Top 5 treks in Colombia

The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy trek is one of Colombia’s most famous. This mountain range is located in the Eastern Andes region , with snow-capped peaks and panoramic views of the Ritacuba Blanco and Pan de Azúcar peaks . The Cocuy trek takes you from valleys to glaciers, passing lagoons and isolated refuges. TheHacienda Esperanza is your starting point, a place steeped in history and charm, where you begin to feel the excitement of the climb ahead. Following the trails, you reach Lagunillas, where your only company is a magnificent lagoon, the silence and the immensity of the landscape. At the summit, the Sizuma refuge offers rustic shelter, ideal for regaining strength before continuing the climb. Many other surprises await you on this trek, where you’ll be able to photograph extraordinary landscapes 📝 Practical information

• Difficulty level: moderate to difficult. Make sure you’re well prepared physically, as the altitude can make the route challenging.
• Altitude: between 2,500 and 5,330 meters. Due to the altitude, regular breaks and frequent hydration are essential to avoid altitude sickness.
• Climate: daytime temperatures range from 0°C to 15°C, with night-time temperatures dropping well below 0°C as you approach the glaciers.
• Accompaniment: a guide is compulsory, due to the sometimes difficult conditions and to preserve the fragile nature of the park.
• Recommendedequipment: bring warm clothing, waterproof hiking boots, sun cream, a hat and gloves, as well as sunglasses to protect your eyes from reflections on the snow.

If you’re looking for a real piece of paradise in the middle of the jungle, the Playas Bravas trek in Tayrona National Park is an experience not to be missed. Located around 3 hours’ walk from the Calabazo entrance, this beach is well worth the effort. The trail leading to it is wild, passing through dense forest, and if you’re lucky you might even spot a few species of monkey in the surrounding trees. Few tourists venture to this side of the park, making Playas Bravas one of the most secluded beaches in the park. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada landscape, and a small waterfall is a fifteen-minute walk from the beach, the perfect place to cool off after your trek. Sleep on the beach, lulled by the sound of the waves, in small rustic huts or in open-air hammocks for the more adventurous . Playas Bravas is a true haven of peace, ideal for disconnecting from the world! It’s an opportunity to discover a much more authentic and intimate side of Tayrona Park, accessing one of its most tranquil and unspoilt beaches

📝 Practical information:

• Difficulty level: moderate. The trek lasts around 3h on the first day and 5h on the second, with uphill trail sections and sometimes steep descents. Good physical condition is recommended.
• Altitude: varies between 0 and 600 meters, with passages through hills and dense forests.
• Climate: tropical, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C. Humidity can be high, especially in forested areas.
• Swimming: take care due to strong currents. Swimming is prohibited on this beach.
• Recommended equipment: suitable footwear, light, breathable clothing, swimsuit, cap, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

You start your adventure from Bogotá, with a 2.5-hour drive. Chingaza National Park is renowned for its páramolandscapes , lagoons and rich biodiversity. Covering 76,000 hectares, the park is home to an impressive biodiversity, including iconic species such asthe Andean condor and the spectacled bear. Once there, you’re immediately immersed in the paramo, a rich and varied ecosystem. The hike takes you through high-altitude landscapes, where you can admire the frailejones, shrubs that grow above 3,000 m.Along the way, discover the sacred lagoons of Siecha and Guasca, two important sites in Muisca mythology. These mystical places are not only natural wonders, but also witnesses to the history and beliefs of the region’s indigenous peoples📝 Practical information

• Hiking time: 3 to 4 hours
• Level of difficulty: moderate to difficult, with rugged terrain
• Climate: temperatures between 4°C and 21.5°C. Bring equipment for cool to cold conditions
• Altitude: between 800 and 4,020 meters
• Recommended equipment: warm clothing, hiking boots, sun protection and enough water for the day.

Los Nevados National Park, located in the coffee region, is a must for lovers of high-mountain trekking. This trek, which can vary from 3 to 4 days, is a challenge due to the altitude and weather conditions, but you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks and valleys below. The adventure begins next to Salento, from the emblematic Cocora Valley. This is where the trek really begins, at an altitude of 2,390 metres. From the very first steps, you’re plunged into the heart of nature, crossing an area of pastureland where majestic wax palms stand, the tallest in the world but also the ones that grow at the highest altitude.Further on, the trail plunges into the misty forest. This humid, vegetation-covered environment is a veritable paradise for birdwatchers. A multitude of bird species can be observed in this enchanting setting. As the altitude increases, the vegetation changes, giving way to paramo. Here, the landscape becomes more austere, dotted with small mountain streams winding through the shrubbery . The adventure takes you even higher, to the Tolima glacier, at 5,221 metres above sea level. These are intense days, but the views of the glacier and the rewarding mountains are worth all the effort in the world📝 Practical information

• Trek duration: 3 days with 7 to 9 hours walking per day.
• Difficulty level: moderate to difficult, due to high altitude and weather conditions
• Altitude : the trek starts at 2,390 meters (Cocora valley) and reaches up to 5,221 meters (Tolima glacier)
• Climate: significant temperature variations, with humid conditions in the misty forest and colder conditions in the paramo and on the glaciers. Expect temperatures ranging from 0°C to 15°C
• Mandatory guide: for high-altitude sections, a local guide is mandatory to ensure safety and orientation.
• Recommended equipment: warm, waterproof clothing, suitable hiking boots, sun protection, hat, gloves, sleeping bag for low temperatures, walking sticks and plenty of water

The Ciudad Perdida, or Lost City, trek is a total immersion in the jungle of Santa Marta’s Sierra Nevada. On this 4-day, 3-night tour, you’ll cross tropical landscapes while following in the footsteps of the Kogis, Tayrona’s indigenous civilization. Take advantage of the waters of the BuritacaRiver and its natural pools to refresh yourself, or indulge in a massage under a soothing waterfall . Nights on the trek are precious moments to recharge your batteries. Spend the night in a hammock, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, and admire the starry sky above you. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Kogi villages, where you can observe the traditional houses known as  » Mutanshi « . These encounters will plunge you into the heart of the indigenous culture and traditions. There’s no wifi or network there. It’s the perfect opportunity to disconnect and reconnect with the nature that surrounds you. Marvel at the flora and fauna of the region, accompanied by hummingbirds and colorful butterflies , and remember that these mountains are sacred to the indigenous communities. Be respectful and make sure you don’t leave any garbage behind. You will undoubtedly return transformed, taking with you a piece of the magic of the Sierra Nevada📝 Practical information

• Trek duration: 4 days and 3 nights
• Level of difficulty: physically demanding, with a vertical drop of 500 to 800 meters. The trek includes steep climbs and slippery descents, especially in rainy weather.
• Altitude: the highest point of the trek is Ciudad Perdida, at around 1,200 meters above sea level.
• Comfort: very basic
• Climate: tropical and humid, with temperatures ranging from 18°C at night to 30°C during the day. High humidity and possibility of rain, even during the dry season.
• Guide required: a local guide is required to access Ciudad Perdida.
• Recommended equipment: suitable hiking boots, light, breathable clothing, but also waterproof clothing for rain. Bathing suit for river bathing, mosquito repellent, sun cream, and a headlamp for camp evenings.

Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a lover of the great outdoors, adventure awaits you here in Colombia!

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