The largest glacier in the tropical zone is located in the Parque Nacional Natural Güican, Cocuy, y Chita, founded in May 1977. It is located in the central-eastern part of Colombia and borders the departments of Boyacá and Arauca. It is one of the most fascinating places you can find, where you can also experience all the thermal floors that exist in the country.
From the air of the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy you can see what looks like a series of white pearls that shine with the sun of the Andes Mountains. This phenomenon is known as the largest glacier mass in Colombia, a rocky formation composed of more than 25 snowy peaks and two mountain ranges approximately 25 km long. These peaks rise to a height of between 4,800 and 5,300 meters above sea level (masl).
Reaching the highest point of these mountains is a task for professional mountaineers, but the possibility of getting close and contemplating the panorama offered by the Sierra is a dream within reach of any nature-loving adventurer.
The snowy peaks of the park are Ritacuba Blanco, Ritacuba Negro, Puntiagudo, Sirara, Cóncavo, San Pablines Norte, Montkowski, San Pablines Sur, Pan de Azúcar, Concavito, El Púlpito del Diablo, El Castillo, unnamed peaks, Picacho, Campanillas Blanco, Cerros de la Plaza, Campanilals Negro, Diamante, Toti, and Portales.
Beyond its heights, the surroundings that border the park demonstrate the biodiversity that characterizes Colombia, from its waterfalls and lagoons to its vast vegetation such as the páramo and the frailejón, in addition to having a large fauna where you will find species like the tapir, the spectacled bear, the Andean condor, the eagle, and the páramo deer.
How to get to Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy?
You can enter the park from the municipality of El Cocuy or Güican in Boyacá. To reach either of these two destinations, you must do so from Bogotá or Tunja.
The trip from Bogotá to these municipalities by car is nine hours. The more adventurous can also travel by bus from the El Salitre transport terminal, the journey is approximately 12 hours. Once in El Cocuy or Güican, it will take between one and two hours to reach the park by a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
On the other hand, the trip from Tunja to the park is also done in a four-wheel-drive vehicle, its route is 6 hours and 16 minutes. Before continuing your way to El Cocuy, we recommend taking the opportunity to get to know Tunja, a beautiful colonial and republican city that still preserves its cobblestone streets and old buildings such as palaces, convents, and churches. Its historic center was declared a National Monument in 1959.
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A farmer in Parque Nacional El Cocuy.
Knowing the history of the town
History tells that, in colonial times, El Cocuy used to be called Chocué or Cochuy and was governed by the chief Cocui, belonging to the Laches indigenous people, who worshiped stones. They believed that upon dying, they turned into one of them to later take the form of a human figure. Today, like the Laches, many ethnic groups have disappeared, leaving only the U’wa as the native community and protectors of the Sierra.
To learn and recreate the lives of the region's ancestors, there is the Museo Vivo de la Ruta de la Sal, a tour that pays homage to the route that used to be used by the settled indigenous people. It recalls its golden age, in which traditions and old customs are also exalted.
This is a wonderful town in Colombia, where you can still appreciate old buildings; in its urban core, there is a path known as Calle Real where you will find the Casa del General Santos Gutiérrez and the Teatro de Boyacá, the Palacio de Justicia, the Casa Muñoz hotel, and the Casa de la Cultura. When you arrive, you will notice a peculiarity: the houses are painted in emerald green and white.
Without a doubt, in El Cocuy you will meet warm people, who continue many of their ancestors' traditions, such as wool weaving workshops where they practice ancient techniques for their crafts. The ruanas and blankets woven on looms are typical garments of the area, which you will surely take home.
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Recommendations
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The average temperature of Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy is between –3° and 23° Celsius.
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Before entering the park, it is mandatory to register at one of the offices located between El Cocuy and Güican.
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Additionally, before entering the area, it is necessary to take an induction talk. Moreover, you need to acquire rescue and medical assistance insurance.
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Entry to the park is between 6:00 a.m. and 8 a.m. The exit schedule is between 13 and 17 hours.
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Within the park area, there are colonist communities and the indigenous group called U’wa.
Behind El Cocuy there is a wonderful colonial and ancestral history, full of anecdotes and curiosities; a natural environment that only demonstrates the biodiversity that the Colombian territory holds. In this destination, you will live unforgettable experiences that you cannot miss. Come to El Cocuy!
