ANDEAN PEAKS TO AMAZON TRAILS: HIKING AND ADVENTURE TREKS IN COLOMBIA
Adventurers! Colombia beckons with its unmatched natural beauty and wide range of hiking trails.
Whether you're an avid trekker or just dipping your toes into seeing more of the world on foot, this exciting South American country offers unforgettable experiences for every level. With diverse landscapes and awe-inspiring terrains, there's a trail waiting just for you. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones:
Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City)
One of the most rewarding hikes in Colombia is the multi-day trek through the jungle to reach the remains of the Lost City. Ciudad Perdida (Lost City, in Spanish) is an archeological site hidden deep within the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range on the Caribbean coast. It is believed to have been founded in 800 CE, which predates Machu Picchu by roughly 650 years.
It’s not exactly an easy hike, but it’s a rewarding one. As you trek through the lush jungle, you’ll pass hanging-bridge river crossings, waterfalls & bathing pools, and rare species of plants and animals. You might feel a bit defeated when you reach the end of the hike and find that the only way to reach the Ciudad Perdida is to climb 1,200 stone steps…Don’t give up, though - the sight of the ancient city is worth it!
El Cocuy National Park
As promised in the title, let’s talk about some Andean peaks. El Cocuy National Park is the place to go if you want to surround yourself with snow-capped mountains, glaciers, clear mountain lakes, and exotic flora & fauna.
El Cocuy covers a massive 1,500 square kilometer area and is one of the most mountainous areas in South America. The scenery is beautiful and diverse; many ecosystems are at play in the park, from low tropical forests to super páramo, all of which flow into each other as the elevation changes.
You can do a one-day trek or plan to be out for multiple days, but it’s important to prepare yourself for what your hike could entail. Especially considering the different temperatures and conditions possible, be sure to have a layer of warm clothing for when you’re at a higher elevation. You might be okay without winter clothing for a day, but if you’re planning to trek further into El Cocuy, you’re going to want plenty of options to suit the weather.
Cocora Valley
Considered to be something of a rite of passage for visitors to Colombia, hiking the Cocora Valley is not to be missed.
Located near the town of Salento, here is where you’ll be able to take in plenty of captivating views of towering wax palms, the national tree of Colombia.
Something that makes this hike especially exciting is the journey through “cloud forest”, a beautiful result of this particular climate. Here, mist surrounds the treetops and hovers relatively close to the ground all around. Some would even argue that it’s best to hike the Cocora Valley on a day with light rain! Your path will be muddier, of course, but it’s worth it for the mystical beauty of being surrounded by clouds of mist, with the sun occasionally peeking through.
La Chorrera Waterfall
It’ll be hard to miss this particular trekking hotspot: La Chorrera Waterfall is the tallest in Colombia, towering a staggering 590 meters high. The sheer size of it may feel a bit intimidating, but the incredible views from this particular hike will be very worth your effort.
Located just outside of Bogotá, you can access this wonderful waterfall via a trek from the Choachí municipality. A bus from the Bogotá terminal will get you to Choachí to start, and that trip is actually quite stunning itself. You’ll find yourself winding through the Andean landscape, with villages, forests, misty mountains and lush valleys flashing by.
If you want to be dropped off for just the waterfall hike, simply ask your bus driver. But if you take the bus all the way into Choachí proper, you can start off with a nice short trek (an hour long, roughly) to get to the entrance of the park. Here you’ll find La Chorrera. Keep an eye open for smaller waterfalls and caves along the way. You’re in for some incredible sights!
Los Estoraques Unique Natural Area
One of the smaller national parks is also one of the most…well, unique! Covering only 6 square kilometers, the area is packed with interesting geological formations and breathtaking views.
The rock formations are the real highlight, featuring towering columns and deep canyons & caves. Visitors to Los Estoraques can hike and explore through these features, or set up camp amidst the spectacular scenery.
Since this is a shorter hike, it occasionally gets overlooked by serious trekkers and adventurers; but it is well worth a visit, especially for anyone interested in geology or landscape photography. Get those cameras clicking, because this is a quick day trip that’ll offer lots of great photo ops. Your family and friends back home will love living vicariously through you as you take in Los Estoraques.
Final Word
Whether you’re seasoned in adventure hikes or caving a new escapade, Colombia is your ideal playground. Offering trails that range from leisurely walks to challenging treks, you're guaranteed stunning scenery and a heart-pumping workout.
Ensure you've got sturdy footwear, and note that some trails might necessitate permits or the expertise of a guide. Once you have that all sorted, you’ll be all set to take in some of Colombia’s most breathtaking natural wonders.