Top Hiking Trails in Boyacá Trail Map
Boyacá covers 23,189 km² of the Eastern Cordillera. Its high ground is El Cocuy National Park, whose Sierra Nevada del Cocuy reaches 5,330 m; the open day trails start at about 4,000 m. Tunja, the capital, sits at 2,820 m. Near Villa de Leyva, the Iguaque sanctuary reopened on 1 September 2024 after about four years closed; its 2026 visitor conditions could not be confirmed for this page.
Explore the Best Trails in Boyacá
Boyacá hiking trails reach the glaciers of El Cocuy National Park on three guided day hikes: Laguna Grande de la Sierra (19.6 km round trip), Lagunillas to Púlpito del Diablo (15.6 km) and Ritacuba (14 km). Camping is prohibited, the trails start above 4,000 m, and non-resident foreigners pay COP 107,000 for a 4-day ticket. Checked 8 October 2026. Country hub: https://incatrailreservations.com/trails/colombia/
Geographic Overview
Boyacá covers 23,189 km² of the Eastern Cordillera. Its high ground is El Cocuy National Park, whose Sierra Nevada del Cocuy reaches 5,330 m; the open day trails start at about 4,000 m. Tunja, the capital, sits at 2,820 m. Near Villa de Leyva, the Iguaque sanctuary reopened on 1 September 2024 after about four years closed; its 2026 visitor conditions could not be confirmed for this page.
Cultural Context
About 47% of El Cocuy overlaps reserves of the U’wa people. The park closed in 2016 and reopened in 2017 with the current model: day hikes only, a guide for every group, the Vuelta a la Sierra and the eastern flank off-limits, and no entry onto the glacier.
Best Time to Visit
December to March (main dry season) and July to August. Snow is possible in any month.
El Cocuy: Laguna Grande de la Sierra Day Hike
Laguna Grande de la Sierra is one of El Cocuy National Park's three open trails: 19.6 km round trip in…
Frequently Asked Questions about Top Hiking Trails in Boyacá
No. Camping is prohibited; the park allows only guided day hikes on three trails.
Yes. Every visitor enters with a guide or interpreter approved by the park.
COP 107,000 for non-resident foreigners in 2026, valid 4 days for all three trails. Guide, transport and lodging are paid separately.
9.8 km each way, 19.6 km round trip, starting above 4,000 m.
The park’s page gives a 90-day window, worded both as a minimum and a maximum. Contact the park to confirm before you plan around it.
Accident and rescue insurance, registration and an induction talk in El Cocuy or Güicán, and a yellow fever vaccination given at least 10 days before entry.