El Cocuy National Park

El Cocuy National Park (Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy) is a protected high-Andean park in Colombia known for its glaciated peaks and páramo ecosystems. The park includes multiple summits above 5,000 meters and is a major area for high-mountain trekking in the Eastern Cordillera.

The park contains snow-capped peaks, permanent ice fields in some years, and extensive páramo vegetation that starts above the treeline; many routes ascend above 4,000 meters. Popular routes target summit climbs and multi-day treks that traverse glacier remnants and high passes, with scenic views across the Eastern Andes.

The area was designated a national park in the late 20th century to protect its high-altitude ecosystems and water sources. Management has focused on conservation of glaciers, páramo, and cultural landscapes while regulating mountaineering and trekking.

Located in the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes, the park spans high terrain in the departments around the towns of El Cocuy and Güicán in northeastern Colombia. It sits well inland from the Caribbean coast and is reached via mountain roads from regional towns.

• Altitude caution: High-altitude treks require acclimatization; many routes climb above 4,000 meters and several summits exceed 5,000 meters.
• Access and guides: Park access for glacier and high-mountain routes is typically organized from the towns of El Cocuy and Güicán and often requires local guides or permits.

What to See #

• Ritacuba Blanco: The highest peak in the park, often cited at about 5,330 meters, and a principal objective for mountaineers and high-altitude trekking.
• Páramo and glaciers: High-altitude wetlands and grasslands above the treeline that support unique páramo vegetation, and glacier remnants on the higher summits.
• El Cocuy and Güicán access towns: Small mountain towns that serve as access points and base camps for park treks, commonly used starting points for guided climbs.