Cocuy National Park High Circuit

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.