El Pilón de Azúcar

Location:
Cabo de Vela, Colombia

Hiking Types:
Hike, Beach

By Lorraine Caputo

Out on the northeastern horizon you see an odd triangular-shaped rock rising out of the flat landscape. This is Kamainshi (Kamaici), the Lord of the Things of the Sea—or for alijuna, El Pilón de Azúcar. It has always been a sacred site, believed to be Jepira, where the spirits of the dead arrive. Now a Virgin of Fatima shrine perches atop the white and pale green stone. From that vantage point, you can see the windmills of Parque Eólico Jepirachi twirling in the far distance. At the western foot of Kamainshi is a small, golden-sand beach where you can cool off before continuing your hike.

Getting There
Follow the road northwards out of town; when you get to the T crossroads, turn right. This will take you directly to El Pilón de Azúcar. From the main part of the village on the south shore, it takes about an hour one way.

Travel Tips: Do the walk in the early morning or late afternoon, to avoid the heat. Families sell soft drinks and water in the parking lot at El Pilón de Azúcar. Swimming is fine near the beach, but further offshore there is a strong current.

A loose-gravel path zig-zags to the top. It can be quite windy on the summit, so light-weights will have a go of it; if with young children, hold onto them tight. It is a steep drop down to the sea. The apex is only 2.5-3 meters (7-10 feet) wide.

Price Description: Free.

Relative price: Free

Open Hours from:Dawn

Open Hours to:Dusk

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Take along plenty of water and some snacks; sunscreen, hat and shirt; camera; swimwear. If going in the late afternoon, bring also a flashlight (torch) in case you get caught by darkness on the return.

El Faro, Ojo del Agua, Hoyos Sopladores, Cuevas del Diablos, Laguna de Utta.

Currencies accepted
Colombian Peso