Cocuy National Park High Circuit
Colombia's highest 4x4 adventure
The Cocuy circuit winds through páramo at 4,000+ meters, where condors ride thermals above glaciated peaks and ancient Muisca trails cross boggy highlands. Starting from Güicán, the route threads between Ritacuba Blanco and Púlpito del Diablo, crossing streams that’ll test your differential locks while mist rolls in fast enough to trap the unprepared. The track to Laguna de la Plaza is the make-or-break section — rutted, rocky, and steep enough that backing down isn’t always an option.
This is serious high-altitude overlanding that demands lockers, recovery gear, and cold-weather kit. Weather shifts from blazing sun to freezing fog in minutes, and the thin air at 4,200 meters will leave you gasping if you’re not acclimated. Best accessed May through September when rains ease up, but expect mud regardless. Park permits required and sometimes restricted due to environmental concerns. What you get is Colombia’s most untouched mountain wilderness and camp spots where you’re alone with the Andes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Mixed, Mud, Rock |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 45 mi / 72.4 km |
| Duration | 3-4 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 13780 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Modified 4WD with lockers |
| Nearest town | Güicán, Boyacá |
| Land manager | Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | parquesnacionales.gov.co |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or 4Runner handle the Cocuy High Circuit?
No. Stock rigs will struggle — you need a modified 4WD with lockers, a snorkel is strongly advised for the water crossings, and high-clearance suspension is mandatory. The mud sections above 13,000 ft will swallow unmodified vehicles.
When is the Cocuy High Circuit actually driveable?
May through September is the dry season and your best window. Outside that, the paramo turns into a mud trap that even well-built rigs can't negotiate — trails become impassable and some sections wash out entirely.
Do you need a permit to drive the Cocuy High Circuit?
Yes. Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia manages the area and entry permits are required. Get them through the official PNN portal before you arrive — enforcement has tightened in recent years and Güicán is your last checkpoint before the route.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The high-altitude mud traverses above 13,000 ft are the crux — thin air kills traction and your engine at the same time. Expect deep ruts, off-camber shelf road, and water crossings with no sight lines. Recovery gear and a second vehicle are not optional on this route.
Is there any gas or resupply between Güicán and the end of the circuit?
Nothing. Güicán is your last fuel stop and there are zero resupply points on the 45-mile route. Carry extra fuel for the altitude penalty on your engine, enough food and water for 4 days minimum, and treat or filter water from streams on-route.
Trail track
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