PNN El Cocuy is CLOSED

Im going to Colombia this week and have plans to do som treks at the park in december. How is the situation now, do anybody know? Is it possible to do any longer treks?

Thanks
Emil

Same question as Emil here. I am planning to go to the park mid december. @Anyone, Emil, Are you up to date on the situation in the park now? Thanks for your help! Tamas

Hello,
I am supposed to arrive at the national park on 14th.
Anyone interested in joining me is welcomed. 40 years old ,male, hopefully in good shape

hey! looking to do a couple day hikes in about a days time. looking for a hiking partner. shoot this 23 year old canadian a email if u wanna meet up. (removed)

Hi all! I'm planning on getting to El Cocuy for a multiday trek around January 6. I'm hoping to get a local guide and I'm looking for some hiking buddies. Let me know if you're interested! 24 year old female, hopefully in good shape.

Hi dear everyone,

I was wondering if anybody has done the El Cocuy 6 day-circuit since it has been officially closed. It would be very helpful to know what you have done in order to still enter the east side of the mountains and whether there has been problems with rangers or even punishment fees you had to pay when you came back.

Thanks a lot for your help

Kind regards

Climbingfreak

it's been over a year, so it's possible that changes have taken place.
but the circuit was closed to respect the wishes of the people who live in that territory. if you want to enter their living space, ask them. indigenous peoples in south america already take enough crap off their governments and corrupt businesses, they don't need to be crapped on by tourists as well.

As of two days ago, the eastern area in the park remains closed to visitors. Any suggestion of entry to this area is wholly unacceptable, since as sprite notes it would be highly disrespectful to the U'was.

The park is very extensive and there is more than enough to enjoy for many days without even thinking of intruding into the east.

Hi everyone,
I will be in Colombia early July, can anyone tell me if it is safe for a woman to hike alone in El Cocuy? Is it better to take a guide? Anyone there in July interested to hike together? Cheers!

A little more to add to my previous post (#67) (this is copied from another thread) and a response to the specific question in #68:

1a) re access: National Parks everywhere are subject to rules with respect to protecting their ecosystems, respecting people who live in the park, etc. I don't think it unreasonable that the National Parks of Colombia respect the wishes of the people who have always lived in what is now a National Park. If they wish to restrict access to their sacred lands then I for one will respect their wishes.

1b) re hiking in the National Park: access is not permitted to the area to the east of the crest of the Sierra. This still leaves a huge area open for hiking (the National Park occupies 306,000 hectares, of which 145,000 are restricted). Hence the area which is not closed is 50% bigger than Rocky Mountain NP in the USA.... The PNN website gives information on the many routes which are open.

We spent a couple of days in the Park recently and hiked two trails, both excellent, the second of which was to El Pulpito, at around 4900m AMSL, and which was a stunning hike.

2a) if it is safe for a woman to hike alone in El Cocuy? I guess my answer is to ask whether you think it's a good idea for anyone to hike alone in a huge mountain park at 4000-5000m? I would suggest that it is not safe to do this, and that it's always a good idea to be with at least one other person, in case of a fall, altitude sickness, or other situation in which you need help. From the point of view of gender, there's no difference.

2b) Is it better to take a guide? There's no requirement that I know of for a guide, however I think it makes a lot of sense to be accompanied by someone who knows the area. Also if you are alone, a guide would fulfil the need for at least one other person.

2c) Anyone there in July interested to hike together? Sorry - don't know.