Pico Humboldt gets its name from the German naturalist Alexander von Humboldt, who came to the Andes to study local species, as well as record the relationship of temperature to altitude. On our trip up this mountain, we will trek to lagunas as well as alpine lakes, hike through deserts and forests, and climb rock formations as well as ascend a glacier. Along the way we will see a plethora of local plant and wildlife ranging from the endemic freilejon plant to the Rufous-tailed and Steely-vented hummingbird. Without a doubt, this mountain was appropriately named after a legendary naturalist.
This climb goes up to Venezuela’s second highest mountain at 4,942 meters, which is just as impressive and arguably even more beautiful than its taller neighbor, Pico Bolivar. The climb to the top of Humblolt’s broad, flat glacier requires crampons and picks axes. This trip follows the same route as that of Pico Bolivar, passing through mysterious cloud forest, stark páramo, and hauntingly quiet desert paramo. The rope and harness ascent to the top challenges both your high-elevation mountaineering skills and your personal courage. The rewards are unforgettable.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Mérida - Lake Coromoto.
We will pick you up at your hotel and transfer you to our office where we will pack all items into the jeep. From Mérida, we drive to La Mucuy (2,000 m), part of the Sierra Nevada National Park System. The path goes up into the cloud forest. This is an area of dense vegetation, huge ferns, tall trees, and an abundance of wildlife. Several streams and small waterfalls will be passed along the way. We will camp at Lake Coromoto (3,200 m).
(45 min. by jeep, 5½ hours hiking).
(L), (D)
Day 2: Laguna Verde.
After packing up we will 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 Bonpland (4,890 m) peaks. The hike to Laguna Verde is steeper and rockier than the previous day and the scenery is much more open as you follow the valleys upward. We will set up camp upon arrival at the lake. (5 hours hiking).
(B), (L), (D)
Day 3: Morrena - Humboldt Summit - Laguna Del Suero - Laguna del Suero.
As we eat a warm breakfast, we can admire how the lake acts as a mirror, reflecting the magnificence of the peaks. After packing up camp, we’ll start the climb up a steep rocky slope called “Morrena.” Once we reach the glacier, we’ll put our crampons on! We’ll enjoy excellent panoramic views as we cross rock and snow. When we reach the Humboldt’s summit (4,945 m), we will be blessed by an incredible view of the Colombian Andes in the distance and Pico Bolivar at only 5 km from us in the other direction. We’ll return down to Laguna Del Suero to relax and enjoy our Andean descent. Camp will be at Laguna Verde for the night.
(6-7 hours hiking/climbing).
(B), (L), (D)
Day 4: Laguna Verde - Laguna Timoncito - Chomahoma - Base of Pico Bolívar.
From beautiful Laguna Verde we will hike west to Laguna Timoncito and face a steep uphill on loose rocks called “Chomahoma.” Once on top we will enjoy excellent views and we have reached the traverse altitude. We will cross through a rock and snow landscape to Laguna Timoncito. We will camp at the base of Pico Bolívar (4,400m).
(6 hours hiking).
(B), (L), (D)
Day 5: Climb Pico Bolivar.
We will get an early start to the climb to the top of Pico Bolivar (5,007 m). Once we have completed the climb and have had a chance to admire the splendor of the surrounding mountains we shall descend back down to base camp for the night.
(6-7 hours hiking/climbing)
(B), (L), (D)
Day 6: Return to Merida.
We will head from our base camp to Pico Espejo, which is the highest station of the Teleférico, the longest and highest cable car in the world. We will take the Teleférico down to Mérida, arriving around 1pm.
(1-2 hours hiking).
(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
Mountain/Rock Climbing
Hiking & Trekking
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