The Kanwara Huts (3976 metres elevation) offer a comfortable acclimatizing base en route to the peaks and glaciers of El Cocuy National Park in eastern Colombia.Mark Sissons/The Globe and Mail
Rustic Hacienda La Esperanza is a family operated working ranch and guesthouse offering guided hikes along the edge of El Cocuy National Park.Mark Sissons/The Globe and Mail
The eerie, endangered giant Frailejon plant lives at high altitude in the páramo ecosystems of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador.Mark Sissons/The Globe and Mail
For decades El Cocuy locals like my hiking guide, Berthilda, were caught up in the struggle between the army and guerrillas for control of the park.Mark Sissons/The Globe and Mail
A burro greets guests at historic Hotel Hacienda del Salitre, a former monastery and headquarters of Colombia’s founder, Simón Bolivar.Mark Sissons/The Globe and Mail