El Cocuy Packing List: What to Bring for the Trek
Putting together an El Cocuy packing list is trickier than it sounds. You’re not just packing for a hike. You’re packing for cold mornings, hot afternoons, sudden rain, and altitude that can catch even experienced hikers off guard.
Here’s what actually made it into my bags for two big hikes, Laguna Grande de La Sierra and Púlpito del Diablo, and one acclimatization day, plus a few things I wish I’d packed the first time.
And a quick note before the list: the links throughout are either the exact gear I used or as close to it as I could find. This was my sixth year doing a big annual adventure trip, and I spent years testing gear while living in Colorado before that. I’m not linking things because they’re trendy. I’m linking what’s actually held up on trail after trail, so you’re not the one finding out the hard way.
Clothing
Layers matter more than any single piece of gear on this list. Temperatures swing fast in the páramo, so you’ll want options for both cold mornings and warmer midday sun.
- Beanie, a full-coverage hat, and a performance cap
- Glove liners and water proof gloves
- Sports bras, merino wool hiking socks, and performance underwear (I brought an extra of all three. Avoid cotton like the plague)
- 2 base layer tops, fleece, puffer jacket, and rain shell jacket
- 2 pairs of hiking pants, 2 base layer bottoms, rain shell pants
- Hiking boots, plus something comfortable for evenings that isn’t sneakers
- Shower shoes
- Bathing suit for the termales
Gear
- A 20L pack is enough for day hikes. You won’t need anything bigger unless you’re carrying overnight gear.
- Rain cover for your pack
- Trekking poles, which help more than expected on the steeper, rockier sections
- Nice to have: Theragun and/or a heating pad, for sore legs at the end of the day. I brought both and was not mad about it.
Health & Hygiene
- First aid kit and Neosporin, which is hard to find once you’re in the pueblo
- Electrolytes
- KT Tape
- Blister bandages
- Toiletries (my fave containers)
- Wet wipes (great for bus ride and on the trail)
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunscreen, SPF 50 or higher. The park requires it, and at this altitude, sunburn happens faster than you’d expect.
- Sunglasses with real UV protection, especially useful near snow, where glare gets intense. Big fan of Blenders for activewear.
A Few Things People Forget
- Cash. Small towns like El Cocuy and Güicán don’t run on cards. Bring enough for lodging, meals, and any last-minute guide or transportation costs.
- A portable charger. Our hostel had enough outlet extenders but my battery would drain more quickly due to my Garmin & Oura connection. You’ll want your phone charged for photos, not just emergencies.
- A copy of your ID and travel insurance. The park requires proof of rescue and assistance insurance before you’re allowed to register, so keep it somewhere easy to grab. The hostel we stayed at managed this for us and I had copies on my phone.
- Earplugs. Between the long bus ride and a small pueblo that can get lively, especially around the holidays, a good pair of earplugs goes a long way.
Temperature to Plan Around
Items rated for around 40°F (4°C) worked well for us, Pack like the cold is guaranteed, because at the top there, it usually is.
Getting your El Cocuy packing list right won’t make the altitude any easier, but it does mean you’ll spend less energy being cold or uncomfortable, and more energy actually enjoying the trail.
More El Cocuy Guides
- How to Get to El Cocuy, Colombia: The Full Route Guide: The route from Bogotá, bus options, driving tips, and where to stop along the way.
- Where to Stay in El Cocuy: Hostal El Caminante: Why this hostal, run by Marta, made both of our trips easy.
- The History of El Cocuy: Pueblo, U’Wa Culture, and the Páramo: The story behind the name, the U’Wa’s connection to the mountain, and what makes the páramo so rare.
- The El Cocuy Trek: Laguna Grande de la Sierra and Púlpito del Diablo: What the actual hikes are like, what they cost, and what to know if you’re bringing kids.
MEET SARAH
Welcome! I’m Sarah. I started this blog to be a resource for others around a few of my favorite things: living in Colombia, DIY projects, places traveled, and day-to-day life. My hope is that it can a place of inspiration and encouragement to help you plan the next project or adventure of your own!
