Route to the Picacho de Galipán in El Ávila National Park

The Picacho de Galipán can be regarded as one of the ends that make up the Fila Maestra sector in El Ávila National Park in Venezuela. The other end is Pico Naiguatá. The Picacho de Galipán is a rather privileged spot as a lookout: if you are lucky with the weather, you can see, from a single point, the village of Galipán in all its extent, the coastline of Vargas state, and the City of Caracas. Depending on the route you take to get there, it may or may not prove demanding, and the time required can vary from 1 to 4 hours, including stops and rests.

How to get there?

There are at least 3 usual ways to reach this place. The first, and the most touristy, is via the park's cable car and then taking the trail that leads from the station to the village of Galipán; this, however, does not spare you from having to walk close to 1 hour to reach the Picacho. The second involves climbing the trail that leads to the Cruz del Ávila, which begins at the "Loma del Viento" park-ranger station, at the level of the San Bernardino district in the city of Caracas. Getting there is simple: you can take a bus or metrobús, which usually depart from near the Bellas Artes metro station. Once at the park-ranger station, the trail leads toward another park-ranger station called "Papelón"; here you can take two routes—the one heading toward the "Los Venados"–"Pica Pinabetes"–"El Ávila Park-Ranger Station" sector, or simply take the shorter way that brings you near the cable car. The first option, though longer, will save you some walking and bring you a little closer to the entrance of the village of Galipán. Once in the village of Galipán, you have to walk close to 1 hour to reach the Picacho.

Cost?

If you do not intend to walk much, the cost of the route comes to US$5; that includes the cable-car fare, the ride from the cable car to the village of Galipán, and food for the way—since it takes several hours, it should be snacks and a lunch. If your aim is to hike from start to finish, the cost may be US$3. Once at the top, there is the option of coming down by cable car or by special routes that leave for Caracas from the village of Galipán; these routes usually stop in the Cotiza sector of the city of Caracas.

What to bring?

There are practically no water points along the way—only two, and they are far apart—so you should carry about 3 liters of water. Light athletic clothing, a small backpack, a camera, sunscreen.

Recommendations

Walking from the "Loma del Viento" park-ranger station turns out to be a very tough route; it is one of the steepest trails in the park and requires proper physical and mental preparation. If you reckon you cannot make it and it is getting late, the most advisable thing is to head down, since the gradient works in your favor on very few occasions. If you choose the first option, in which you take the cable car, the story is different, as that stretch is very easy and does not require so much effort.