Opposite the Sierra Nevada we find a parallel and slightly lower chain of mountains called La Culata. The Sierra de la Culata National Park protects many endemic and endangered species. Like the páramo, La Culata treats hikers to vast, windswept vistas across a treeless terrain. Enormous condors soar over the park’s peaks on lofty 3.5 meter wingspans. You’ll find magnificent waterfalls and the velvety-leafed frailejon.
No mountaineering equipment is necessary for the ascent to the top of Pan de Azucar Peak (4747 m). The panoramic view is awe-inspiring. A clear day will reward you with the sight of Lake Maracaibo to the north and the entire Sierra Nevada range spreading out to the south.
This tour requires from participants the condition for a moderate trekking.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Merida - Lagunas - Condor Station - Piedras Blancas.
We will visit the Laguna Mucubaji (3800 m) where we will hike (4 km) to the Laguna Negra. After the walk back to our jeep, we’ll drive to the Condor Station, which is located close to the highest point (4,125 m) that you may reach by car in Venezuela. From there, we will descend to the village San Rafael de Mucuchies. We will camp a few kilometers from the Piedras Blancas (white stones) Peak (4,762-m). 3 hours by jeep, 2.5 by hiking. Includes L/ D.
Day 2: Piedras Blancas - Pan de Azucar.
The ascent will continue and we will see some of the rare 150-year-old giant frailejon plants reaching up to two meters in height. Camp will be set at the base of Pan de Azucar (Sugar Bread) mountain. 5-6 hours hiking. Includes B/ L/ D.
Day 3: Pan de Azucar Summit - Hot Springs - Mérida.
We begin our trek towards the summit. From the top, at 4700 m, there are magnificent views of Lake Maracaibo, across the Mérida valley to the peaks of the Sierra Nevada, and far away to the Sierra del Cocuy in Colombia. We will continue our trek by crossing an area densely colonized by short red-trunked coloradito trees with
rose-like blossoms - the highest-growing species of tree in the world. Finally, we will descend passing through villages and cultivated fields to meet our driver, who will bring us to the hot springs in Tabay.
Note: This trek has the optional possibility of beginning in Mérida and trekking to the Culata, on to Pico Pan de Azucar and ultimately arriving to an amazing mountain pool with a view to Pico Humboldt in the distance. Two hot springs feed the pool, one tepid and one piping hot, providing an excellent opportunity to soak away the rigors of the trek. As the steam rises up around us, we can congratulate ourselves on a rugged trek well done.
6-7 hours hiking. Includes B/ L.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Transfer from and to airport in El Vigía, 1 hour drive from Mérida
- Tour transportation with 4WD
- Bilingual guide
- Permits for National Parks
- All meals and soft drinks during the trip
- First aid
- Necessary camping equipment
- 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
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Hiking & Trekking
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