The route to the top of Pico Bolivar is both spectacular in its beauty and challenging in its ruggedness. Like the Humboldt trek, the trail starts at La Mucuy, a part of the Sierra Nevada National Park. The path winds its way up through dense, tropical cloud forest. Plants grow on plants, green upon green, and the lush vegetation erupts with birdsong. You will be enchanted by the number of bird and butterfly species that inhabit the region. On the three-day ascent to the base of Bolivar, we will pass into the stark but beautiful páramo, famous for the velvety “frailejon” plant indigenous to the Andes. We will then hike over a desert páramo of stone and snow, camping every night on the shores of the biggest glacial lakes of the Venezuelan Andes. With the proper climbing equipment, we’ll summit Pico Bolivar, a peak of 5,007 meters, and gaze across national boundaries into Colombia. We’ll descend from the range via Pico Espejo, on the world’s highest and longest cable car, which gives us one more unforgettable view of Mérida, while taking us back down the valley.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Mérida - La Mucuy - Coromoto Lake.
At 8:30 am, we drive from Mérida to La Mucuy (2,000 m) of the Sierra Nevada National Park. The path goes up into the cloud forest. This is an area of dense vegetation, imposing ferns, bromeliads, bamboo, trees covered with a variety of other plants, mosses, hanging vines, and an abundance of winged creatures. On this segment of the trek, we’ll pass several streams and small waterfalls. Camp will be made at Coromoto Lake (3,200 m), a cool alpine lake teeming with trout.
(45 min by jeep, 5.5 hours hiking; 9 km)
(L), (D)
Day 2: Coromoto Lake - Laguna Verde - Laguna Del Suero.
After packing up, we shall head off 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 Bonplaud Peaks (4,890 m). The way to Laguna Verde is steeper and rockier than the previous day, and the scenery is much more open as you follow the valley upwards. A little further on, we will set-up camp at Laguna Del Suero (4,200 m) which is nestled in the tranquil surroundings of these infamous peaks.
(5 hours hiking; 6km)
(B), (L), (D)
Day 3: Laguna Del Suero - Laguna Timoncito - Bolívar Base.
As we eat a warm breakfast, we can admire how the lake acts as a mirror, reflecting the magnificence of the peaks. From beautiful Laguna Suero we will hike west to Laguna Timoncito and face a steep uphill slope on loose rocks called “Chomahoma”. Once on top we will enjoy spectacular views in both directions. In the direction of Barinas, you will marvel at how the savanna plains roll out from the bottom of this range. We’ll embark on a traverse, which runs along the backside of the range. Depending on the season, we may cross bare rock or snow covered landscape to Laguna Timoncito. Camp will be made at the base of Pico Bolívar (4600 m). This is an ideal place to admire the brilliance of the nighttime sky.
(4-7 hours hiking; 7.5 km)
(B), (L), (D)
Day 4: Bolívar Base - Bolívar Summit.
After good nights’ rest and hot breakfast we’ll start the climb up to Pico Bolivar (5,007m). On this summit attempt, we will face rock, snow, and glacier, which require some technical support by our expert mountain guides. From the summit, you can capture the splendor of the natural surroundings with your camera. Descending down to base camp, we will enjoy a hot and well-deserved dinner.
(6 hours climbing)
(B), (L), (D)
Day 5: Pico Espejo - Teleférico - Merida.
After an early breakfast, we’ll hike up to Pico Espejo (4765 m), the final station for the highest cable car system in the world. We’ll continue our trek down to the third cable car station, Loma Redonda (4000 m), where we’ll grab a hot drink and board the last cable car for the trip down to Mérida. We’ll arrive around 2 p.m. and drop you off at your hotel.
(4-6 hours hiking; 5.6 km)
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Transfer from and to airport;
- Tour transportation with 4WD;
- Cable car ticket;
- Bilingual guide;
- All meals and soft drinks during the trip;
- First aid;
- Necessary camping and climbing equipment;
- Permits for National Park;
- Radio communication.
Price does not include:
- Domestic flights (we can arrange them);
- Lodging in Mérida (we can arrange this);
- Porter (optional, for an additional cost);
- Items of a personal nature;
- Meals, alcoholic beverages, tours, or other services not listed on the itinerary;
- Tips to local staff, nor any expenses incurred in preparing for the trip such as but not limited to non-refundable airline tickets or insurance or additional expenses encountered as a result of flight delays, cancellations, or missed connections.
Also see tour packages in:
South America
Venezuela
Hiking & Trekking
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