Overview
Cocuy National Park (Parque Nacional del Nevado del Cocuy) is one of Colombia's most spectacular high-altitude destinations, featuring snow-capped peaks rising above 5,000 meters, glacial lakes, and unique páramo ecosystems. The park attracts trekkers seeking challenging mountain routes through dramatic landscapes rarely seen in South America.
Mountains · Nature · Trekking
Before you go
Connectivity
Internet cafés in Güicán (Elpino.com, Guicán Net) until 8PM weekdays. Limited mobile coverage in the park.
Money
COP$45,000 Bogotá bus, COP$12,000-35,000 hotel rooms, COP$10,000 milk truck transport. Only one ATM in Güicán (Banco Agrario de Colombia).
Packing
Bring sun protection (hat, gloves), walking sticks (rentable in town), water, and food for treks. Layers essential for rapid weather changes at altitude.
Safety
Altitude sickness is common—spend 1-2 days acclimatizing in El Cocuy (3,200m) before trekking above 4,000m. Hospital and two pharmacies available in town.
Transport
Buses from Bogotá cost COP$45,000 (12 hours). Within the park, the milk truck (lechero) offers the cheapest option at COP$10,000.
Weather
Best trekking season is December to mid-March (dry and sunny). Rainy season brings afternoon storms and road landslides. Snow possible above 4,000m year-round.