Season: The best time to visit Cocoy is during the dry season, which runs from December to March and June to August. During this time, temperatures are cooler and rainfall is less frequent. During these months, the weather tends to be more stable, with less chance of heavy rain and more favorable conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking and climbing. Trails are usually in better condition and days are usually sunnier, allowing for unobstructed panoramic views of the mountains and glaciers that characterize the park. Additionally, temperatures tend to be warmer during the day and cooler at night, making it more comfortable for visitors to engage in outdoor activities. You can also take the experience in the winter season.
Accommodation: Trips to Cocuy include overnight stays in hotels in the town centre. These have hot water, TV, Wi-Fi and a restaurant. Accommodation is in double or multiple rooms depending on availability, with the basic conditions for a good night's sleep.
Scheduled departures: The host offers departures on scheduled dates from 1 traveler. If you want to travel on a date outside of the scheduled departures, a minimum quota of 3 travelers applies if the trip is 8 days in advance.
Food: The menu in this area of the country is generally based on proteins such as chicken, meat or pork accompanied by rice, soups, stews or beans. The drink that accompanies lunch and dinner is usually a soda, juice or water. Vegetarian and vegan menus are scarce but can be organized depending on the availability of ingredients (generally many grains). These types of menus must be requested when confirming the reservation.
Transportation: Tours depart from Bogotá, around 9:00 pm the host will pick you up at the PRIMAX gas station at Calle 145 # 35-9, from there you will leave on a bus which you will share with other travelers.
Activities: There are 3 authorized trails by the National Parks, which cannot be guaranteed from the moment of checking availability or making the reservation. The National Parks will assign the trails according to carrying capacity and the host at the destination will inform which one they have been assigned to. All with medium-high difficulty and temperatures from 5º to 16º.
- Option 1 Devil's Pulpit/Sugar Loaf:
  - A route of approximately 10 km, it will be adorned by crystal-clear rivers, lagoons such as La Pintada, Lagunillas del Campanillas and thousands of frailejones along much of the route. Maximum altitude 5,300 meters above sea level, ascent altitude 4,800 meters above sea level.
- Option 2 Laguna Grande de la Sierra:
  - The tour begins at the Hacienda La Esperanza through the Cuchumba Valley, continues the ascent to the Puma Pass where you can see the beautiful Frailejones Valley, continuing with the ascent through the Man's Cave to the Laguna Grande de la Sierra. Maximum altitude 5,200 meters above sea level, ascent altitude 4,800 meters above sea level.
- Option 3 Ritacuba Blanco:
  - It is the highest point of the PNN, it starts at the national parks checkpoint, you can reach up to 4,800 meters above sea level approx. at the edge of the Ritacuba Blanco glacier and enjoy the landscapes. Maximum altitude 5,330 meters above sea level, ascent altitude 4,800 meters above sea level
Additional tours or walks at the destination are not included apart from those already included in the experience.
Sustainability: It is based on the protection of natural resources, the promotion of sustainable development and the active participation of the community in the conservation of the environment. Through the implementation of sustainable practices and policies, we seek to ensure that this important natural heritage can be enjoyed by future generations. For the conservation of the ecosystem, it is prohibited to step on, slide on or manipulate the snow. Authorized activities can only be carried out up to the edge of the glacier.
Additional pick-ups or transfers during the tour: If you wish to take the service with transportation included from Bogotá, you can quote the following experience HERE .
Other travel tips: If you feel agitated, dizzy, have a headache, cough, shortness of breath or congestion while ascending, you should stop for a rest and inform your guide. If the symptoms continue, descend immediately, as this may be the onset of pulmonary or cerebral edema, which can be life-threatening.
Traveling with children: Children under 9 years old are not permitted at the destination. Children 10 years old and older are welcome if they have previous experience in hiking and outdoor activities, they are likely to be better prepared for the hike to El Cocuy National Natural Park. However, even with experience, it is essential to take into account the specific conditions of the trail and the duration of the hike. Children pay the adult rate.
Travelling with pets: This trip is not suitable for travelling with pets, as it is an experience that involves crossing natural and protected lands, and special care is required to preserve the environment and minimise human impact on the area. Therefore, they are not permitted as a measure of conservation and respect for the natural environment and local fauna.
Level of Demand: You need to be physically and mentally prepared to face the challenges presented by the terrain, altitude and climate. It is important to listen to your body, take breaks when necessary and be well prepared with adequate equipment and knowledge of the terrain and weather conditions.

We hope these recommendations help you prepare your trip to Cocuy. Have an unforgettable trip!

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