The best possibilities for trekking in
Colombia are in the National Parks of Los Nevados and Sierra Nevada del
Cocuy. The scenery in all both parks is quite spectacular - Colombia
offers some of the best trekking in all of South America. Colombia's
most famous trek, is the Indiana Jones style 5 day rainforest hike to
the ruins of Ciudad Perdida.
Sierra Nevada Del
Cocuy
The Sierra Nevada Del Cocuy, about 8 hours
from Bogota, has over 20 snow capped peaks and some forty lagoons - the
trekking scenery is quite stunning and possibly the best in all of
Colombia. There are various mountaineering packages of up to 10 days
that can be arranged by local tour operators, though it's possible to
do the complete 10 circuit hike on your own if you're an experienced
trekker and have a good map. Those who prefer not to spend a week
trekking and sleeping in a tent can find accommodation in the park at
Hacienda La Esperanza or Kanwara Cabanas. Hotels in El Cocuy include
Casa Museo Aposentos de la Morenita, La Casona, Casa Herrera, Villa
Real and Hospedaje El Cocuy. There are also hotels in nearby Guican.
December to March are the best months for trekking in Sierra Nevada Del
Cocuy. See the extensive section on El
Cocuy National Park for more information.
Trekking in Los
Nevados
In Park
Los Nevados, the most popular climb is is to the snow capped
peak of Nevado del Ruiz, while nearby peak of Nevado del Tolima is a
little more challenging for avid mountaineers. Those who don't want to
hike to the snow line can arrange trekking circuits in Park Los Nevados
of up to five days - various tour operators in Manizales can arrange
such trekking tours. See the Los
Nevados section for more information.
Trekking in Purace
National Park
In Southern Colombia, the numerous volcanic
craters of Purace National Park, near Popayan,
has some stunning shorter trekking routes where you might be lucky
enough to encounter wildlife such as puma, mountain tapir or spectacled
bear. There are also hot springs at San Juan, waterfalls and small
indigenous villages that can be visited in the area of Purace National
Park. There are hotels in Purace town, nearby Pilimbala and a visitor
centre in the park offering accommodation.
Ciudad Perdida
If you don't enjoy high altitudes and
freezing cold, consider trekking in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to
Colombia's "Lost City" of Ciudad
Perdida. It's a highly memorable 5 day hike through
Colombia's rainforests and rivers to ruins that were only re-discovered
in 1975.
Rock & Ice
Climbing in Colombia
Suesca, near Nemocon, is 50km north of
Bogota and a popular area for rock climbing. There are rocks suitable
for beginner and expert rock climbers. Suesca can get busy during the
weekends and during holidays, so to avoid the crowds visit mid week.
Sierra Nevada del Cocuy's eastern flank also has some stunning rock
climbs. Ice climbing is possible in Los Nevados, Cocuy and Nevado de
Huila.
