Sierra Nevada Traverse Dossier
Trekking and Climbing in Venezuela
For dates and prices please return to the Sierra Nevada Traverse 'front page'
This trip is currently cancelled due to the cable car being permanently closed, and the extremely high cost of living at the moment in Venezuela. We will re-evaluate late in 2009.
SummaryA great short expedition for fit walkers and climbers who want a challenging but quite short trek through some stunning mountain scenery. With optional ascents of two very interesting and moderately high altitude peaks. |
Outline Itinerary |
|
| Day 1-2 | Flight to Merida via Caracas |
| Day 3-4 | Day walks from Merida |
| Day 5-7 | Sierra de la Culata trek |
| Day 8 | Rest day in Merida |
| Day 9-14 | Sierra Nevada trek and ascents |
| Day 15-16 | Journey home |
INTRODUCTION TO THIS EXPEDITION
The highlight of this walking and climbing expedition is a traverse of the crest of the Sierra Nevada de Merida, Venezuela's highest and most spectacular mountain range. This walk begins at the Pico Espejo cable car terminal above Merida and crosses two passes of 4600m. Scenic highlights of this trek include some spectacular campsites by high lagoons and the descent back to Merida through continually changing zones of vegetation - from bare rock, to moorland, to bamboo forest, to tropical rain forest.
From high camps near the crest of the Sierra Nevada range we offer ascents of Pico Humboldt 4942m and Pico Bolivar 4979m. Pico Humboldt is an easy scramble followed by a straightforward snow climb. Pico Bolivar, which is Venezuela's highest mountain, is a difficult and sometimes exposed rock scramble. Both of these ascents are optional and the trek is still a great experience if you don't do the climbs.
The expedition will be based in the city of Merida at the foot of the Sierra Nevada. From Merida we'll run a short program of walks and treks in the Sierra de la Culata before the main six night trip.
This expedition is suitable for any fit and experienced hillwalkers or trekkers. The traverse itself is very short, but relatively tough, crossing wild and rocky terrain. The ascent of Bolivar is an exposed and difficult rock scramble, suitable only for those with experience of this type of terrain.
Rhona and Linda on the summit of Pico Bolivar, 1st January 2006.
MERIDA
Merida is a small and pleasant city of 300,000 people situated in a deep forested valley in the Venezuelan Andes at a height of 1600m above sea level. The Sierra Nevada de Merida rise over 3500m, immediately south of the city and there are spectacular views to these snow covered peaks. A cable car connects the city centre with Pico Espejo 4768m. It is claimed to be the world's longest and highest cable car and we will travel as high as possible on it to access the mountains.
The city of Merida from the cable car
SIERRA DE LA CULATA
The first phase of the expedition will be a series of day walks and then a short two night trek in the mountains of the Sierra de la Culata (Cordillera del Norte), which lie north of Merida and face across to the Sierra Nevada. We'll aim to climb as high as 3500-4000m on these walks to gain valuable acclimatisation for the main traverse. For the fittest it is possible to ascend the peak of Pan de Azucar 4690m for a first spectacular view of the Venezuelan Andes.
PARQUE NACIONAL SIERRA NEVADA
All the high peaks of the Sierra Nevada are in a national park which was founded in 1952 to protect the unusual flora and wildlife in this part of Venezuela. The wildlife keeps itself well hidden but the unusual flora is easily seen. In the valley bottom banana and sugar cane grow, higher up above 2000m is a zone of wild rainforest with towering hardwood trees, lianas, ferns and bromeliads. Higher still around 3000m is a bamboo and tree-fern forest which then gives way at 3500m to the 'paramo' a moorland of giant heathers, alpine flowers and the strange espeletia plants which look like visitors from Mars!
THE SIERRA NEVADA TRAVERSE
This is an outline of our planned daily schedule for the high level traverse of the Sierra Nevada, obviously subject to change due to weather, route conditions etc.
Day 1 -- Cable car access to the Loma Redonda station and short walk to a campsite.
Day 2 -- Ascent of Pico El Toro, an easy scramble.
Day 3 -- Cable car access to Pico Espejo and walk to Laguna Timoncitos 4700m, at the base of Pico Bolivar. 2 hours walk with packs, some scrambling.
Day 4 -- Ascent of Pico Bolivar 4979m and walk to Laguna Suero 4200m, through La Ventana pass (with packs) 6km, mostly downhill.
Day 5 -- Ascent of Pico Humboldt 4942m. Second night at Laguna Suero.
Day 6 -- Descent from Laguna Suero via Laguna Verde to La Mucuy, 2500m descent. Approx. 15km with packs, entirely downhill.
THE MOUNTAINS
Pan de Azucar 4690m, in the Sierra de la Culata is a short 3 hour return walk from camp, some scree but no scrambling. Pico Toro 4758m, in the Sierra Nevada is a 5 or 6 hour walk with a very short section of scrambling just under the summit, quite exposed but very easy.
The ascent of Pico Bolivar 4979m, is an exciting and exposed scramble. We'll climb by the normal route on the south face, known as the Ruta Weiss after the first ascensionist. The climb is only a very short day from a high camp at Laguna Timoncitos but it involves a lot of scrambling and a few moves at up to V.Diff (5.2) standard. The climb starts up a steep chimney/gully on the south face before traversing onto the exposed north face to finish up a steep chimney. The ascent of Pico Humboldt 4942m is a relatively straightforward snow climb over an easy angled glacier on the northwest flank of the mountain. There is a bit of scrambling on rock slabs to get to the glacier. This is usually done in one long day from a camp at the beautiful Laguna Suero at 4200m
Walking towards Pico Humboldt on La Travesia, Sierra Nevada
FITNESS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
This expedition is ideal for anyone with some hillwalking or trekking experience, but could be joined by fit and adventurous people with no previous experience. Previous experience of rock scrambling or climbing will be a big advantage for those wanting to take the optional climb of Pico Bolivar as there is rock climbing at up to V.Diff (about 5.2) standard on the route. Reasonable hillwalking fitness is required to make the most of this expedition and some recent experience of backpacking is recommended as we will have to carry our own full camping/climbing rucksacks (15-18kg) on the main ridge traverse (only for three short and/or downhill days!).
Pico Bolivar from the cable car station at Pico Espejo, Sierra Nevada, Venezuela
CLIMATE
We travel to Venezuela early in the dry season, but it is quite likely we will get afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Mornings will normally be clear and bright. In Merida the climate is warm and spring like, but higher in the mountains it will be cold out of the sun and at night, with temperatures dropping below freezing above 4500m at night.
HARDSHIPS
On this type of expedition there are inevitably a few hardships. In Venezuela, even in the dry season, we will probably have a few rainy afternoons - it can also be chilly at night at altitude. Expedition members should be able to work as a team when it comes to helping pitch tents, etc. There will be some dried and lightweight food in many of the meals on the main traverse. In the mountains we will be backpacking, with 15-18kg rucksacks. However days will be kept short or (on the long last day) are downhill only.
The steepest pitches on the normal route of Pico Bolivar
FLIGHTS
Flights from London to Merida via Caracas cost from £800. We can arrange these for you through our travel agents, Journey Latin America (ATOL 2828), at very competitive prices. We make no charge for this service and many customers find it convenient as we then all fly out on the same plane.
If you prefer you can arrange your own flights to fit in with the expedition itinerary. Please note that if booking flights yourself it is better to pay only a deposit in the short term in case we do not have sufficient fully paid customers to run the expedition.
VISAS
Visas are not needed by British citizens, but you need a full passport valid for six months from the date of travel. You must let us know at the time of booking if you will not be travelling on a British passport.
INSURANCE
All clients must be insured for medical costs and repatriation in an emergency. We recommend having insurance for baggage, personal liability and cancellation as well. If you would like further advice please ask.
ACCOMMODATION
In Merida we use a comfortable hotel with private bathroom. While in the national park we will be staying in tents, on a mixture of organised and wild camping grounds. Modern lightweight tents and stoves are provided by us. Customers normally help with establishing camps and preparing meals.
HEALTH, HYGIENE AND SECURITY
Venezuela is a relatively well developed country and the standard of health and hygiene is generally reasonable. You would be unlucky to get an upset stomach or diarrhoea, but it is possible. Vaccinations for tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis and polio are recommended.
Venezuela suffers from a bad reputation for theft and insurance is a necessity. It has to be said that thieves steal from easy targets; most tales of theft involve the victim doing something unwise. It is important to stay alert when in busy public areas and to guard your belongings carefully at all times. Muggings and other violent crime are very rare. We will issue further advice to all clients before departure.
SAFETY AND RISK
This is an adventure holiday and all clients will be exposed to an element of risk by taking part in this itinerary. While we take all reasonable precautions to reduce risk it is neither possible nor desirable to completely eliminate these additional risks. It is important that you understand the risks involved before signing our booking form. We have identified the following areas as the principal additional risks of this itinerary. This is not a fully inclusive list - please ask if you would like to see a more detailed risk assessment of this itinerary before booking.
Driving, hotels and general safety : In Venezuela driving, fire safety standards and general safety standards are not as high as in Europe.
Crime : Venezuela has a higher crime rate than Europe. As a wealthy tourist you may attract attention.
Minor slips and falls : due to steep, uneven and unstable ground, logs and slippery vegetation.
Remoteness : You will be up to two days walk from professional medical help for periods of time.
Mountain Hazards : In certain places you may be subjected to a slight risk of rockfall. Sections of the itinerary involve exposed scrambling, which although easy would have serious consequences in the event of a slip. There are also slight risks from bad weather. On the ascent of Pico Bolivar there is a generally higher risk of rockfall, for which a helmet must be worn, plus potential hazards from abseiling, climbing and being caught out by bad weather.
Espeletia plant
EXPEDITION SIZE
The minimum number of customers we need to run this expedition is three. The maximum size of the expedition will be six customers plus leader. In some circumstances we may be able to run the expedition with just two members and a local leader.
EXPEDITION ORGANISATION
Our expeditions are designed to be small and flexible. The expedition will be co-ordinated, organised and lead by us, but as far as possible will adapt to the plans and aspirations of the members. We will consult you when planning the details of the expedition. We publish an outline itinerary so that we have something to fall back on if none of us can agree! Please note however that the leaders decision is final where the safety of the group or any member is in jeopardy; for example where retreat or diversion is necessary due to illness or bad weather.
Due to the terrain this is not a supported trek; in the mountains we will be backpacking, with 15-18kg rucksacks. However days will be kept short or (on the long last day) are downhill only.
EXPEDITION LEADER
At the time of writing and printing this dossier we have not confirmed the leader for this expedition. Please call for details nearer the departure date if you require these. All our expeditions are led by a suitably qualified and/or experienced European leader.
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