El Cocuy: preparing to hike in this Colombian ice-peaked mountain natural park

The uniqueness of El Cocuy

What makes El Cocuy one of the best places to visit in Colombia? Its uniqueness among other local natural locations.

The park is Colombia’s biggest glacial mass, with 25 ice and snow-covered peaks distributed along 15 miles of two mountain ranges. They rise between 15.700 and 17.400 feet above sea level (4780 and 5303 meters). The area also has 150 lagoons.

Moreover, you can find moors, Andean forest, and basal forest. Such diversity correlates to the park’s varying altitudes (from 1.900 to 17.400 feet-high (580 to 5303 meters)). About half of El Cocuy’s total area (approximately 420.000 acres) is protected by the state due to its ecological importance.

El Cocuy is home to peculiar plants. The star of the show is the frailejón – a perennial sub-shrub that contributes to sustaining high-altitude subterranean water deposits by capturing vapor from mist and releasing it into the soil. Four endemic species of frailejón grow in the area.

During your visit you may come across animals like tapirs, white-tailed deer, pumas, tufted Capuchin monkeys, spectacled bears, eagles, and Andean condors.

Furthermore, another reason El Cocuy ranks high among Colombian tourist attractions is its relative proximity to Bogotá. So, when visiting local places of interest like the Gold Museum and the nearby Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, do not miss this magical natural park.

Hiking El Cocuy

Today, you can use three trails to explore El Cocuy. They are medium difficulty due to the park’s general altitude and the challenging portions of the trails. Here you can find them in order of arduousness:

Lagunillas Pulpito Trail

Admire the Pulpito, a giant rock bordering the snowline of the Pan de Azúcar Mountain, at the end of this ten-mile trail. You can also enjoy gorgeous views of the southern section of the park.

Ritacuba Trail

This nine-mile trail takes visitors to the edge of the glacier on the Ritacuba Blanco peak. It is a somewhat difficult journey, since it reaches an altitude of 15.000 feet (4500 m) and is steep.

Laguna Grande de la Sierra Trail

This is the longest and most demanding trail. It goes 13 miles (20 kilometres)  into the park to one of its biggest glacial lakes. Travelers prize its landscapes, nestled in the mountains in Colombia, as some of the most breathtaking available.

Recommendations for adventuring into El Cocuy

Firstly, you can only enter the park with an accredited guide and rescue and assistance insurance. The government agency, that oversees El Cocuy’s activities, advises ladies who are pregnant, people with disabilities, or with cardiovascular or respiratory issues against hiking in the park. In addition, children under ten and the elderly should also follow this advice.

If you are reasonably fit and hungry for adventure, remember to:

• Wear comfortable, rainproof clothing and footwear.
• Wear sunscreen with at least SPF 50, no matter the weather conditions.
• Hydrate constantly during your visit.
• Get to the area at least a day before ascending to grow used to the altitude.

The best time to enjoy this location is in January, February, and between September and December. During these months the weather is not as cold, and precipitation is moderate. Nevertheless, El Cocuy’s average humidity is 83%, so do not pass on wearing water-resistant attire.

Regulations to observe

Due to the ongoing situation regarding COVID-19, El Cocuy Park encourages visitors to wear masks and carry 60% glycerinated alcohol, toilet paper or tissues, hydration, and a bag for any waste. However, single-use plastic is forbidden in the area, so water bottles and waste bags should be of different materials.

Additionally, remember not to:

• Leave the designated trails.
• Manipulate, step or slide on the snow.
• Take pets inside the park.
• Remove fauna, flora, or any minerals.
• Hunt or disturb the animals.
• Bring and consume alcohol or other psychoactive substances in the park.
• Explore the area on horseback.
• Spend the night on the premises.