El Cocuy National Park: Trekking, Snow & How to Get There in Boyacá
The El Cocuy National Park has some of the most beautiful scenery in Colombia.
Information for visiting El Cocuy National Park: trails, camping, hikes and places to see.
Visitor information
El Cocuy Park lies between the departments of Boyacá, Casanare and Arauca. It covers 306,000 hectares and is the fifth largest in the country. Its elevation ranges from 600 to 5,330 meters above sea level.
The park protects the ecosystem of the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, with its valleys and high peaks under permanent snow. Its natural landscapes draw visitors from across the country and abroad.
The park is of major hydrographic importance, being the source of several streams that feed the Arauca and Casanare rivers (part of the Orinoco basin) and the important Gallinazo, Sube, Sogamoso and Chicamocha rivers, tributaries of the Magdalena.
The park's wildlife is very varied, as the region has several climate zones with different ecosystems. Among the animals living here are the spectacled bear, puma, deer, tapir, monkeys and many bird species.
When is the best time to visit El Cocuy Park
El Cocuy Park can be visited all year, but the best time is between November and February, when there is less rain.
How to get to El Cocuy National Park
The Boyacá towns closest to the snow-capped range are Güicán, El Cocuy and Chita. These three towns are where visitors base themselves to explore the summit.
From Bogotá the distance is 400 km, via Tunja–Duitama–Belén–Soatá–La Uvita–Guacamayas–Güicán–El Cocuy.
From Bucaramanga the distance is 260 km, via Málaga–Capitanejo–Guacamayas–Güicán–El Cocuy.
Good to know:
Important: Children under 10 are not allowed into El Cocuy National Natural Park.
To enter El Cocuy National Natural Park it is mandatory to buy rescue and assistance insurance. You can purchase it in the towns of El Cocuy and Güicán de la Sierra.
Sierra Nevada del Cocuy
The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy is part of the Eastern Andes and is known for the extensive cap of ice and snow on its summit. It has 22 snow-capped peaks over an area of 30 square kilometers. The most important peaks are Ritacuba Blanco at 5,330 m, San Pablín Norte at 5,200 m, El Cóncavo at 5,200 m and El Castillo at 5,120 m. The range also features a glacier that descends like a river of ice from its highest peak.
Activities and what you can do
El Cocuy Park is a protected area for conservation, so the permitted activities are those that do not harm the ecosystem. The main activities are trekking, hiking and climbing. It is also an excellent place to observe the flora and fauna and take photographs.
Camping in El Cocuy National Park
Inside the park there is a camping area where you can spend the night in contact with nature. Camping is limited to specific designated spots, and camping elsewhere is not allowed. Park staff will provide the information you need.
Important: Remember to bring a good sleeping bag and warm clothing, as the nights are cold.
Hikes and trails
The park offers several ecological circuits and trails for hiking and exploring different areas of the range.
- Lagunillas Trail (8 km)
- Laguna Grande de la Sierra Trail (10.6 km)
- Ritacubas Trail (6.8 km)
Map of El Cocuy National Park
Frequently asked questions about El Cocuy National Park
Between the departments of Boyacá, Casanare and Arauca. It protects the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, with valleys, páramos and high snow-capped peaks (up to 5,330 m).
You can visit year-round, but the best season is between November and February, when there is less rain and better conditions on the mountain.
Reach the towns of El Cocuy or Güicán (Boyacá), the base for the park, by road from Bogotá or Tunja. From there you access the trailheads.
Yes. Entry is regulated by National Parks and is done with authorized guides, registration, and set entry and exit times on the designated trails.
There are several high-mountain trails (such as Lagunillas–Laguna Grande and Ritacuba). It requires good fitness and acclimatization to the altitude; bring warm and waterproof clothing, sun protection and water.
Páramos, glacial lagoons and snow-capped peaks, with wildlife such as the spectacled bear, deer, tapirs and mountain birds.