Discover the breathtaking Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the world’s highest coastal mountain and a sacred land cherished by its indigenous communities.
SIERRA NEVADA DE SANTA MARTA
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta is located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast and is home to the country’s highest mountains. Not only does it hold the title of the world’s highest coastal mountain range—rising to 5,775 meters just 40 kilometers from the sea—but it is also one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site, it is also a national park in Colombia.
Its ecosystems range from the Caribbean Sea to perpetual snow, passing through forests, páramos, wetlands, and sandy mountains. The vast lands of this region are guarded by four Indigenous communities who consider the territory sacred, allowing very few people to access it.
The expedition detailed below aims to reach the summit of the highest peak in the Sierra, Cristóbal Colón or Bolivar, as well as one or two neighboring peaks, such as Simons or Wilches. If you choose to embark on this journey with us, keep in mind that this is a sacred place with high energetic vibrations that must be respected according to Indigenous cultural traditions.
Request permission from the mountain and its guardians to undertake a conscious journey, allowing each participant to fulfill their purpose.
Reception at Santa Marta airport, followed by a 3-hour drive to San Pedro de la Sierra, then to the Arhuaco community of Busingueka (Hierbabuena). Upon arrival, we will organize equipment and select what the porters will carry the next day.
Altitude: 2,400 m (7,874 ft) above sea level
Hike from Hierbabuena to Sevilla Lagoons.
Duration: 5 – 7 hours
Distance: 14.6 km (9 mi)
Ascent: +1,623 m
Descent: -348 m
Starting altitude: 2,400 m (7,874 ft)
Max altitude: 3,731 m (12,241 ft)
Ending altitude: 3,675 m (12,057 ft)
Hike to Corazón Lagoon, where we will set up camp and spend the night.
Duration: 6 – 8 hours
Distance: 7.5 km (4.6 mi)
Ascent: +1,060 m
Descent: -720 m
Starting altitude: 3,675 m (12,057 ft)
Max altitude: 4,368 m (14,331 ft)
Ending altitude: 4,022 m (13,195 ft
We continue hiking to Pastos Camp, a beautiful valley next to a pristine stream.
Duration: 7 – 9 hours
Distance: 13.6 km (8.5 mi)
Ascent: +1,011 m
Descent: -1,170 m
Starting altitude: 4,022 m (13,195 ft)
Max altitude: 4,295 m (14,091 ft)
Ending altitude: 3,866 m (12,684 ft)
A full day of hiking through lagoons and moraines to reach Colón Camp.
Duration: 7 – 9 hours
Distance: 16 km (9.9 mi)
Ascent: +1,382 m
Descent: -487 m
Starting altitude: 3,866 m (12,684 ft)
Max altitude: 4,931 m (16,178 ft)
Ending altitude: 4,561 m (14,960 ft)
A well-deserved rest day to recover and prepare for the summit push the next day.
Early morning summit attempt of Pico Cristobal Colón or pico Simon Bolivar (5,775 m / 18,947 ft).
Duration: 11 – 15 hours
Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 mi)
Ascent: +1,248 m
Descent: -1,248 m
Starting altitude: 4,561 m (14,960 ft)
Max altitude: 5,775 m (18,947 ft)
Ending altitude: 4,561 m (14,960 ft)
A short descent to Simons Camp.
Duration: 2 – 3 hours
Distance: 4 km (2.5 mi)
Ascent: +370 m
Descent: -134 m
Starting altitude: 4,561 m (14,960 ft)
Max altitude: 4,931 m (16,178 ft)
Ending altitude: 4,797 m (15,738 ft)
Summit attempt of Pico Simons (5,560 m / 18,241 ft) or Pico Wilches, depending on the group’s condition and mountain conditions.
Duration: 10 – 12 hours
Distance: 9 km (5.6 mi)
Ascent: +778 m
Descent: -20 m
Starting altitude: 4,797 m (15,738 ft)
Max altitude: 5,560 m (18,241 ft)
Ending altitude: 4,797 m (15,738 ft)
Depending on the group’s condition, we will descend to Santa Marta over 3 or 4 days, using the same ascent camps or intermediate camps.
The expedition ends in Santa Marta.
+ The expedition has a maximum duration of 13 days but could end earlier if the group decides to return without ascending Pico Simons.
+ This journey is designed for individuals with excellent physical condition and mountaineering experience, as the days are demanding and strenuous.
+ The expedition can be completed in less time if the rest day and the ascent to Pico Simons are omitted.
FEET
Trekking or mountaineering boots.
Hiking shoes
4 – 6 pairs of socks
LEGS
Trekking pants (2 units)
1st layer inner pants (2 units)
2nd layer waterproof pants (1 unit)
TORSO
1st layer quick-drying T-shirt (2-4 units)
2nd layer 1-2 fleeces
3rd layer 1 thick down or synthetic jacket
4th layer 1 waterproof jacket
HEAD
Sunglasses with UV filter (1 unit)
Hat or balaclava (1 unit)
Buffs or multifunctional neck gaiters (1 unit)
Helmet (1 unit)
Headlamp (1-2 units with spare batteries)
HANDS
1st layer thin gloves
2nd layer thick gloves or mittens
CLIMBING EQUIPMENT
Crampons
2 ice axes
Harness
Helmet
Gaiters
OTHER
Snacks (Electrolytes, protein bars, energy gels)
Trekking poles
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag (- 20 °C)
Backpack 1: With a minimum capacity of 70 liters to be given to de porters. Porters will carry a maximum of 10 kg per client.
Backpack 2: 40 – 60 Liters for the hikes and summit push.
Nalgene-style thermos (2 units, 1 liter capacity)
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Hygiene kit
Personal medicines
Power bank
INCLUDED
+ Entry permit granted by indigenous communities to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
+ Mountain guide
+ Local guide
+ Indigenous interpreter
+ Round-trip transportation from Santa Marta to the trekking starting point
+ One night in a hotel in Santa Marta at the end of the trip
+ Shared tents
+ Dining tent and kitchen logistics
+ Full meals in the mountain according to the schedule
+ Porters for luggage transportation (maximum 10 kg per person)
+ Satellite communication system
+ Solar panel
NOT INCLUDED
+ Unspecified expenses
+ Flights to and from Santa Marta (we can arrange them for an additional cost)
+ Snacks (it is recommended to bring energy bars, protein bars, and electrolytes)
+ Personal equipment
+ Meals not mentioned in the schedule
+ Health and evacuation insurance
