I woke up and slightly dizzy because of the insomnia that I occasionally get because of the mountains and I looked at my watch surprised to find it was only 10 pm. There was an intense light that went through the walls of the tent that was produced by the full moon that accompanied us that magical night. The deep silence frightened me and the curiosity to look around invaded me. Assuming that the evening would be clear so as to see the happy and famous lake of the Plaza.

It is situated in the South West zone of the Sierra Nevada, with an average height of 4300 meters above seal level. It is beyond doubt the most beautiful lake in Colombia.

First day

Trip by bus Bogotá — El Cocuy — Güicán

We leave from the Transport Terminal of Bogotá, Red Module No. 3 at 7 pm. North highway. We travel through the Department of Boyacá passing through Tunja, Duitama, Soatá, Capitanejo, El Espino, El Cocuy and Güicán.

Duration of the trip: 10 hours approximately

Second day

First camp — Lagunillas (acclimatization)

After our trip we arrive at the municipality of Güicán where we will have breakfast and shall begin our trip by car to the Casa de la Herrera, approximately 1 hour.

We shall begin the acclimatization towards our first camp at 4000 meters above sea level. This hike is important for our expedition.

In the night we shall have supper and shall rest in the Valle de Lagunillas in tents of High Mountain.

Third day

Second camp — Laguna de la Plaza

After our breakfast we shall raise tents and we shall begin our hike to our second camp at La Laguna de la Plaza at 4400 meters above sea level. Hike of approximately 6 hours with assault backpacks assisted by mules and horses.

We shall install camp and will have supper.

Fourth day

Vuelta a la Laguna de La Plaza

After a light breakfast, very early in the morning we will make the five hour hike of the lake; we will walk along its border until we reach its drain were we will be able to observe the curvature of the Earth.

We shall arrive at the second camp were we will rest and have supper.

Fifth day

Assault of the peak Cerros de la Plaza at 4800 meters above sea level

After a light breakfast, very early in the morning we shall take on the peak of Los Cerros de la Plaza (4.800). We shall walk through rocky terrain until we reach the border of the glacier where we will use special certified equipment to walk over the glacier. This hike has duration of approximately 6 hours.

We shall arrive at the second camp to rest and have sipper.

Sixth day

Third camp — Lagunillas

After breakfast and raising camp we shall make the return hike to the first campo of Lagunillas assisted by mules and horses. Duration 6 hours.

Seventh day

Descend to the hacienda de los Herrera

After breakfast and raising camp we shall hike to the house of the Herreras. We will then travel by car a Güicán for thermal baths.

Duration of trip to Bogotá: 11 hours.