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Spectacular Conditions in El Cocuy Range — Colombia
What a great first season in Colombia! As we look ahead towards the next Ecuador and Bolivia Season, our thoughts go back to the beginning of the year and our second Colombia expedition of our first season in the country! So many successful summits in the beautiful El Cocuy mountain range.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitcuba_Blancos_Summital_Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=658b90066218dbfaf366333e648f2d11 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitcuba_Blancos_Summital_Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=97c084eafbb69dc884145747ea0ac455 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitcuba_Blancos_Summital_Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=7209dbda989f95b422dcc36cd490a510 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitcuba_Blancos_Summital_Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=9df814c76dd1e7ae345fa9e4d79be856 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitcuba_Blancos_Summital_Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=94bd223387842ea6e56a076bb2039a45 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitcuba_Blancos_Summital_Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=4cf212fea2c28db29c639b2bbe772809 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitcuba_Blancos_Summital_Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=ac7c62e56bd8e5e3b1b73974d4032e61 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitcuba_Blancos_Summital_Ridge.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=eab82f592e4b594e45f80a0f63e5bbe1 1024w)
Stunning summit ridge of Ritacuba Blanco
MM Guide Juan Carlos writes about the trip:
(All photos by Elaine Teh)
The first MM Colombia team in 2013 was composed by 3 members who venture into this new destination: John, Elaine and Lana (Svetlana) arrived in Bogotá on January 8th and, after a relaxing city tour, we all travelled to the mountain range of El Cocuy.
The team summited successfully two acclimatization peaks: Monserrate and Pico del Aguila. On both summits the weather was very nice, not too warm not too cold and almost no wind! On Monserrate we could have a first look to some of the high peaks, as most of the range was clear. This is a great summit to become acquainted with the place and to get a better idea of where and how far away the mountains are.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FDescending_from_Concavo_-_View_over_to_Toti_and_Pan_de_Azucar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=a022a794d7d2f1f2151cec681fd066d3 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FDescending_from_Concavo_-_View_over_to_Toti_and_Pan_de_Azucar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=8c3d5a81990bcaf74a98487e90901ab1 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FDescending_from_Concavo_-_View_over_to_Toti_and_Pan_de_Azucar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=435e7d59ee5766e2a8c0d4b3c5aa0250 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FDescending_from_Concavo_-_View_over_to_Toti_and_Pan_de_Azucar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=dafdda4f218ce4b5235db459560fdfd6 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FDescending_from_Concavo_-_View_over_to_Toti_and_Pan_de_Azucar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=521ee82866652347c9b19f344a6159b1 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FDescending_from_Concavo_-_View_over_to_Toti_and_Pan_de_Azucar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=562ce4959535f804176171b0af60a2b5 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FDescending_from_Concavo_-_View_over_to_Toti_and_Pan_de_Azucar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=e1dcd727e9427667575211f059d59801 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FDescending_from_Concavo_-_View_over_to_Toti_and_Pan_de_Azucar.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=e214d2729e43d4a14fa9b528f20f428e 1024w)
The El Cocuy Range with Toti and Pan de Azucar
Pico del Aguila is a great place, as the views are very different from Monserrte. From the summit, it is possible to see the southern valleys and some of the closer peaks, where the next day’s activities will take place. The other great experience of this day is the food at Hacienda La Esperanza and the place in itself. A typical Hacienda from the area, still actively raising sheep and goats, and harvesting potatoes and grain.
After accomplishing the first acclimatization part, the group moved up to the beautiful lake of Laguna Grande de la Sierra and established base camp at the shores of the lake, which is surrounded by 5 major summits.
Even though the ascent to El Concavo summit was scheduled for the next morning, some members of the group preferred to have a whole day to recover before attempting the summit. Anyway, as we have a very flexible program, Elaine, who felt ready for some challenge, went with me to Toti (one of the major summits in area) and summited the mountain in only 4 hours from campsite. The conditions on the glacier where good, but some patches of ice had to be sorted out on the Toti’s summit ridge. The weather was great and the lake of La Plaza and all neighboring mountains where cloud clear.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Toti_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=3527d881906aacd1b55ffcb8c2a1cd6a 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Toti_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=3ff4eb6978f17f0b677e683f3487ebae 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Toti_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=21e54d9ce140d3be1bfe08a63a2b8d17 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Toti_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=abc4b93f0031c44a948744f78f26ea4b 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Toti_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=8a37f5f3c3f892965b2ff1ee34d23e07 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Toti_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=ede3207b596c92c66c81cf20c876b9c6 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Toti_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=1eea02f1eb133df29792084898e86da5 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Toti_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=dfaba9cdf8f5cd1607baece841d97f98 1024w)
Elaine and Juan Carlos on the summit of Toti
Next morning the whole group had an early start, in order to have the best conditions for the main goal in this area: El Concavo peak. The chosen route was the direct one, which follows most of the glacier. Even though the route is steeper than the normal route, it offers a much better experience due to the beautiful landscapes and a more frank terrain as there much less rocky moraine.
After a 2 hour approach to the glacier from campsite, we geared up and headed for the main ridge on the glacier. The glacier was a lot more crevassed than a few weeks before with the first MM group, but still in good conditions. We had to crossed several ice bridges and walk around many crevasses until the high plateau. As we reached the end of the crevassed area, John made a “donation” to the Concavo’s glacier, as his ice axe slipped from his wrist and plunged into one of the many crevasses! Fortunately, we were already above all the delicate passages, so his poles worked just fine for the rest of the climb!
As the group reached the Concavo’s final ridge, sun appeared just behind the top, illuminating the amazing valleys and gorges below us. The group moved slowly but constantly as they walked the last steps to the summit. The views were just perfect, clear skies to both sides of the range and into the low valleys of the Aruaca region.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Concavo_-_The_whole_team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=ad50932f1fc18fb555babcd81c081c06 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Concavo_-_The_whole_team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=21d8884dcbfc6154318f47216c56df71 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Concavo_-_The_whole_team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=f974388e3f8f587caaae7c1f485897cf 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Concavo_-_The_whole_team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=0656c7c5489f4aeb031e1cc5976d0633 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Concavo_-_The_whole_team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=43cb7aa3364358d21aa174208fbe3ff0 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Concavo_-_The_whole_team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=e7fd2f9e9c5b92fe0af3ef8c4ed206da 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Concavo_-_The_whole_team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=36ed77c47df0883e19a0a725a3405b6a 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FSummit_of_Concavo_-_The_whole_team.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=5a414bb6dfc5f92467da25e68d85a655 1024w)
The whole team on the summit of Concavo
We descended by the normal route and reached the campsite about 3 hours later, where our cook Rafael, was waiting with some fresh juice and a well deserve lunch.
After accomplishing our goal on the Southern area, we moved to the Northern part of the range: the Ritacuba Valley. We hiked down to La Hacienda La Esperanza and there we meet Alfredo, our driver, who took us to the Kanwara huts. A well-deserved rest at this idyllic place with views towards many of the mountains is a great reward!
Next day, by midday we hiked almost 600 meters up to Ritacuba Blanco’s high camp and prepared for next morning climb.
We woke up early and started with a bit of wind at around 2.30 AM. Unfortunately after a few minutes the wind brought mist/clouds and the conditions began to deteriorate. Therefore, we turned back to wait a while for better conditions before getting into the glacier. At about 4.30 AM, the conditions had improved and I decided to move on. John and Svetlana decided to stay warm in their sleeping bags. Elaine wanted to give it a shot and we started the climb just before 5.00 AM. The weather improved, as we ascended, and by the time we reached the glacier the sky was quite clear and the wind had decreased considerably.
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FAscending_to_Ritacuba_Blanco.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=ff8072e83c5bd91e55d60c0fd3dbc405 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FAscending_to_Ritacuba_Blanco.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=801e176b42f12faa30f2fd1328a2d6b4 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FAscending_to_Ritacuba_Blanco.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=95066f274e59149091e9b4fe187d6c73 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FAscending_to_Ritacuba_Blanco.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=d6906f623f05db84cdb88fe01931ab94 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FAscending_to_Ritacuba_Blanco.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=dc3b0a2e1e4062626821c557e7735fd9 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FAscending_to_Ritacuba_Blanco.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=950ac9800814ef6c94b007063bbd6266 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FAscending_to_Ritacuba_Blanco.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=1d58c8758de95a6c9306f90d0dd1ad9d 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FAscending_to_Ritacuba_Blanco.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=39b66b3baa93f87dc90a62787bed250a 1024w)
Ascending Ritacuba Blanco
The last 70 meters up to the summit of Ritacuba Blanco were a bit steep and icy, due to the long dry period, but a nice section to conclude the climb. The reward was a summit in beautiful clear weather.
We joined with the rest of the group on the way down to Kanwara huts and after the long descent returned to the town of El Cocuy for a good rest and shower.
Next morning we took our bus for the 12 hours return trip to Bogotá and after that enjoyed a nice celebratory dinner with a wide menu to choose from! Concluding in this way, another successful trip in the Colombian mountains!
~ MM Guide Juan Carlos Gonzalez Camacho
![](https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitacuba_Blancos_Summit_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=300&s=63ee0530ca711b33949b134ae0c9d831 300w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitacuba_Blancos_Summit_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=500&s=7fd2c832e5c6e89fd13f1e1cf711b571 500w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitacuba_Blancos_Summit_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=700&s=2793da39584d1377e50ace284fa892cb 700w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitacuba_Blancos_Summit_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=800&s=d75b01cba55e584f703daaa19850f159 800w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitacuba_Blancos_Summit_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1000&s=bb2e690c62aac18589587a0b37e95c48 1000w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitacuba_Blancos_Summit_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1200&s=b5d1b5bd9c139e0e8cddd345eca4f14f 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitacuba_Blancos_Summit_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1400&s=31aee94ed79c2f4dcdfd4cbe930a26ab 1024w, https://mountain-madness-external.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fkraftwerk-mountain-madness.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fblog%2FRitacuba_Blancos_Summit_-_Elaine_and_Juan_Carlos.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=1600&s=287563be44d63b97932361143ab5ef35 1024w)
Juan Carlos and Elaine on the summit of Ritacuba Blanco
Thanks also to Elaine Teh for a great report of her experience:
“The climbing trip to Colombian Andes was a truly unique experience. Although it shares similar characteristics to other South American Andes, it also has a distinct flavor. Rather than the usual multi-coloured and flared skirts ubiquitous in the Andes, typical Colombian sombreros and ponchos are the norm. The hacienda La Esperanza, was amazing. Rustic and intimate, and the owners are the most welcoming and accommodating people!
“Our campsite in Laguna de la Sierra was on beautiful sandy beach, right by the lake, surrounded by the Sierra Nevada. It was perfect to sit and contemplate the amazing landscape; also perfect for a good soak for the sore feet after the climbs! We were very blessed with perfect climbing weather. Not too windy or too cold. The glacier was just blissful to traverse. Toti was a fun mixture of ice and rock scramble to its rocky summit. Concavo has a unique summit; at a certain angle, it looked like a Puma head! And, finally, Ritacubo Blanco has an enjoyable long glacier traverse, before a very short challenge of short, steep front-pointing to the mouth of a massive crevasse. Final careful crossing of a firm snow bridge leads to its beautiful summit.
“Juan Carlos and his team looked after us all very well. Juan Carlos, being a true local, showed us the magic of his homeland. He and Rafa, our ever so friendly and smiley cook, fed us more than sufficiently. No one had any stomach upset – which is a real feat!”
~ Elaine Teh