Route to Pico Oriental and the Fila Maestra in El Ávila National Park

The routes in El Ávila National Park that span the Fila Maestra sector tend to offer the best views and trails, the kind that win over the hikers who practice this sport in the region. Reaching the Fila Maestra from any of the points that set out from the base of the mountain usually takes between 2 and 3 hours at a steady pace. The routes tend to be demanding and generally require good physical condition if you do not plan to spend the whole day on the mountain. One of the peculiarities of this route is that there are practically no hydration points. How to get there? The most natural way is to set out from the Cachimbo park-ranger station, with the aim of heading to Pico Oriental. To get to Cachimbo you must take a bus or metrobús route departing from the "Los Dos Caminos" metro station in the city of Caracas. You have to get off at the stop nearest the "Cota Mil" highway and walk toward the mountain; when you see a cement path, you will be a few minutes from the park-ranger station. The route runs from the departure at Cachimbo to Piedra el Indio on a first stretch; on a second stretch it goes up to Pico Oriental, the second-highest peak of the mountain; then the third stretch covers part of the Fila Maestra as far as the so-called "Silla de Caracas"; and on the final stretch there are two alternatives: finishing what remains of the Fila Maestra up to the cable-car station and descending by it, or continuing downhill on foot to the Sabas Nieves park-ranger station, at the level of the Altamira district in Caracas. Cost? The approximate cost of this route is set at US$2. What to bring? A jacket for rain or wind, since in this sector of El Ávila the wind currents are strong. 3.5 liters of water, since there are no hydration points once you start the trail. Sunglasses, a camera, and sunscreen. Recommendations Doing the full route up to the cable car involves a considerable investment of time, which can reach up to 12 hours; even in good physical condition, factors such as the weather or carrying too little food or water can compromise the success of the excursion. © Alejandro Guipe | All rights reserved.