. The most demanding hikes are those within the National Park, although the itineraries can, of course, be adjusted according to the group’s physical condition and experience.
| Day 1 | Bogota – Cocuy (2630 m) |
| Day 2 | Trekking: Cerro Monserrate (3810 m) |
| Day 3 | Trekking: Pico del Aguila (4020 m) |
| Day 4 | Trekking: Devil’s Pulpit viewpoint (4650 m) |
| Day 5 | Trekking: Laguna Grande de la Sierra (4514 m) |
| Day 6 | Trekking: Ritacuba Blanco’s glacier (4595 m) |
| Day 7 | Cocuy – Bogotá |
IMPORTANT:
– Due to the new regulations by National Park authorities regarding the number of visitors allowed per day on each trail, it is very important to book the trip well in advance to avoid any access issues. We recommend avoiding, if possible, the periods between December 25th and January 15th, Easter Week, and the Autumn break in October (please consult the exact dates, as they change each year).
