Including Minca and Cuchilla San Lorenzo
Hiking and climbing Pico Cristóbal Colón from Santa Marta and passing Cuchilla San Lorenzo is a week-long adventure that offers breathtaking views, challenging terrain, and a chance to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Colombian Andes. Located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range, Pico Cristóbal Colón is the highest peak in Colombia, standing at an elevation of 5,775 meters (18,947 feet). The hike to the summit is considered to be intermediate to advanced in difficulty, and it is recommended for those who are physically fit and have some previous experience with mountain hiking.
The best time to hike Pico Cristóbal Colón is from December to March, during the dry season. This is when the weather is generally clear and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). However, it is important to be prepared for all types of weather, as the Sierra Nevada can be unpredictable and conditions can change rapidly. It is always a good idea to bring layers of clothing, as well as rain gear, sun protection, and plenty of water and snacks.
The hike to Pico Cristóbal Colón begins in the town of Santa Marta, which is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. From there, it is a three-hour drive to the town of Minca, where the trailhead is located. From Minca, the hike to Pico Cristóbal Colón is a seven-day round trip, with stops along the way to rest and acclimatize to the altitude
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Day 1: Minca to Alto de la Linea
The first day of the hike is a relatively easy one, as you will be following a well-marked trail that leads through the lush forests of the Sierra Nevada. The trail begins in Minca and ascends through a series of switchbacks, passing through small villages and coffee plantations along the way. After about six hours of hiking, you will reach the Alto de la Linea, which is a small shelter located at an elevation of 2,500 meters (8,202 feet). This is a good place to stop for the night, as it offers a chance to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before continuing on to the higher elevations.
Day 2: Alto de la Linea to Pozos Colorados
On the second day of the hike, you will continue to ascend through the forests, following a series of winding trails that lead through the hills. The scenery along the way is stunning, with lush forests, waterfalls, and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. After about six hours of hiking, you will reach the Pozos Colorados, which is a small shelter located at an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,155 feet). This is another good place to stop for the night, as it offers a chance to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before continuing on to the higher elevations.
Day 3: Pozos Colorados to La Pintada
On the third day of the hike, you will continue to follow the winding trails through the forests, passing through small villages and coffee plantations along the way. The trail becomes steeper and more challenging as you get closer to La Pintada, which is a small village located at an elevation of 3,600 meters (11,811 feet). La Pintada is a good place to stop for the night, as it offers a chance to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before continuing on to the higher elevations.
Day 4: La Pintada to Refugio El Almirante
On the fourth day of the hike, you willcontinue your ascent through the forests, following a series of winding trails that lead through the hills. The trail becomes increasingly steep and challenging as you get closer to Refugio El Almirante, which is a small shelter located at an elevation of 4,300 meters (14,108 feet). This is a good place to stop for the night, as it offers a chance to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before continuing on to the higher elevations.
Day 5: Refugio El Almirante to Cuchilla San Lorenzo
On the fifth day of the hike, you will continue your ascent through the forests, following a series of winding trails that lead through the hills. The trail becomes increasingly steep and challenging as you get closer to Cuchilla San Lorenzo, which is a small mountain pass located at an elevation of 4,500 meters (14,764 feet). This is a good place to stop for the night, as it offers a chance to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before continuing on to the higher elevations.
Day 6: Cuchilla San Lorenzo to Refugio Los Pinos
On the sixth day of the hike, you will continue your ascent through the forests, following a series of winding trails that lead through the hills. The trail becomes increasingly steep and challenging as you get closer to Refugio Los Pinos, which is a small shelter located at an elevation of 4,800 meters (15,748 feet). This is a good place to stop for the night, as it offers a chance to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before continuing on to the higher elevations.
Day 7: Refugio Los Pinos to Refugio El Almirante
On the seventh day of the hike, you will continue your ascent through the forests, following a series of winding trails that lead through the hills. The trail becomes increasingly steep and challenging as you get closer to Refugio El Almirante, which is a small shelter located at an elevation of 4,900 meters (16,076 feet). This is a good place to stop for the night, as it offers a chance to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before continuing on to the higher elevations.
Day 8: Refugio El Almirante to Refugio El Almirante
On the eighth day of the hike, you will continue your ascent through the forests, following a series of winding trails that lead through the hills. The trail becomes increasingly steep and challenging as you get closer to Refugio El Almirante, which is a small shelter located at an elevation of 5,100 meters (16,732 feet). This is a good place to stop for the night, as it offers a chance to rest and acclimatize to the altitude before continuing on to the higher elevations.
Day 9: Refugio El Almirante to Pico Cristobal Colon
On the ninth and final day of the ascent, you will continue your hike through the forests, following a series of winding trails that lead through the hills. The trail becomes increasingly steep and challenging as you get closer to Pico Cristobal Colon, which is the highest peak in Colombia, standing at an elevation of 5,775 meters (18,947 feet). The final ascent to the summit is a steep and strenuous climb, and it is recommended for those who are physically fit and have some previous experience with mountain hiking. Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.