The El Cocuy trek isn’t one hike. It’s three separate trails, each with its own difficulty, altitude, and personality: Laguna Grande de la Sierra, Púlpito del Diablo, and Ritacuba Blanco. Most people don’t do all three in one trip, and you don’t need to. We did two: Laguna Grande de la Sierra and Púlpito del […]
The El Cocuy Trek: Laguna Grande de la Sierra and Púlpito del Diablo Read More »
If you’re trying to figure out where to stay in El Cocuy, the first decision is simpler than it seems: you’re choosing between two towns, Güicán or El Cocuy itself, and then between staying in the pueblo or just outside it. Here’s how I made that call, and why one hostal in particular made both
Where to Stay in El Cocuy: Hostal El Caminante Read More »
Before you lace up your boots, it helps to know a little about the history of El Cocuy. This isn’t just a trailhead town. It’s shaped by centuries of indigenous life and colonial history. It also sits inside one of the rarest ecosystems on the planet, all packed into a small corner of Boyacá. Here’s
The History of El Cocuy: Pueblo, U’Wa Culture, and the Páramo Read More »
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
El Cocuy Packing List: What to Bring for the Trek Read More »
If you’re figuring out how to get to El Cocuy, the short answer is: by bus or by car. If by bus, it’s easiest to plan ahead going from Bogotá. But the route has a few decisions worth making ahead of time, and getting them right can save you a rough travel day before you’ve
How to Get to El Cocuy, Colombia: The Full Route Guide Read More »
Feria de las Flores takes over the whole city for about ten days every August. Streets close, silleteros walk for miles carrying flower arrangements bigger than they are, and every plaza turns into some kind of show. If you’re doing it with kids for the first time, it can feel like a lot to plan
Feria de las Flores with Kids: Medellín Family Guide Read More »
Two things are guaranteed in El Hueco Medellín: you can almost find anything there and go with a plan or you will get lost. I’ve been shopping here for a couple of years now. School supplies in July, kids soccer kits, last-minute birthday gifts, christmas gifts & stocking stuffers. And there are so many passageways
El Hueco Medellín: A Local Mom’s Complete Guide Read More »
If you’ve just moved to Medellín with kids, or you’re planning to, a common questions that comes up is: what do families do during school breaks? In Colombia, they’re called vacaciones recreativas. And the options are way more varied than you might expect. We’re talking university-run STEM camps, outdoor adventure in Parque Arví, Broadway-style musical
Vacaciones Recreativas in Medellín: The Complete Summer Camps Guide for Families Read More »
Heads up: I’m not a tax accountant or lawyer. I’m someone who’s filed Colombian taxes twice now and is still looking for a great contador. This is what I wish someone had told me when I first realized I might need to file here. For your specific situation, please work with a qualified Colombian contador
Colombian Taxes for Foreigners 2026: Do You Need to File? Read More »
Whether you’ve been looking for bike classes for kids in Medellín since you moved or maybe you caught a glimpse of the ciclovía one Sunday and thought, “we should do that! Maybe your kid has been asking. Maybe they’re already tearing around the apartment on a balance bike and you’re ready for the next step.
Bike Classes for Kids in Medellín and Envigado: The Complete Guide (2026) Read More »