Laguna de Mucubaji

Mucubají is a glacial lake at around thirty-six hundred metres on the páramo in Sierra Nevada National Park, held behind a moraine left by the ice that filled this valley. Frailejones cover the slopes around it and pines were planted on part of the shore. A path climbs from the lake in about two hours to the Laguna Negra, a smaller and darker lake in a rock bowl above, and horses can be hired for the ascent from the visitor centre.

What you actually see

• The lake - glacial water held behind a moraine at 3600 metres.
• The frailejon slopes - paramo vegetation covering the hills around the water.
• Laguna Negra - a darker lake in a rock bowl about two hours above.
• The moraine - the ridge of glacial debris that dams the lake.

When to go

December to April is driest and clearest. Mornings are best before cloud and rain come in. Nights are below freezing at this altitude year round.

Honest expectations

The altitude makes the walk harder than the distance suggests. Weather changes fast and rain and cold arrive with little warning. Horse hire is negotiated and pressure to take one is heavy.

Nearby

Apartaderos is southwest, and Pico El Aguila is northeast.