Colonial charm meets Andean adventure in Colombia’s timeless treasure trove. Picture this: cobblestone streets worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, whitewashed buildings adorned with vibrant bougainvillea, and majestic cathedral domes piercing the bluebird skies. Welcome to the heart of Colombia’s heritage towns.
Let yourself wander without agenda through Villa de Leyva’s expansive cobbled plaza – one of South America’s largest colonial squares. Feel history come alive as you trace the stone walls of Barichara, often called “Colombia’s prettiest village.” Don’t miss architectural gems like Catedral del Señor de los Milagros, where golden altars glow in the candlelight, or the tiny Capilla de las Nieves chapel framing perfect Instagram moments against its namesake square.
El Cocuy National Park: Colombia’s Alpine Wonderland
Imagine hiking through landscapes where the air tastes like glacier melt and 22 snow-capped peaks pierce the clouds. Welcome to Parque Nacional El Cocuy, Colombia’s answer to the Andes’ greatest hits. With 32 turquoise glacial lakes shimmering between altitudes of 3,000m to the dizzying 5,330m Ritacuba Blanco summit, this wilderness paradise serves raw natural drama at every turn.
Here’s your insider tip: Visit between December and February when the weather gods smile brightest. Nights plunge below freezing even in peak season, so pack expedition-level gear – think thermal layers that could survive Antarctica and a sleeping bag rated for -10°C at minimum. Most adventurers base themselves in gateway towns El Cocuy or Güicán before embarking on the week-long circuit trek.
Conquering the Cocuy Circuit: Your Day-by-Day Trail Guide
Strap on your hiking boots – we’re taking the scenic route from Güicán to El Cocuy. This six-to-seven day odyssey serves up heart-pounding ascents and soul-stirring vistas:
Day 1: Acclimatize with a 5-hour hike to the mountain cabins. Resist rushing to Ritacuba Blanco – sleep at altitude first for better summit success tomorrow.
Day 2: Pre-dawn start for the Ritacuba Blanco climb (5 hours). Celebrate your 5,330m achievement before descending through Valle de los Cojines to Laguna Grande campsite.
Day 3: Test your endurance with the Boquerón de la Sierra pass (4,650m). The reward? Camping beside mirror-still Laguna del Avellanal – don’t forget your camera!
Day 4: Navigate waterfall valleys to Laguna del Pañuelo. Postcard-perfect moment: watching clouds dance across Boquerón del Castillo pass from 4,530m.
Day 5: The route to Laguna de la Plaza reveals why guides are essential – trails fade among jewel-toned lakes. Camp beside the park’s most photographed waters.
Day 6-7: Conquer your final pass at Boquerón de Cusiri before descending past crystalline lagunillas lakes. Most hikers arrange transport from Alto de la Cueva back to civilization.
Pro tip: Local operators rent gear, but quality varies. Serious trekkers should bring four-season equipment. The park’s increasing popularity means more marked trails, but that precious alpine solitude still awaits those who venture beyond the main routes.
