Climbing in Venezuela, Humboldt & Bolivar Peaks
| country: | Venezuela |
| location: | Andes |
| trip type: | High altitude, strenuous trekking holidays |
| departures: | Tours are available all year round and can be tailor-made as necessary to suit your requirements. |
| price: | From US $200 - US $300 (4 - 5 days) ex flights based on two people sharing. Prices depend on destination. We offer discounts to groups larger than two. With 1 porter per two people add $20 per person per day. |
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the amazing things you'll be doing
Humboldt Peak (4 days from US $200 to US $240)
Pico Humboldt gets its name from the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, who came to the Andes to study local species, as well as record the relationship of temperature to altitude. On our trip up this mountain, we will trek to lagunas as well as alpine lakes, hike through deserts and forests, and climb rock formations as well as ascend a glacier. Along the way we will see a plethora of local plant and wildlife ranging from the endemic freilejon plant to the Rufous-tailed and Steely-vented hummingbird. Without a doubt, this mountain was appropriately named after a legendary naturalist.
Day 1: Mérida-La Mucuy-Coromoto Lake Early in the morning, we drive from Mérida to La Mucuy (2,000 m), in the Sierra Nevada National Park. This path goes into a cloud forest, with dense vegetation, imposing ferns, bromeliads, bamboo, trees covered with a variety of other plants, mosses, hanging vines, and an abundance of winged creatures. We pass several streams and waterfalls along the way. Camp will be made at Coromoto (3,200 m), an alpine lake teeming with trout. (45 min in jeep, 5.5 hours hiking; 9 km)
Day 2: Laguna Verde-Laguna Del Suero From Coromota we depart for Laguna Verde (4,000 m), named for its brilliant emerald color and located at the base of the impressive Humboldt (4,992 m) and Bonplandt Peaks (4,890 m). From Laguna Verde we continue to Laguna Del Suero (4,200 m), where we set up camp for the night. (5 hours hiking; 6 km)
Day 3: Laguna Del Suero-Morrena-Humboldt Summit-Laguna Del Suero
From Laguna Del Suero we begin the climb up a steep rocky slope called “Morrena,” until we reach the glacier. Upon reaching Humboldt’s summit (4,945 m), we have an incredible view of the Colombian Andes in one direction and Pico Bolivar in the other. Once we put our helmets on and get out our crampons, ice picks, ropes and harnesses ready, we climb the peak. After conquering the summit, we return to Laguna Del Suero for the night. (4-7 hours hiking; 7.5 km)
Day 4: Laguna Del Suero-Coromoto Lake-Mérida
From Laguna Del Suero we return to Coromoto Lake. From there, we begin our decent to La Mucuy where our jeep will be waiting to bring us back to the city of Mérida. This tour includes transfer to your hotel.
Bolivar Peak (5 days from US $250 to US $300)
The route to the top of Pico Bolivar is both spectacular in its beauty and challenging in its ruggedness. Towering 5,007 meters into the atmosphere, this peak is the highest point in the country.
It is named after the national hero Simon Bolivar, or as we call him…the Liberator. Whether painted rose by the Sol de Los Venados (Sun of the Deer), or with her head in the clouds, this monster-of-a-mountain cannot help but lift the spirits of anyone who sees her.
Climbing this virgin summit is truly a liberating experience for those up to the challenge.
Day 1-2: The first two days of this trip are identical to those of Pico Bolivar above.
Day 3: Laguna Del Suero-Laguna Timoncito-Chomahoma
From Laguna Suero we hike west to Laguna Timoncito and climb a rocky uphill slope, called "Chomahoma.¨ From the top, we follow a path that runs along the backside of the mountain (from the Mérida point of view). Depending on the season, we may cross bare rock or snow covered landscape to Laguna Timoncito. Camp will be set up at the base of Pico Bolivar (4600 m). (4-7 hours hiking; 7.5 km)
Day 4: Chomahoma-Pico Bolivar
Once we put our helmets on and get our crampons, ice picks, ropes and harnesses ready, we will climb Pico Bolivar (5,007m). A local guide will assist our climbers ascend the rock, snow and glacier of this peak. When ready, we return to base camp at Laguna Timoncito for the night (6 hours climbing)
Day 5: Pico Espejo-Teleférico-Mérida We hike from the base of Pico Bolivar up to Pico Espejo (4765 m). From there we continue our trek down to the third cable car station, Loma Redonda (4000 m), where we can board the cable car for the trip down to Mérida. We will arrive around 2 p.m. and drop you off at your hotel. (4-6 hours hiking; 5.6 km).
Pico Humboldt gets its name from the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, who came to the Andes to study local species, as well as record the relationship of temperature to altitude. On our trip up this mountain, we will trek to lagunas as well as alpine lakes, hike through deserts and forests, and climb rock formations as well as ascend a glacier. Along the way we will see a plethora of local plant and wildlife ranging from the endemic freilejon plant to the Rufous-tailed and Steely-vented hummingbird. Without a doubt, this mountain was appropriately named after a legendary naturalist.
Day 1: Mérida-La Mucuy-Coromoto Lake Early in the morning, we drive from Mérida to La Mucuy (2,000 m), in the Sierra Nevada National Park. This path goes into a cloud forest, with dense vegetation, imposing ferns, bromeliads, bamboo, trees covered with a variety of other plants, mosses, hanging vines, and an abundance of winged creatures. We pass several streams and waterfalls along the way. Camp will be made at Coromoto (3,200 m), an alpine lake teeming with trout. (45 min in jeep, 5.5 hours hiking; 9 km)
Day 2: Laguna Verde-Laguna Del Suero From Coromota we depart for Laguna Verde (4,000 m), named for its brilliant emerald color and located at the base of the impressive Humboldt (4,992 m) and Bonplandt Peaks (4,890 m). From Laguna Verde we continue to Laguna Del Suero (4,200 m), where we set up camp for the night. (5 hours hiking; 6 km)
Day 3: Laguna Del Suero-Morrena-Humboldt Summit-Laguna Del Suero From Laguna Del Suero we begin the climb up a steep rocky slope called “Morrena,” until we reach the glacier. Upon reaching Humboldt’s summit (4,945 m), we have an incredible view of the Colombian Andes in one direction and Pico Bolivar in the other. Once we put our helmets on and get out our crampons, ice picks, ropes and harnesses ready, we climb the peak. After conquering the summit, we return to Laguna Del Suero for the night. (4-7 hours hiking; 7.5 km)
Day 4: Laguna Del Suero-Coromoto Lake-Mérida
From Laguna Del Suero we return to Coromoto Lake. From there, we begin our decent to La Mucuy where our jeep will be waiting to bring us back to the city of Mérida. This tour includes transfer to your hotel.
Bolivar Peak (5 days from US $250 to US $300) The route to the top of Pico Bolivar is both spectacular in its beauty and challenging in its ruggedness. Towering 5,007 meters into the atmosphere, this peak is the highest point in the country.
It is named after the national hero Simon Bolivar, or as we call him…the Liberator. Whether painted rose by the Sol de Los Venados (Sun of the Deer), or with her head in the clouds, this monster-of-a-mountain cannot help but lift the spirits of anyone who sees her.
Climbing this virgin summit is truly a liberating experience for those up to the challenge.
Day 1-2: The first two days of this trip are identical to those of Pico Bolivar above.
Day 3: Laguna Del Suero-Laguna Timoncito-Chomahoma
From Laguna Suero we hike west to Laguna Timoncito and climb a rocky uphill slope, called "Chomahoma.¨ From the top, we follow a path that runs along the backside of the mountain (from the Mérida point of view). Depending on the season, we may cross bare rock or snow covered landscape to Laguna Timoncito. Camp will be set up at the base of Pico Bolivar (4600 m). (4-7 hours hiking; 7.5 km)
Day 4: Chomahoma-Pico Bolivar Once we put our helmets on and get our crampons, ice picks, ropes and harnesses ready, we will climb Pico Bolivar (5,007m). A local guide will assist our climbers ascend the rock, snow and glacier of this peak. When ready, we return to base camp at Laguna Timoncito for the night (6 hours climbing)
Day 5: Pico Espejo-Teleférico-Mérida We hike from the base of Pico Bolivar up to Pico Espejo (4765 m). From there we continue our trek down to the third cable car station, Loma Redonda (4000 m), where we can board the cable car for the trip down to Mérida. We will arrive around 2 p.m. and drop you off at your hotel. (4-6 hours hiking; 5.6 km).
travellers' tales
The excellent planning of my trip tailormade to my individual requirements by allowed me to have the most memorable holiday I could imagine. (more)
how this holiday makes a difference
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Our climbing tours in the Andes make a significant difference in the lives of our tourists, local farmers and guesthouse owners. Moreover, we make an active effort to conserve and educate our clients about the natural resources of Venezuela by providing local, educated guides, who understand the importance of plant and animal species such as the frailejon and Andean condor.
Condor Reintroduction Center: We support, and our clients have the opportunity to visit, the Condor Reintroduction center. This enterprise studies the endangered Andean Condor and is attempting to repopulate the species. The Andean Condor is the largest flying bird in the world and has a strong presence in the local mythology. Environment: We make every attempt possible to preserve the natural environment. To do this, we only take small groups, usually less than eight people. We do not permit anyone from these groups to take souvenirs, such as feathers, rocks or plants, nor partake in any activity that will damage the landscape. In addition, we only use vehicles, such as jeeps, for transportation when absolutely necessary. Our Jeeps use unleaded gasoline and meet Western emission standards. Community: Most accommodations provided on our Andean tours are in locally-owned guest houses (posadas) to stimulate economic growth and cultural enrichment. When not provided in guesthouses, accommodations are made by camping and meals are eaten in locally owned restaurants and/ or from locally-gown crops. Our clients will also visit local coffee and sugarcane plantations as well as Indian ruins, to learn more about these valuable community resources, and the impact local farmers have had on the country. Porters: We make sure to take care of the porters that take care of you. We always ensure that they have the necessary clothing and footwear for any climb that we send them on. They are never required to carry more than 25 kilograms of equipment. They enjoy the same sleeping arrangements as our paying clients. And, our porters earn nearly the usual monthly salary for a fulltime worker in the city of Mérida in only four days as well as receiving compensation for any time lost due to injury or illness. |
Tourism can be good and bad for destinations & local people. We carefully screen every holiday against our criteria for responsible travel. 'Look behind the brochure' to find how each holiday makes a difference (see left). We don't claim to be perfect - there is no global accreditation - but we've led the way since 2001 and screened 1000's of holidays. We invite every traveller to write a review about their experiences and responsible tourism. This valuable feedback is sent to the people who run the holidays. We keep a very close eye on it and take off holidays that don't live up to our standards. |