Mountain Climbing

Location:
Colombia

Climbing

By Lorraine Caputo

One of the biggest draws to PNN El Cocuy is the mountain climbing. The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy is considered to be one of the most beautiful ranges in the country and the lack of tourists makes for an un-crowded, quiet adventure.

These peaks were first summated by a Swiss team in 1928. Colombians preparing for Himalayan and Southern Andes expeditions train here. The almost sheer, vertical rises provide challenges for even the most experienced mountaineer.

The Sierra Nevada has 21-plus peaks over 4900 meters (16,072 feet). Some of the mountains to conquer are Ritaku'wa Blanco (5330 m / 17,482 ft), Ritaku'wa Negro (5300 m / 17,384 ft), San Pablín Norte (5200 m / 17,056 ft), El Concavo (5200 m / 17,056 ft), and El Castillo (5030 m / 16,500 ft). El Puntiaguado (5200 m / 17,056 ft) is a curious formation of a stone cube crowned by a stone spire.

Getting There
A guide is essential. Contact an operator in El Cocuy, Güicán or elsewhere.

Travel Tips: Plan on 4 to 5 days for your expedition. The Mountains have many crevasses. Rope, ice axe and crampons are essential equipment (these will most likely be supplied by your guide). Guides in El Cocuy have excursions for those with no experience, as well as a mountain climbing school.

Within the national park, trekking, rock climbing, fishing and paragliding. In Güicán, the Camino Deshecho and petroglyphs, Aguas Termales (hot springs) and more hiking opportunities.