Sierra Nevada Traverse Dossier 2001-02

For dates and prices please return to the Sierra Nevada Traverse front page

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. From high camps near the crest of the Sierra Nevada range we'll make ascents of Pico Humboldt 4942m and Pico Bolivar 5007m. Pico Humboldt is an easy snow climb but Pico Bolivar, which is Venezuela's highest mountain, is a difficult and sometimes exposed rock scramble. Other highlights of this expedition will 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.

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 Cordillera del Norte before the main seven 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, but there will be an easier option for those who don't want to tackle this kind of climb.

The summit of Pico Bolivar

Merida is a small and pleasant city of 200,000 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 first phase of the expedition will be a series of day walks and then a short two night trek in the 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 4650m for a first spectacular view of the Venezuelan Andes.

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!

This is an outline of our planned schedule for the high level traverse of the Sierra Nevada, obviously subject to change due to weather, route conditions etc.

w Cable car access to the Loma Redonda station and short walk to a campsite.

w Ascent of Pico El Toro an easy scramble.

w 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.

w Ascent of Pico Bolivar 5007m. Second night at Laguna Timoncitos.

w Walk to Laguna Suero 4200m, through La Ventana pass (with packs) 6km, mostly downhill.

w Ascent of Pico Humboldt 4942m. Second night at Laguna Verde.

w Spare day for bad weather

w Descent from Laguna Verde camp to La Mucuy, 2500m. Approx. 15km with packs, entirely downhill.

The ascent of Pico Bolivar 5007m, 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 to finish up the exposed north face.

The ascent of Pico Humboldt 4942m is a relatively straightforward snow climb over an easy angled glacier on the northwest flank of the mountain. 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

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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 5.4) 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 (20kg) on the main ridge traverse (only for three short and/or downhill days!).

Pico Bolivar from near Pico El Toro, Sierra Nevada, Venezuela

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.

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.

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Flights from London to Merida via Caracas at Christmas time cost from £600. 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 flights yourself to fit in with the expedition itinerary.

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.

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.

In the Sierra del Norte

In Merida we use a small and 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.

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.

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The minimum number of customers we need to run this trekking 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.

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.

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 British leader.

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