How to Plan Your El Cocuy National Park 3-day Hike from Bogota

El Cocuy National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder located in the eastern region of the Colombian Andes. The park is known for its snow-capped peaks, exotic flora, and fauna, and is a popular destination for avid hikers and nature enthusiasts. Viator offers a fantastic 3-day hiking tour to El Cocuy National Park from Bogota. In this post, we’ll guide you through how to plan your unforgettable adventure to El Cocuy National Park with Viator.

Day 1: Travel from Bogota to Guican

The adventure begins with a 9-hour scenic bus ride from Bogota, which takes you to the charming town of Guican located at 10,000 feet above sea level. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a warm welcome from your tour guide, who’ll brief you on the expedition and provide you with hiking essentials such as a map, trekking poles, and a first-aid kit. You’ll spend your first night in Columbian-style accommodation in Guican, which is comfortable, cozy, and perfect for acclimatizing to the high altitude.

Day 2: Hike to Pulpito del Diablo and Laguna Grande de la Sierra

After enjoying a refreshing breakfast, you’ll start your hike to Laguna Grande de la Sierra, an emerald-green lake nestled in the heart of El Cocuy National Park. You’ll hike for about six hours and may spot some exotic birds along the way, such as the Andean Condor or Caracara. You’ll also pass through some of the park’s famous plant species such as Frailejones, which resemble human figures.

The highlight of the day is reaching Pulpito del Diablo, a rock formation located at 15,912 feet above sea level. The climb to the top is steep, but the awe-inspiring views of the Andes mountains and surrounding valleys make it worth the effort. After taking in the scenery and snapping photographs, you’ll descend towards Laguna Grande de la Sierra, where you’ll camp overnight.

Day 3: Relaxation in Natural Hot Springs

On your final day, you’ll hike for about two hours to a natural hot spring, where you’ll take a well-deserved dip in a pool with a temperature of 30-40 degrees Celsius. The hot springs offer a perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and reflect on the fantastic expedition to El Cocuy National Park. Afterward, you’ll have lunch and relax before boarding the bus back to Bogota.

What’s Included

The 3-day El Cocuy National Park tour is all-inclusive, with everything needed for a comfortable and memorable hiking adventure:

• Expert local guide to lead you through the park
• All entry fees are built into the price of the tour
• All meals and accommodation are included
• Round-trip bus transfers to and from the Bogota bus station are included

Meeting and Pickup

The tour offers pick-up services from Bogota Hotels and accommodations, and you can select your pickup point. The pickup time is 6.30 PM, and the tour guide will provide more details on the pickup service.

Book The Tour Now

Ready to embark on an unforgettable hiking adventure to El Cocuy National Park? Book the 3-day tour now through Viator at viator.com. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore one of Colombia’s most magnificent natural wonders.

An Insider’s Guide to Bogota: Local Attractions, Dining Spots, Cultural Experiences, Local History, and Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Bogota is a bustling city that offers visitors a mix of modern and traditional experiences. It is located in the Andes Mountains of Colombia and is a great starting point for exploring the country’s natural landscape, such as El Cocuy National Park. Here is a list of must-see attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions to help you plan your trip to Bogota.

Local Attractions

1. Monserrate Mountain: This is a must-visit attraction, offering panoramic views of the city. Visitors can take a cable car or hike to the top, where they can explore the monastery and church.

2. Gold Museum: This museum houses the largest collection of gold artifacts in the world. Visitors can witness the intricate gold craftsmanship of the pre-Columbian tribes that once inhabited Colombia.

3. La Candelaria: This historic district is the heart of Bogota and offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s past. It features colonial architecture, churches, museums, and plazas.

4. Plaza de Bolivar: This square is located in the heart of La Candelaria and is surrounded by important buildings such as the National Capitol, the Palace of Justice, and the Primary Cathedral of Bogota.

Dining Spots

1. Andres Carne de Res: This restaurant is a must-visit for its unique atmosphere and delicious food. It offers a fusion of Colombian and international cuisine, along with live music and entertainment.

2. La Puerta Falsa: This is a traditional Colombian restaurant that serves typical dishes such as ajiaco soup and tamales. It is located in La Candelaria and offers a cozy and traditional atmosphere.

3. Prudencia: This is a contemporary restaurant that offers diners a beautiful modern atmosphere and creative dishes made with Colombian ingredients.

Cultural Experiences

1. Botero Museum: This museum exhibits the works of Fernando Botero, one of the most important Colombian artists. Visitors can explore his unique style of painting and sculpture.

2. Usaquen Market: This market is held every Sunday and offers visitors a chance to see local artisans selling their crafts, as well as taste traditional Colombian food.

3. Teatro Colon: This theater is one of the most important in Colombia and has hosted both local and international artists. Visitors can watch concerts, plays, operas, and dance performances.

Local History

1. Bogota’s Graffiti Tour: This tour offers a unique perspective on the city’s street art and the stories behind each piece. Visitors can explore the city’s murals and learn about the artists who created them.

2. La Quinta de Bolivar: This is the former residence of Simon Bolivar, the liberator of Colombia. Visitors can tour the property and see the furniture and decor from the 19th century.

3. Casa de Nariño: This is the presidential palace, and visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the country’s political history and see the impressive architecture.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

1. Paloquemao Market: This market offers visitors a chance to experience a typical Colombian market, filled with vibrant fruits, vegetables, flowers, and local food.

2. Chorro de Quevedo: This small square is located in La Candelaria and is believed to be the place where Bogota was founded. Visitors can explore the area and learn about the city’s origins.

3. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira: This cathedral is located outside of Bogota and is carved out of an underground salt mine. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s tunnels and chapels and see the beautiful architecture.

In conclusion, Bogota offers visitors a mix of attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that will make a trip to Colombia memorable. Whether you are planning to explore the city or using it as a starting point for an adventure in El Cocuy National Park, there is no shortage of sights to see and experiences to have in this beautiful Andean city.