Experience that helps you gradually adapt to the atura over 4,000 meters to enjoy hiking, glacier, and unique natural landscapes in the municipality of El Cocuy and the Sierra Nevada.
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Description
- Duration:4 days 3 nights
Looking for an unforgettable escape to the high mountains? The 4‑day, 3‑night Cocuy Expedition plan is the perfect option for those who want to experience the magic of snow and páramo landscapes in a shorter, yet equally fascinating format. This comprehensive package offers complete peace of mind, including lodging in town, meals (breakfasts, dinners, and a packed lunch), insurance, and the accompaniment of an expert local guide.
Your adventure begins with an acclimatization hike to the Mahoma hill, followed by a cultural immersion through a beautiful demonstrative workshop of traditional wool crafts. On your third day, the Cocuy Expedition allows you to personalize your challenge by choosing one of the three majestic routes of the National Natural Park: admire the iconic Púlpito del Diablo through Lagunillas, explore the immensity of Laguna Grande de la Sierra, or reach 5,000 m.a.s.l. on the imposing Ritacuba Blanco glacier.
At the end of your ascent, you will be able to regain your energy by relaxing in a jacuzzi hydromassage. If you have little time but a great adventurous spirit, this Cocuy Expedition guarantees unparalleled landscapes and a deep connection with nature.
Highlights
- Acclimatization hike to Cerro Mahoma
- Handicraft workshop
- Lagunillas Route or Púlpito del Diablo Route or Laguna Grande de la Sierra Route
- Ritacuba Route
- Historical tour of the municipality of El Cocuy
- Access to hydromassage
Includes / Does not include
- Entrance to El Cocuy National Natural Park for nationals (foreigners: an additional 60,000).
- Accident and life insurance for two days.
- Accompaniment of an expert local guide for two days.
- Three breakfasts in town.
- One lunch.
- Three dinners.
- Three nights of lodging in multiple‑occupancy accommodation.
- Historical tour of the Municipality of El Cocuy.
- Access to Jacuzzi hydromassage (subject to usage conditions).
- Transportation from El Cocuy to the Park — round trip.
- Expenses not specified
Itinerary
Day 1
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Arrival in the town of El Cocuy (2,750 m.a.s.l.).
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Welcome in El Cocuy.
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Dinner and lodging in the municipality of El Cocuy.
Day 2
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Breakfast in the town.
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Transportation by car from El Cocuy to the village of El Carrizal (50 minutes).
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Acclimatization hike to the Mahoma hill; the route covers a distance of 7 kilometers, ranging from 3,600 m.a.s.l. to 4,100 m.a.s.l.
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Registration at the National Parks office.
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Demonstrative wool workshop ‘Between the Loom and the Needles’.
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Dinner and lodging in El Cocuy.
Day 3
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Breakfast in the town.
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Departure by car from the town of El Cocuy toward the park entrance and beginning of the trail (1 hour). NOTE: In El Cocuy National Natural Park, you can access the snow‑capped range through three different trails, each leading to an independent mountain. One of the three trails must be chosen before purchasing the entrance tickets.
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Return to the town of El Cocuy.
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Access to Jacuzzi hydromassage (Subject to usage conditions).
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Dinner and lodging in El Cocuy.
Day 4
- Breakfast
- Departure to the city of origin.
- OPTION 1 LAGUNILLAS PULPITO ROUTE:
Hike through the Lagunillas Valley, a páramo landscape immersed in majestic mountains that offers not only the chance to observe flora and fauna typical above 4,000 m.a.s.l., but also the grandeur of the Lagunillas River with its waterfalls and lagoons. The route continues through the Paso del Conejo, from where you can appreciate the snow‑capped peaks Cóncavo, San Pablines, and Ritacubas. The hike continues up to the snow line of the Pan de Azúcar snow‑capped peak, with the opportunity to contemplate the Púlpito del Diablo, or ‘Temple of the Sun’ of our Lache ancestors. (9 to 11 total hours of hiking), ranging from 3,900 m.a.s.l. to 4,850 m.a.s.l., covering a total of 18 kilometers. - OPTION 2 LAGUNA GRANDE DE LA SIERRA ROUTE:
From Hacienda La Esperanza, the ascent begins along the ‘Valle de los Frailejones’ trail; this beautiful páramo valley surrounded by majestic mountains offers not only the chance to observe flora and fauna typical above 4,000 m.a.s.l., but also the majesty of the rivers and waterfalls found there. During the ascent, you pass the Cuchumba Cave, Cuchumba Waterfall, and the Valle de los Frailejones. The route continues to the Cueva de los Hombres, Laguna Grande de la Sierra, and from there you can appreciate the snow‑capped peaks Cóncavo, Concavito, Portales, Toti, Pan de Azúcar, and Púlpito. The journey continues until reaching the glacier edge of Cóncavo, and then the return begins. Total of 22 kilometers, 10 to 12 hours of hiking. - OPTION 3 RITACUBA ROUTE:
From the Kanwara cabin area, the ascent begins along the Ritacuba trail, passing through Playitas and crossing typical páramo and high‑mountain landscapes, with frailejones and other plants adapted to altitude. It is possible to observe wildlife such as condors and other animals adapted to these heights. The hike continues until reaching the glacier edge of the Ritacuba Blanco peak at 5,000 meters above sea level, the highest mountain in the Eastern Colombian Range, and then the return begins. Total of 17 kilometers, 8 to 10 hours of hiking.
Before booking and paying online, you must confirm availability at El Cocuy National Natural Park. Please contact our advisors via the WhatsApp button to confirm your spot.