BOLÍVAR PEAK

Pico Bolívar, at 4,978 meters, is the highest peak in Venezuela. It rises majestically within the Sierra Nevada de Mérida, part of the Andes mountain range. It was named in honor of Simón Bolívar, and at the summit a bust of his likeness stands, silently welcoming climbers who reach the top.

Conquering this mountain is an extreme physical and mental challenge. You’ll need to climb and rappel; due to the altitude, oxygen is scarce, making every step a monumental effort.

Upon reaching the summit, exhaustion gives way to an indescribable euphoria. Venezuela spreads out at your feet in a panoramic view of mountains and valleys. Touching the bust of El Libertador in that moment is feeling triumph in its purest form.

More than just a climb, reaching the roof of Venezuela is a transformative experience. It’s a journey that builds character and makes you feel invincible, culminating in the pride of shouting “Summit!” at the highest point in the country.

THE ROOF OF VENEZUELA

WHAT DO WE INCLUDE?

ADDITIONAL SERVICES

• Personal porter: $60 per day (maximum 15 kg / 33 lbs)

EQUIPMENT RENTAL

• Mountain backpack: $30

• High-mountain tent (up to 2 people): $10 per day

Note: The tent is already included in the ascent packages via Los Nevados. For ascents using the Mukumbarí Cable Car, the tent may or may not be necessary, depending on whether Albornoz Refuge is available on the dates of your trip.

TRANSFER – From Caracas to Mérida (1 DAY)

Our transportation will take us to Maiquetía Airport. The flight to El Vigía lasts approximately 1 hour. Then, another transfer will take us to the center of Mérida city; this trip lasts about 1.5 hours. There, we will meet the local guides and organize everything to start the trek the following day.

DAY 1 – From Mérida to Los Nevados (2,700 m / 8,858 ft)

Morning 4x4 transfer to Los Nevados (gentle acclimatization). The journey takes nearly 5 hours by road, so this day is dedicated solely to transfer. In Los Nevados, the mule loads will be organized. Accommodation at a lodge.

DAY 2 – From Los Nevados to Chorro de Humo (3,500 m / 11,483 ft)

The trekking begins as we enter the Valle del Indio, enjoying incredible landscapes of the Venezuelan páramo until reaching the first campsite. Accommodation will be in tents at Chorro de Humo Camp.

DAY 3 – From Chorro de Humo to La Plazuela (3,800 m / 12,467 ft)

This day involves steady uphill trekking, making it a bit more demanding. Gradual altitude gain is key for acclimatization. We will encounter streams and frailejones throughout the route. Accommodation will be in tents at La Plazuela Camp.

DAY 4 – From La Plazuela to Albornoz Refuge (4,614 m / 15,137 ft)

The day will involve ascending rocky high mountain terrain, passing the mule carry point and the La Charca zone. Finally, we will arrive at Albornoz Refuge, which will serve as Base Camp for the summit attempt. This day is crucial for active rest and acclimatization. Sleeping arrangements can be inside the refuge (if available) or in tents.

DAY 5 – Bolívar Peak Summit (4,978 m / 16,332 ft) and Return to Albornoz

This is the summit day. The route is short but very technical and demanding. Use of climbing and safety equipment is mandatory; all instructions from certified AGGM guides must be followed exactly. We will reach the summit of Venezuela and begin the return to Albornoz via rappel-assisted descents.

DAY 6 – Albornoz, Pico Espejo (4,765 m / 15,629 ft), Barinitas (1,577 m / 5,174 ft)

Short ascent from Albornoz Refuge to Pico Espejo Station of the Mukumbarí Cable Car. Begin descent via the world’s highest cable car system, finishing at Barinitas Station in Plaza Las Heroínas, Mérida city.

TRANSFER – From Mérida to Caracas (1 DAY)

After resting, we will start the return journey. First, we travel to El Vigía to take our flight to Maiquetía, where our transportation will be waiting to take us back to Caracas, concluding the adventure.

Note: The itinerary may be modified according to weather conditions that could endanger the safety of travelers. Decisions will be made by the designated local guide.

What is the best season to go to Pico Bolívar?

We offer departures year-round; it all depends on whether you want to go during the snow season or not. Snowfall in Mérida generally occurs between June and September, peaking in July and August. Occasionally, snow can occur at other times of the year, especially in January and February. Keep in mind that climbing with snow requires more advanced climbing techniques, and the route’s difficulty increases.

What level of physical condition do I need?

For this route, we recommend having experience in hiking/mountaineering. You don’t need to be an elite athlete, but you should have a minimum level of fitness to avoid exposing yourself to greater risks. We recommend starting a mountain training routine at least a couple of months before the trip.

Is climbing and rappelling experience required?

It is not required since you will have the guidance of experienced instructors. However, practicing with the equipment and techniques before the trip can help you become familiar and comfortable with them.

Is reaching the summit guaranteed?

Our priority is the safety of every team member. If anyone shows symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (paramo sickness) or hypothermia, we will first stabilize them and then evaluate whether they can continue. Additionally, the itinerary may be modified if weather conditions put the group at risk.

What is the menu like?

Meals are prepared by experienced cooks and are mainly traditional Venezuelan dishes. Our advisors can provide detailed menu information if requested. If you have special dietary requirements (e.g., vegan/vegetarian), you must indicate this when making your reservation; additional charges may apply.

• Mountain backpack. Do not carry more than 10 kg for women and 15 kg for men.

• Sleeping bag rated 0ºC or lower and sleeping pad (if you don’t have your own or prefer not to use it, we can provide these).

• Sunscreen.

• Synthetic fiber clothing (quick-dry) such as lycra, dri-fit, or polyester.

• Thermal jacket for cold and warm pajamas (cotton, fleece).

• For cold, you can use fleece accessories such as gloves, socks, and buffs.

• Windbreaker, jackets, and/or rainproof or snowproof clothing.

• Trail food: chocolate, cookies, energy bars, snacks, candies, nuts.

• Quick-dry towel.

• Ziploc-type bags to protect electronic equipment.

• Plastic bags to organize luggage inside the backpack and protect it from rain and humidity.

• Trekking shoes as comfortable as possible. Also bring sandals or Crocs.

• Flashlight, cameras, power banks.

• Personal medications (painkillers, muscle relaxants, medical treatments, etc.)

• Water container such as a canteen.

• Trekking poles if desired.

• Toilet paper, eco-friendly soap, or blue soap. Do not bring shampoo or conditioner.

• Small daypack or koala bag.

• Carry cash. Small bills are preferred.

6 DAYS AND 5 NIGHTS

TRANSFERS***

• Transportation Caracas – Maiquetía Airport. Round trip.
• Air tickets Maiquetía – El Vigía (Mérida). Round trip.
• Transportation El Vigía – Mérida City. Round trip.
• Mukumbarí Cable Car ticket.

ACCOMMODATION

• Lodges during transfers (shared rooms):

- Two (2) nights at Posada Guamanchi

GUIDE AND PARK LOGISTICS

• INPARQUES permits and entry to Sierra Nevada National Park.
• High mountain guide and technical assistants.
• Company representative accompaniment.
• Kitchen and utensils + cook.
• Porters for kitchen and food supplies.
• Porters for camping equipment.
• Oxygen tanks for emergencies.
• First aid.

MEALS

• All meals for the 4 days of the mountain trek (9 meals).

SAFETY AND CAMPING EQUIPMENT

• Helmet, harness, and lifeline.
• Ropes and climbing equipment.
• Mountain sleeping mat and sleeping bag (if requested).

GIFTS

• Bracelet and sweatshirt as a gift.
• If you are in Caracas, you can enjoy completely free training routes.

***Note: If traveling from another region of the country, we can provide a personalized quote.

tour price

EUR 1170

Per person (excluding I.V.A.)

You can make your reservation with a 30% deposit and pay the rest at your own pace.

The full 100% must be paid before the trip date.

A minimum group of 5 people is required to carry out the activity.

If you wish to organize the trip for a smaller group, we can provide a personalized quote.

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

8 DAYS AND 7 NIGHTS

TRASLADOS***

• Transportation Caracas – Maiquetía Airport. Round trip.

• Air tickets Maiquetía – El Vigía (Mérida). Round trip.

• Transportation El Vigía – Mérida City. Round trip.

• Transportation Mérida City – Los Nevados.

• Mukumbarí Cable Car ticket (return).

ACCOMMODATION

• Lodges during transfers (shared rooms):

- Two (2) nights at Posada Guamanchi (Mérida)

- One (1) night at Posada Guamanchi (Los Nevados)

GUIDE AND PARK LOGISTICS

• INPARQUES permits and entrance to Sierra Nevada National Park.

• High mountain guide and technical assistants.

• Company representative accompaniment.

• Kitchen and utensils + cook.

• Pack mules and muleteers.

• Porters for kitchen items and food.

• Porters for camping equipment.

• Oxygen tanks for emergencies.

• First aid.

MEALS

• Meals for the 4 days of the mountain trek (9 meals).

SAFETY AND CAMPING EQUIPMENT

• Helmet, harness, and lifeline.

• Climbing ropes and equipment.

• Mountain sleeping pad and sleeping bag (upon request).

GIFTS

• Bracelet and sweatshirt as a gift.

• If you are in Caracas, you can enjoy completely free training routes.

***Note: If traveling from another region of the country, we can provide a personalized quote.

tour price

EUR 2000

Per person (excluding I.V.A.)

You can make your reservation with a 30% deposit and pay the rest at your own pace.

The full 100% must be paid before the trip date.

A minimum group of 4 people is required to carry out the activity.

If you wish to organize the trip for a smaller group, we can provide a personalized quote.

SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR

TRANSFER – From Caracas to Mérida (1 DAY)

Our transportation will take us to Maiquetía Airport. The flight to El Vigía lasts approximately 1 hour. Then, another transfer will take us to Mérida city center, a journey of about 1.5 hours. There we will meet the local guides and organize everything to begin the trek the following day.

DAY 1 – From Barinitas (1,577 m / 5,174 ft) to La Aguada (3,452 m / 11,325 ft)

We head to the Mukumbarí Cable Car at Barinitas Station, where INPARQUES will check us. Once approved, we take the cable car to La Aguada Station. From there, we hike approximately one hour to the old Domingo Peña cabin, where we will spend the night to acclimate to the altitude.

DAY 2 – Aguada, Pico Espejo (4,765 m / 15,633 ft) and Albornoz Refuge (4,600 m / 15,091 ft)

We return to the cable car to complete the ascent to Pico Espejo Station. Leaving the cable car system, we start the mountain trek. After about 3 hours of hiking, we arrive at Albornoz Base Camp. Here we will camp to continue acclimatization and rest before summit day.

DAY 3 – Summit Bolívar Peak (4,978 m / 16,332 ft) and return to Albornoz

This is summit day. The route is short but very technical and demanding. The use of safety and climbing equipment is mandatory; all instructions from certified AGGM guides must be followed. We will reach the summit of Venezuela and begin the return to Albornoz, descending with assisted rappels.

DAY 4 – Albornoz, Pico Espejo, and Barinitas

We hike back to the cable car system. We will return to the city around midday. The rest of the day is for celebration, rest, and preparation for returning home.

TRANSFER – From Mérida to Caracas (1 DAY)

After resting, we begin the return journey. First, we go to El Vigía to take the flight back to Maiquetía, where our transport will take us to Caracas, concluding the adventure.

Note: The itinerary may be modified due to weather conditions that may endanger the tourist. Decisions will be made by the designated local guide.