Pico Bolívar is the highest mountain in Venezuela and one of the seven summits of South America, with an elevation of 4,981 meters above sea level. The mountain itself is considered sacred by the indigenous people, who call it Kerepakupai Meru, which means sacred house of the gods. Climbing this majestic peak will allow you to have an experience of a lifetime – but only if you take all the necessary precautions! Here are all the things you need to know before Pico Bolivar climb.

What to Know Before You Go

1. The best time to go is during the dry season, which falls between December and April.

2. Bring clothes that will be comfortable in the altitude and weather, such as waterproof jackets, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

3. Be prepared for extreme weather changes by packing layers of clothing; rain gear; food; water or sports drink; a headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries; a map of the route you’ll take before starting your hike; and a small first-aid kit with bandages and medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

4. Make sure you are physically fit enough for this challenging journey up the mountain.

5. Start off slow and build your pace over time so your body can adjust to the elevation change.

6. Watch out for signs of altitude sickness, which include nausea, headache, dizziness, and vomiting when coming down from high altitudes too quickly—which can lead to dehydration if left untreated.

There are many different routes up Pico Bolivar that vary in difficulty. The shortest route starts at the ranger station and is about 10 kilometers round trip and takes about six hours. If you are climbing addict and looking for other popular mountains you can climb Ama Dablam and Lhotse will be good preparation for Mount Everest. Do you know Manaslu climbing cost ranges from $9,150-$14,150. The quickest route starts at the Mirador and is about 5 kilometers round trip and takes about three hours.

The easiest route starts from Urrao, but this route is not safe because of the condition of the road (asphalt). The most difficult way to climb Pico Bolivar is from San Pablo; it’s 25 kilometers round trip and takes 8-10 hours. This climb is dangerous because it involves a lot of rock climbing with no ropes or harnesses. It’s also recommended that you take a guide with you if you decide to go on this route.

I hope that this piece has helped you prepare for your upcoming trip to hike Pico Bolívar.