Altitud - Climbing and Trekking in the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy

Our Trips Trekking and Mountaineering Plans

To conquer a summit in El Cocuy it is not necessary to have a great deal of technical climbing knowledge. During the trip, before attempting a summit, we'll teach you the basics of roping up, using your Ice Axe and crampons. If your wish is to experiment the thrill of reaching the top of a great mountain, ask us and, depending on your physical condition and experience, we´ll be able to recommend you one (or more) of the following climbing plans.

Trek the Sierra
Pan de Azucar
Ritacuba
San Pablines
Laguna Grande
Custom Trips

Trek Around the Sierra

A favorite trekking route is the “Vuelta a la sierra“ (Trek around the sierra), which traverses the whole east side of the Sierra. Extremely beautiful, quoting Lonely Planet: "is like walking through a garden". The entire trek takes approximately 6-7 days. It is also possible to make partial treks on the eastern side.

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Pan de Azucar

Pan de Azucar is one of the most representative peaks in the whole sierra. It offers ice climbing on its north face, big wall climbing on its east wall and moderate snow and ice routes on its west and south slopes. Not less representative is the Pulpito del Diablo located at the base of the western snow slope.

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Ritacuba Blanco

The Blanco (5330 mts), is the highest peak in the sierra. Its classic climbing route is easy and allows us to climb for a long time on the snow. From the summit it is possible to see “el llano en llamas“ (plainlands on fire): On cloudless sunrises the horizon turns red and yellow. It is one the most astonishing views offered by el cocuy.

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San Pablines

In San Pablines we won’t find many people (or none at all) and we can climb ice and snow routes, specially in San Pablín sur (5180 mts). For more experienced climbers the san Pablin norte (5200 mts)offers good mixed routes. From the summit you can see “El castillo” (5100 mts).

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Laguna Grande

Laguna Grande de la Sierra is an ideal place for those who simultaneously want to have good rock, ice and snow climbing. Laguna grande is located in the cirque formed by five important Sierra´s peaks: El Concavito, El Concavo, El Portales, El Toti and Pan de Azucar.

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Customized Trips

If you a have a precise idea of what you want to do, you can customize your trip with us. We can provide just the guiding, full or partial logistical services. If you are a seasoned climber and want someone to take care of logistics, or if you have rock climbing experience and want a guide to climb one of the east walls, or if you simply want to do something different to the trips we offer, a customized trip is your option.

Ask us for a budget!!

Every plan includes: Guides, climbing gear (harnesses, ropes, crampons, ice axes, helmets, carabiners, ice/snow anchors etc.), transportation from the town to the mountain and back, mules and arrieros, mountain stoves and fuel, hotels in the town and mountain, park permits, food in the mountain.

See the list of equipment you need for el Cocuy.

Visit our Gallery to see pictures of each trip.