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Pico Bolívar

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Pico Bolívar is the highest mountain in Venezuela, standing at an elevation of 4.978 meters, and is located in the Sierra Nevada de Mérida within the Venezuelan Andes. It was named after the independence hero Simón Bolívar and is an iconic landmark of the Mérida region. The summit is permanently covered by glaciers, though these have shrunk dramatically in recent decades due to climate change. The first documented ascent took place on January 5, 1935, by Franz Weiss and Enrique Bourgoin. The mountain is part of the Sierra Nevada National Park, which showcases an impressive vertical zonation of vegetation, from mountain rainforests to páramo and alpine tundra. One of the highest and longest cable cars in the world, the Teleférico de Mérida, takes visitors to the nearby Pico Espejo, offering a clear view of Pico Bolívar. Reaching the actual summit requires technical climbing experience and proper acclimatization to the high altitude.

Location: Venezuela
Top sights: Pico Bolívar · Pico La Concha

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	17	18	18	18	18	17	17	17	18	17	17	17
Rain mm	30	35	72	143	163	136	119	115	135	156	133	68

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The most common route begins in the city of Mérida, either by using the cable car system to high stations or by embarking on a multi-day hike from the valley.

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Best season

Climbing is typically attempted during the dry season from December to February; however, snow and ice can be present on the summit at any time of the year.

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Terrain & paths

Expect extremely rugged alpine terrain with steep rocky slopes, glaciers, and permanent snowfields near the summit at an elevation of nearly five thousand meters.

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What to bring

Full mountaineering equipment is required for the summit, including crampons, ice axes, ropes, and specialized cold-weather clothing for high-altitude environments.

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Parking

Visitors can find secure parking in the city of Mérida or at the base station of the cable car before beginning their ascent into the high alpine mountains.

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Safety

Altitude sickness is a major concern; climbers must acclimate properly and should always be accompanied by certified mountain guides for the final summit ascent.

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Time needed

Reaching the summit typically takes four to six days on foot, though users of the cable car can experience the high-altitude environment in just a single day.

Geography

Coordinates

8.55830, -71.04720

Facts

The official elevation was measured in 2002 as 4,978.40 meters.
The mountain was originally called La Columna before being renamed in 1925.
The first successful ascent was completed on January 5, 1935.
The main glacier on Pico Bolívar is known as Glaciar de los Timoncitos.
There is a bust of Simón Bolívar located directly at the mountain's summit.
The Mérida cable car reaches an altitude of 4,765 meters at Pico Espejo.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Pico Toro<1 km · SWExplore →

Pico León2 km · NWExplore →

Pico Reverón3 km · NEExplore →

Pico El León3 km · NExplore →

Pico Muertos4 km · NWExplore →

Pico El Buitre8 km · EExplore →

Mukumbarí Cable Car11 km · SExplore →

Sierra de la Culata14 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Pico Bolívar (2)

Pico Bolívar

Mountain in Venezuela, the country's highest peak, 4978 meters above sea level.

Pico La Concha

Mountain in Venezuela, part of the Sierra Nevada de Mérida, summit over 4800 meters.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Pico Bonpland?

A spectacular mountain peak in the Andes, named after a botanist.

Is it easy to climb?

No, it is a demanding tour for experienced mountaineers.

Do I need a visa for this region?

Check the current entry requirements for Venezuela.

What is the equipment like for this altitude?

Alpine equipment against extreme cold is absolutely necessary.

Where do people usually start?

The starting point is usually Mérida, a city in the Andes.

Pico Bolívar: where is it located?

Pico Bolívar is located in Venezuela.

Pico Bolívar: what is there to see?

Highlights include Pico Bolívar, Pico La Concha.

Pico Bolívar: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

Pico Bolívar: why is it worth visiting?

Pico Bolívar is the highest mountain in Venezuela, standing at an elevation of 4.978 meters, and is located in the Sierra Nevada de Mérida within the Venezuelan Andes.

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