Climbers on Simon Bolivar Peak, Colombia. Photo: Ascenso Andino
After we published a story about an unusual expedition to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia, several readers asked whether this highly restricted area, located between the rainforest and the Caribbean coast, was open to climbers again.
The short answer is yes, but not to anyone.
A group led by Ricardo Rubio climbed a new route on Simon Bolivar Peak on December 18, 2024. They also summited neighboring Cristobal Colon Peak. Both mountains are similar in altitude (just over 5,700m), and an ongoing debate has centered around which was higher and was therefore the highest peak in Colombia.
The first survey, in 1939, judged Colon three meters higher than Bolivar. However, later expeditions, including Rubio’s, insisted that Bolivar’s summit was slightly higher. However, in the last few years, no one has climbed the peaks to make sure.
(Almost) inaccessible
Both mountains lie in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, a peculiar spot. Rising right from the shores of the Caribbean, it is the highest coastal range in the world. Access is highly restricted to preserve the Arhuaco tribal community, which regards the range as El Corazon del Mundo (“The Heart of the World”). Armed groups in the region are a further reason for the restrictions.
But after years of isolation, climbers are back, thanks to a cooperative agreement between a few local companies and the Arhuaco community. The companies also negotiated a safe passage for the climbing groups with the armed paramilitary groups in the area.
The tribe’s members earn money as porters and support staff. Expeditions have to trek three to four days right from the Caribbean beaches at sea level, through the jungle, then along alpine meadows, and finally on rock and glaciers to well over 5,000m.
Angela Benavides graduated university in journalism and specializes in high-altitude mountaineering and expedition news. She has been writing about climbing and mountaineering, adventure and outdoor sports for 20+ years.
Prior to that, Angela Benavides spent time at/worked at a number of local and international media. She is also experienced in outdoor-sport consultancy for sponsoring corporations, press manager and communication executive, and a published author.
