Testimonials What our clients think about their experience with us
"There are only a few experiences I have pursued in my life that have resonated like climbing in El Cocuy. I have been across the Rockies, the Hindu Kush, and to Mount Everest. Laguna Grande de La Sierra has a beauty like none other. And Nicolas proved himself the essential guide. Deeply aware of my strengths and weaknesses, he was able to provide thorough instruction, then craft a journey which engrained the training and in every way satisfied my need for adventure. Both location and guide are true treasures of the Andes."
Ari B. Rubin. Screen writer. USA. Mountaineering Course
"A fantastic trip...The guides, Gabriel and Nicolas, were excellent, extremely well-informed and well-connected. They had everything we needed, and some special and appreciated surprises too. We felt safe and in good hands with them. And we almost made it up Pan de Azucar."
Tom Clynes. National Geographic Writer. USA. Pan de Azucar
"If one wants to imagine how mountain-climbing was half a century ago, come to El Cocuy. For five days we met nobody, no litter, just pristine nature, silence, rocks, snow and slowly retreating glaciers. The part below 4000 meters is green and yellow: the paramo, with the unique Colombian high-altitude vegetation, the "frailejones" over two meters tall, hundreds of years old. Walking in this wetland reminded me of Alaska's spongy soil. Going higher, the few animals disappear - the fox that finished our dinner left-overs - and only rocks, snow and the silence remain.
We went in the rainy season, when showers and sunshine alternate and the snow can be too weak to pass the crevasses. January is best for climbing to the peaks, but one has to share the mountain with a few others. The distances are huge and there is no development. One has to carry all food and the rest, except for one or two major campsites which can be served by horses and nice mountain men who bring luggage to these places.
Nicolas is a fantastic guide, great cook and a tenacious walker and climber. One can trust his judgment when to go on or turn back. A philosopher-mathematician who understood the essence of life. It was my privilege to share the mountain with him."
Gabor Beszterczey. Director of Tecnovo Projects. HUNGARY. Custom Cocuy trip and rock climbing in Suesca
"I had the pleasure of attending a climbing trip with Nicolas and I can honestly say it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. The guides couldn't have been any nicer to me or any of the five friends who joined me on this adventure! We really developed a strong bond with them which we still mantain. I had never climbed before and this trip made me find out that I really love it and encouraged me to keep practising this incredible sport. My friends and I had an awful lot of fun and look forward to repeating it someday! I encourage everyone to join these wonderful guides on an adventure you won't regret!"
Teresa García. High school student. SPAIN. Rock climbing in Acadia National Park, USA
"What a great course! I loved it and it got me very enthusiastic about climbing! I highly recommend it, excellent instructors, great atmosphere and a superb group of people! Not to mention the views...what a paradise!"
Nicole Layolle. University Student. COLOMBIA. Rock climbing course in Suesca
"My best to Gabriel and Nicholas as the best mountain guides ever! My best to all of you and my sincere thanks."
Carlos Villalón. Photographer. CHILE. Pan de Azucar
"The climbing course was an unforgettable experience which leaves you wanting to keep on climbing, and not doing anything else. The course has theoretical aspects but always going by hand with practice, most of the course is learning by doing, putting in practice what is learned and having a great time. I honestly believe that the course left me a great base to keep on learning..."
Andrea Torres. University student. COLOMBIA. Rock climbing course in Suesca.
"The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy is a stunning arena, encompassing numerous permanently snow-capped peaks, dazzling lakes and endless kilometres of the páramo ecosystem, unique to the northern tip of South America. The most exceptional feature of the Cocuy is its utterly untouched nature. An outpost of guerrilla activity until only a few years ago, it is the perfect place to go for hikers and climbers – rock and ice – who prefer to leave behind the hustle and bustle of Europe’s and the US’s national parks for a taste of real wilderness. No hostels, no huts and no guard shacks. Just you and what you care to carry with you. During my one week stay when I covered a sizeable portion of the Southern end of the park I did not meet a single person outside of my party. This has to be the main reason to favour the Cocuy over the crowded Alps or Appalachian Trail where having four or five other groups in your campsite is considered a seldom luxury. The remoteness aside, trails for hikers are clearly marked, the campsites completely basic but very well situated and the two towns nearby have all manner of supplies needed for prolonged stays in the mountain.
My guide was Nicholas Moreno, who having spent many years in the Cocuy, was able to choose a week’s programme based exactly on my pre-stated request of what I wanted to do and see. All manner of expert climbing equipment which I did not possess was supplied, among a whole-host of other useful items holiday-hikers are prone to forgetting. Following my trip to the Cocuy, I went with Nicholas to Suesca for a tutorial in rock climbing. Exactly as in the mountains, he knew exactly where to go with someone of my skill-level. Besides teaching me how to climb, the experience was invaluable in learning about all the equipment and how to properly use it."
Andras Beszterczey. University Student. ENGLAND. Custom Cocuy trip and rock climbing in Suesca
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