Pico Bolivar is the highest mountain in the venezuelan Andes. The mountain rises high above the beautiful city of Mérida; usually snow capped during the rainy season (May-October). On the very small summit is a bronze bust of independence hero Simon Bolivar. First climbes in 1936 by Enrique Bourgoin.

If you want to get a real-time look of the mounatin, you can see it through a webcam installed at Pico Espejo Station. It updates each 15 minute and in a clear day you may see Pico Bolivar, Pico Jahn, Garganta Bourgoin and Pico Abanico.

webcam

Getting There

A cable lift goes from Mérida city to Pico Espejo (4765mts.). The cable car from Mérida up to Pico Espejo is now open for all 4 sections. For more information you can visit the website:

Teleferico de Merida

From there it`s a short trek (45-60min) to Timoncito at the base of the south wall. The normal route, Weiss route, ascends 300mts. via the steep south wall; permanent anchorings have been fixed on the wall in this route. The normal route is not difficult to climb. You need only 2 times your rope.
You can also go a route via the north wall but I don`t know exactly.

Red Tape

Permit to ascend is required but easily obtained at the INPARQUES office in Mérida city; a small fee for each climber is requested. You have to pay fee before going in the park. You can pay the fee at the Inparques office at the cable lift station or at the entrance of the park in "LA Mucuy". It costs about 500 Bs. per day and climber/hiker. That is about a half $ per day.
For climbing you must be 2 persons. If you want to go alone you get no permit for climbing.
I know a nice guy who can help you to find another person. His name is Stephan and he rents also equipment for the mountains. His email is info@bell-tours.com or telephone 0058-274-2524409
Internet: Stephan Brand

When To Climb

The best season is the dry season (November-April). During the rainy season (May-October) the summit might be clouded, so you miss the beautiful view from the top. Also you have much rain and snow on the way to the top.
weather

Camping

Camping is virtually unrestricted; you can find much water at any Lagoon. You can drink the water without problems. I did it and I felt good. No problems. You don´t have water at the Traverse between Lagoon "El Suero" and the basecamp of Pico Bolivar. fill your bottles at Lagoon "El Suero".

Mountain Conditions

Mountain conditions are usually fair; the mountain can be climbed all year long, though preferably during the dry season.

Miscellaneous Info

An alternate route is the scenic Sierra Nevada National Park trail from Coromoto lagoon (3200mts.) up to Lagoon La Verde, which is a wonderful camping place at 4000mts. with plenty of water. If you want to climb Pico Humboldt (4942mts.) on the normal route you should go to Lagoon "El Suero" (4200mts.) From there you can go a steep scree slope called "Chumahoma" to the Traverse to the Basecamp Timoncito. The trail is one of the most bautiful hiking routes in Venezuela. You can also stay on a campsite at the Traverse. It is 100mts. below Timoncito. After climbing Pico Bolivar you can go to Pico Espejo and return to Mérida by cable lift. When the cable lift is working. Since March 2002 it is not working.
If you have to walk down you need 2 days. Stay for the night at Casa de Pedro. It is a small Posada near the second cable lift station (La Aguada). Pedro is a nice guy. One night incl. breakfast costs about 6000 Bs. It is very cheap and good.

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