Colombia

Starting Price:	$4,020.00
Trip Length:	6 days

Lagunillas

Cojines Valley

Local at El Cocuy National Park

Villa de Leyva and El Cocuy National Park 6d/5n - Lagunillas Valley, Pulpito Del Diablo, Sugar Loaf Peak & De La Plaza Lake

Description Pricing Itinerary

See as much of Cocuy National Park as you can. With over 15,000 vertical feet and 1,000 square miles of terrain to its name, you have your touring cut out for you.

On this sub-trip, you’ll begin in Villa de Leyva, known for its Spanish-style houses, small alleys, cobblestone streets. From there, you’ll head to Cocuy, a small, whitewashed town set 9,186 feet above sea level. As the gateway to the park, the town should heighten your anticipation and give you a good sense of what you’re about to see.

You’ll then take a rural route through the snow-covered mountains, and at the end of the day, take in the Lagunillas Valley and try your hand at fishing.

And that’s only the beginning, you’ll also make your way up to El Púlpito Diablo, hike through Cerro Del Conejo, climb Sugar Loaf and explore De La Plaza Lake and Eastern Llanos’ Valley, where the Andes Mountain range finishes.

In Villa de Leyva Yampu offers accommodation at Posada San Agustín, and in El Cocuy you’ll stay at the tourist cabins located in the park.

Go Back To El Cocuy National Park

Day 1

Morning transfer to Villa de Leyva. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Founded in 1572 by Andrés Díaz Venero de Leyva by order of the kingdom of Granada, Villa de Leyva is one of the area’s most beautiful colonial towns. It's now known for its Spanish style houses, small alleys, cobblestone streets and Plaza.

Day 2

You'll take the road to the city of Tunja and head to the town of El Cocuy, located in the north zone of the Boyacá department (6-hour transfer). On the road, you'll pass by small, brightly colored villages, such as Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Soata, La Uvita, San Mateo and Guacamayas, where the landscape is nothing but arresting.

As the main gateway to the park, El Cocuy’s town, located 9,186 feet above sea level, should heighten your anticipation for the park and give you a good sense of what you're about to see. Before you set off, you'll have a typical, local lunch and register for your entrance to the park. You'll then meet a carefully-selected guide who will accompany you on your trip. You'll take a rural route through the mountains. Horses will carry your bags as you hike and allow your body to get used to the altitude. After you arrive at the cabin you'll have some time to rest, and then, at the end day, you'll roam around the Lagunillas Valley and try your hand at fishing.

Day 3

You'll start off your day horseback riding to El Hotelito point. After you've arrived, you'll have the chance to walk around and refill our bottles with spring water. Then you'll begin to make your way up to El Pulpito del Diablo. You'll hike through Cerro Del Conejo and climb Sugar Loaf peak. Please note: To climb that peak, you'll need specialized equipment, and you'll have to pay attention to all of your guide's instructions. Once you've reached the top, you'll have lunch and look out on the snow below. Your guide will provide you with high-caloric Guava candies to keep your body temperature where it should be.

In the afternoon you'll make your way back to El Hotelito point. Your horses will be there, waiting to take you back to your cabin. You'll then have time enough to take a warm shower before dinner. After dinner you can warm up some more by the bonfire, with a hot drink in hand.

Day 4

Head to the Lagunillas Valley. Upon arrival you'll set out tents by De La Plaza Lake (4,764 feet above sea level), known for its plentiful stars.

Day 5

Just before dawn (at 5:00 am), you'll walk to the Eastern Llanos’ Valley, where the Andes Mountain range finishes. After that, you'll go back to camp, have some breakfast, and then continue your walk around the lakes and mountains.

Day 6

After breakfast you'll walk back to the cabins to take a shower and then start in on your trip back to Bogotá.

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