Berlin

Department: Norte de Santander Altitude: 3100m Climate: Warm during the day, but very cold at night.

Between Bucaramanga and Pamplona the land rises sharply and then levels off forming a high altitude plain or moor, known as a páramo. A páramo consists of bogs and grasslands above the tree line (at about 3800m) and below the snowline (at about 5000m). The landscape is similar to that of the moors of Great Britain and feels a little out of place in Colombia.

The climate here is harsh. On a sunny day it can feel very warm, but at night temperatures plummet into single figures. As with all places at high altitude the sun is incredibly strong and you should use sunscreen. At night you'll need warm clothes!

The town of Berlin is little more than a small cluster of houses and shops that stretches along the main road connecting Bucaramanga and Pamplona, but it does provide a decent place to stock up on supplies for walks around the páramo.

A few kilometers to the west (in the direction of Bucaramanga) are some cabins and a basic hostel which can be rented.