Day 1
Early pick up at the indicated location in Bogota city, transfer to Cocuy. The trip usually takes 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Kokui is located 430 km north of Bogota. During the trip, you will descend from Bogota (2600 m) to the Chicamocha Canyon (1860 m) and then to the town of El Cocuy (2630 m). On the way, you will have really amazing landscapes.
Overnight at a rustic hotel in Kokuy town.
Included meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2
After a good rest and breakfast, the team will head out to visit to the National Park office for permits, Park’s compulsory insurance and introduction briefing. After this, the transport will take the group to the base of Cerro Monserrate (3810 m). The drive takes 1 hour and follows the road to Güican and a bit further up. The trail follows a pilgrimage path that ascents through beautiful landscapes and great panoramic view. Just before reaching the summit, there are fantastic views over to the Sierra Nevada and many of its high summits. The descent takes a different trail that ends in a semi-circular itinerary. Then a 1-hour drive to Hacienda La Esperanza (3593 m), a typical sheep-raising farm still active, that has been adapted room to accommodate hikers. The place is an authentic experience and an opportunity to get close to the local culture.
Night in shared dormitories at Hacienda La Esperanza.
Ascent: 625 m / Descent: 485 m / Highest Altitude: 3810 m / Distance: 5,76 Km. / Activity duration: 4 h.
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 3
Today the group will climb Pico del Aguila (4020 m), a trekking peak right above Hacienda. The trail first ascends through a beautiful valley to a well-marked ridge, from where there is a beautiful view of Ritacuba Blanco, the highest peak of the ridge.The summit has a privilege view dong to next days itinerary the Lagunillas valley and over to the Pan de Azucar and Campanillas Blanco. The descend follows a different trail making a circular path back to the Hacienda. Night in shared dormitories at Hacienda La Esperanza.
Ascent: 427 m / Descent: 427 m / Highest Altitude: 4020 m / Distance: 4,21 Km. / Activity duration: 4 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 4
Today we have one of the longest days of the program, so early breakfast and departure from Hacienda La Esperanza. Transfer (30 min.) to Lagunillas’ access point and start the trek to Devil’s pulpit viewpoint. The hike takes about 5-6 hours to reach the area know as “Las Lajas” which is a rock moraine and from where the team will have a great view over to the iconic rock pinnacle known as the Devil’s pulpit and to its neighbor peak Pan de Azucar. The descent down to the place Lagunillas takes 3-4 hours. Next, there will be a transfer back to Hacienda La Esperanza for a good night's rest.
Night in shared dormitories at Hacienda La Esperanza.
Ascent: 850 m / Descent: 850 m / Highest Altitude: 4650 m / Distance round-trip: 14,9 Km. / Activity duration: 9-10 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 5
Today is another early start from Hacienda La Esperanza towards Laguna Grande de la Sierra (3593 m). This is one of the most classic hikes that will take us to one of the largest lakes in the entire mountain range at an altitude of 4514 meters. During the hike, the vegetation will change. You will ascend from green meadows through the highlands of Paramos and end your ascent on rocky moraines close to snow-capped peaks. The lake is located at the end of a valley surrounded by 5 peaks over 5000 meters high. The hike to the lake takes about 5 hours. After a good break at the viewpoint by the lake, the group returns back to Hacienda, usually it takes 3-4 hours. Back in Hacienda, after a short rest, the group will be transported (45 min.) to the Kanwara huts for the night in this beautiful place with a panoramic view of the northern part of the Sierra.
Overnight at Kanwar huts in shared cabins.
Ascent: 921 m / Descent: 921 m / Maximum altitude: 4514 m / Round trip distance: 17.74 km. / Duration of activity: 8-9 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 6
Around 8 AM the group will depart from Kanwara huts taking the trail know as Ritacuba, up a valley with eh same name. This trail is a bit steeper than the previous ones, but shorter in distance, usually taking 4-5 hours. The views down to the lower valleys and the Southern peaks are incredible. The itinerary ends by the glacier’s edge on a place know as “Playitas” (4595 m). The descend traces back the same trail and it takes about 2-3 hours to reach the huts. After a short rest, return (1.5 hours) to Kokuy for the last night in the area.
Night in rustic hotel in Cocuy town.
Ascent: 600 m / Descent: 600 m / Highest Altitude: 4595 m / Distance round-trip: 6,44 Km. / Activity duration: 6 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 7
Departure from Kokui to Bogota (10-12 hours). Disembarkation at the specified location.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch