Updated on 06/20/2024
Dear reader,
I would also like to recommend our Colombia travel guide, which provides a perfect overview of the tourist attractions in Colombia. Enjoy reading it!
Welcome to our exciting tour through the vertical landscapes of Colombia, where adventure is in every grip and nature offers its best challenges to those who seek to conquer heights.
Next, we will explore the best places to climb in this country full of geographic diversity and exciting rocky challenges.
Join us as we reveal the hidden treasures that make Colombia a paradise for climbing enthusiasts.
Places to Climb in Cundinamarca
Canoas
Location: Soacha
Entry: Free.
Climbing Mode: Boulder
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Nestled south of Bogotá amidst the outskirts of the city, the Canoas Climbing Park emerges as a breathtaking haven for climbing enthusiasts.
The park’s prominent boulders, visible from the road, draw climbers to explore and find new routes. Canoas is the country’s second most important bouldering park, featuring three climbing areas with over 100 lines for all skill levels, from V1 to V11.
Climbers will face numerous overhangs, roofs, slabs, and monumental blocks, famously called “Tsunamis,” challenging the most daring. The abrasive rock highlights the need for good finger protection.
Notable lines at Canoas include “La Ceja de mi Amigo,” classified as V6/7, “El Ataque de los Plones,” also in the V6/7 category, “Corona de Espinas” rated V5, and “Salomé” with a level of V8.
How to Get There?
From Bogota, take Carrera 30 southbound, which becomes Autopista Sur, through Soacha towards Melgar. After approximately 10 minutes past Soacha, follow the turnoff to Mosquera – Calle 80. About 3 to 5 kilometers further on, you will see the scattered blocks on the left-hand side of the mountain.
Look for a white house with an orange roof that serves as a parking area.
Chusacá
Location: Chusacá
Entry: Free.
Climbing Mode: Boulder
Difficulty Level: Intermediate and Advanced
The climbing park in Chusacá is an excellent destination for bouldering enthusiasts, with blocks mostly at intermediate and advanced levels.
Besides being a picturesque climbing spot, Chusacá exhibits a unique beauty with the presence of rock art on some blocks, hence it is advisable to avoid climbing on rocks with indigenous pictograms, as they could deteriorate over time.
How to Get There?
From Bogotá, take the southbound highway towards Melgar. Upon reaching the toll booth on the outskirts of the city, just before beginning the ascent to Alto de Rosas, you’ll spot the rocks along the right side of the road.
Valle Escondido
Location: Choachí
Entry: Charged.
Climbing Mode: Sport
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Located in the páramo del Verjón, on the road connecting Bogotá with the municipality of Choachí, approximately an hour from the city.
There are three distinct areas for climbing, with Valle Escondido being the most popular option, followed by El Rinconcito and Agua Dulce, the latter being the most recent park.
Valle Escondido, located over 3100 meters above sea level, is a magical place that blends ancient and modern elements. It features 500-year-old paths connecting Choachí with the Eastern Plains and Bogotá.
The sandstone rocks in Choachí’s climbing parks provide excellent grip, with mainly vertical walls ideal for high wall enthusiasts. Valle Escondido is particularly popular for its high and sport routes.
The rock face is on private property. Visitors must register at the farm before entering.
Currently, this climbing spot near Bogotá has gained popularity and has become the favorite for climbers from the capital.
How to Get There?
From Bogotá, you can take Calle 7 west to east or Circunvalar avenue north to south until you reach the “Rumichaca” market square in the Egipto neighborhood (Carrera 3 east with Calle 7).
From this point, continue south and then take Calle 6 east (left) until you reach Carrera 9 east. You will reach the road that leads to the municipality of Choachí. From this point, it is approximately 20 kilometers to the park entrance, known as the house of the cats.
Sutatausa
Location: Sutatausa
Entry: Charged
Climbing Mode: Sport and Boulder
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
The climbing park in Sutatausa is located northeast of the Cundinamarca department, between Zipaquirá and Ubaté, approximately 88 kilometers from the city of Bogotá.
Sutatausa boasts a rocky formation of around 15 kilometers in length and about 50 meters in height. This extensive cliff offers great potential for both sport and traditional climbing.
The highlight of Sutatausa is its bouldering area, the largest and safest in Colombia. With over 180 blocks across 6 areas, it offers difficulty levels from V2 to V11, including some unascended projects.
Between 2010 and 2013, climbers established a coexistence agreement with the local community, leading to the opening of numerous blocks. Among the highlights are Gigantes de Piedra V8, Verde Amanecer V7, Knock Out V7, Sweet Dreams V8, and Eolo V7.
How to Get There?
From Bogotá, the road to Sutatausa involves taking the Zipaquirá-Ubaté road. After passing the Tierra Negra summit and before reaching the municipality of Sutatausa, specifically in the area known as La “Reforma,” you’ll already see the imposing rock cliffs to the right of the main road.
In La Reforma, it is necessary to take a path that detours onto an unpaved road located to the right of the main road. After traveling approximately two kilometers, you’ll reach a store painted green.
This store is a point where you can park your vehicle. From here, you access the royal road that leads to the cliffs and bouldering areas.
Machetá
Location: Machetá
Entry: Charged
Climbing Mode: Sport
Difficulty Level: Intermediate and Advanced
This tourist attraction, alongside Mesa de los Santos, is a favorite among experienced climbers. The cliff, reaching 45 meters, features prominent ledges and steep, almost horizontal rock formations, enhancing its appeal for climbers.
With an offer exceeding a hundred sport routes of medium and high levels, Machetá positions itself as the top choice for those seeking challenges in endurance climbing.
How to Get There?
Starting from Bogotá, follow the road towards Tunja, passing through the municipalities of Tocancipá and Gachancipá. Once you reach the Sisga lagoon, take a right turn, traveling approximately 100 kilometers from the Colombian capital.
Farallones de Suesca
Location: Suesca
Entry: Charged
Climbing Mode: Sport, Traditional, Multi-pitches, and Boulder
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
This park is recognized as the oldest and largest in Colombia. Suesca location, marks the origin of climbing in the country, being the place where the first routes were equipped, and the first mountaineering courses were taught.
About 62 kilometers from Bogotá, with a journey that can take approximately an hour and a half, the Farallones de Suesca host a wide variety of over 600 climbing routes in various modalities.
Especially known for climbers seeking challenges in multi-pitch traditional routes, being nationally recognized as the most prominent place for this modality. Route difficulties range from 5.8 to 5.14, with heights reaching up to 120 meters, highlighting emblematic routes such as “Lp”.
The rock of the Farallones de Suesca is sedimentary, specifically sandstone, which provides good grip but can be abrasive to the skin. In addition to climbing, the park offers various activities such as rappelling, hiking, mountain biking, spelunking, and the opportunity to admire pictograms.
How to Get There?
From Bogotá, take the north highway and follow the road towards the city of Tunja. At kilometer 60, you’ll find the detour to Suesca. Upon reaching the outskirts of the municipality, it is recommended to ask the locals to indicate the entrance to the rock, as the center of Suesca is located after the park entrance.
Places to Climb in Santander
Rocks of La Mojarra
Location: Mesa de los Santos
Entry: Charged
Climbing Mode: Sport and Traditional
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Encompassing about 4 hectares, this vast natural area and climbing site is managed by the Foundation of Mojarra Rocks Climbers (FELM). It features an impressive sandstone cliff within the Chicamocha Canyon, at an altitude of 1,602 meters in the Eastern Cordillera.
This site boasts over 350 properly protected routes and countless opportunities for new openings. Its sturdy red sandstone formation offers a variety of options for traditional, sport, and mixed climbing, standing out for its high technical quality.
The routes feature numerous flat edges, demanding bodily gesturing, strength, and precision. Elements that, combined with specific movements, define the difficulty level of each route.
How to Get There?
From Bucaramanga, head towards the municipality of Mesa de los Santos. Once on the secondary road, ask for the Boquete de La Mojarra or the Hostal Refugio la Roca.
Ventanas del Tisquizoque
Location: Florián
Entry: Free
Climbing Mode: Traditional
Difficulty Level: Advanced
It is situated in Florián, in the southern part of Santander department, within the Yariguíes Mountains National Natural Park in Colombia, approximately 300 kilometers from Bucaramanga and 195 kilometers from Bogotá.
Discovered in 2012, this climbing park offers a unique three-dimensional experience with stunning formations like stalactites, waterfalls, holes, and diverse grips, providing an adventurous experience unlike any other in Colombia.
Currently, the park features around 80 sport routes distributed across 4 sectors: Las Ventanas de Tisquizoque, El Portón, Los Nogales, and La Cueva de los Chímbalos, with difficulty grades ranging from 5.11a to 5.13c.
How to Get There?
From Bogotá, follow the route that passes through Cajicá, Zipaquirá, Sutatausa, and Chiquinquirá until reaching the municipality of Puente Nacional. Then, continue towards a town called Jesús María, and from there, proceed until reaching Florián.
El Hoyo de las Pavas
Location: Mesa de los Santos
Entry: Charged
Climbing Mode: Sport
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Located 3 km from the municipality of Los Santos, houses a climbing area on a sandstone cliff with shades ranging from yellow to pink, displaying remarkable resistance.
This area is distinguished by the abundance of overhangs, fissures, and slab problems. So far, a total of 35 routes have been equipped with difficulty levels ranging from 5.8 to 5.12c, with additional projects in development.
How to Get There?
From Bucaramanga, head to Mesa de los Santos and then go to the El Hoyo trail about 3 kilometers away.
San Gil
Location: San Gil
Entry: Charged
Climbing Mode: Sport and Boulder
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
San Gil, a small city in northern Colombia, is widely recognized nationally as an epicenter for adventure sports.
About 5 minutes from San Gil, on the road to Bogotá, there is a small space dedicated to climbing, also known as a popular spot for rappelling.
Currently, there are several sport routes and some cracks available. Difficulties range from 5.7 to a possible 5.13. Most of these routes have been equipped by the Arista de San Gil Club, with collaboration from climbers in Bucaramanga.
The area also hosts various high-quality boulders. Climbing in San Gil presents itself as an ideal option for those who wish to enjoy this activity with family and for individuals with little experience in the matter.
How to Get There?
From Bogotá, take the road towards Chiquinquirá, passing through towns like Zipaquirá and Sutatausa. The route is clearly marked along the road, and the total distance is approximately 313 kilometers.
Places to Climb in Antioquia
The Rock of Peñol
Location: Guatapé
Entry: Charged
Climbing style: Sport
Difficulty level: Intermediate and advanced
The Rock of Peñol in Guatapé is situated 75 km from Medellín and stands as one of Colombia’s largest granite outcrops, reaching approximately 120 meters in height, making it a popular destination for climbers.
The Rock of Peñol, near Medellín, features around 30 routes (sport, classic, and artificial) with difficulties from 5.6 to 5.12. Known for adhesive climbing and slight overhangs, it emphasizes the psychological challenge and the necessity of good footwork due to limited handholds.
How to Get There?
From Medellín, take the road towards Bogotá. From the Copacabana toll booth to the entrance of Marinilla, the journey is approximately 30 minutes by car. At this point, take the Marinilla – El Peñol route and continue driving for 1 hour.
Maceo
Location: Maceo
Entry: Charged
Climbing style: Sport
Difficulty level: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
The climbing park in Maceo hosts over 20 sport routes, with significant potential for additional routes in the future. Its main feature lies in the overhangs covered with stalactites, where explosive and large-scale movements are common.
Maceo is a distinctive climbing park featuring white limestone with diverse holds, including blunt, cracks, inverted, waterfalls, stalactites, and Bavarian positions. This variety, combined with the need for considerable endurance, defines the unique climbing experience in this remote location.
How to Get There?
From Medellín, take the route towards the municipality of Bello, then continue towards Barbosa and head towards Hitalito via the Magdalena River highway. Then, take highway 62 towards Puerto Berrío, passing through San José del Nus. Further ahead, you’ll find a left turn which you should take, driving straight to Maceo.
From Maceo, head towards the Santa Bárbara district, where you can park your car and continue on foot along a trail. The hike takes approximately one hour.
La Peña
Location: Abejorral
Entry: Free.
Climbing style: Sport and Boulder
Difficulty level: Intermediate and advanced
The climbing park “La Peña” is located on San Vicente Hill in Abejorral, to the east of the department, approximately three hours from Medellín.
This project originated from a group of passionate and adventurous climbers in Antioquia. Recognizing Abejorral’s potential contribution to the climbing scene, they embarked on this exciting endeavor to establish a magnificent climbing park.
Currently, the park boasts around 50 sport routes to climb, with difficulty levels ranging from 5.8 to 5.13c. Endurance, technique, and lateral movements are the highlights defining the climbing style in this park, although there are also short and explosive routes for those more inclined towards bouldering.
How to Get There?
From the San Diego Shopping Center in Medellín, take the road towards Las Palmas, continue through the La Ceja municipality, head to Abejorral, and finally, reach the Vereda La Peña, covering a distance of 105 kilometers, with 19 kilometers of unpaved road.
Places to Climb in Tolima
Rocas de Juntas
Location: Juntas
Entry: Free admission
Climbing style: Sport
Difficulty level: Intermediate and advanced
Juntas is a district of Ibagué, situated in the Combeima River Canyon, approximately 18 kilometers from the urban area of the city.
Just a 20-minute walk from Juntas lies the climbing park, where the rocks are sedimentary, known for their excellent texture, hardness, and adherence.
The climbing style in Juntas is quite distinctive, with a focus on blocks that involve movements more centered on strength than endurance.
Another notable characteristic of Juntas climbing is the lack of continuity in the routes. In most of them, after overcoming the crux, you reach a ledge or a good resting point that allows you to rest and recover your energy.
Around 80 routes have been equipped in the park, ranging from 5.9 to 5.13B, covering difficulties from 5.11B to 5.12B.
How to Get There?
From Bogotá, start your journey by taking the exit onto the southern highway, the road leading to Melgar.
Melgar marks the halfway point, as from this point to Ibagué, there are 88 kilometers, which can be covered in approximately an hour and a half.
Upon reaching Ibagué, follow the route ascending through Mirolindo Avenue until connecting with 4th Avenue, which passes through the University of Tolima and the stadium.
Continue straight ahead until crossing Ferrocarril Avenue and go up this road until reaching Primera Carrera. Take the right turn to continue along Primera Carrera until reaching the Libertador neighborhood, officially marking the entrance to the Combeima Canyon.
From the park in the Libertador neighborhood to Juntas, it’s approximately 19 kilometers.
Rocas del Río Cobre
Location: Payande
Entry: Charged
Climbing style: Sport
Difficulty level: Intermediate and advanced
Payande, a municipality in the southeast of Tolima department, is only 32 kilometers from Ibagué and features a notably close climbing park. This park, known as Rocas del Río Cobre, stands out as a magnificent place for this sport.
In this enclave, you can find around 40 climbing routes ranging from 5.9 to 5.13c, with a higher concentration in the categories of 5.11a to 5.11d, making it a perfect destination for intermediate climbers.
Moreover, Payande also attracts experienced climbers, as it presents the highest number of 5.13 grade routes in Tolima, with over 7 routes at this level.
Another attraction of the park is the opportunity to participate in bouldering. Along the riverbank, there are around 30 low-height blocks ranging from V3 to V11.
The river provides the opportunity for psicobloc practice on a rock stretch, allowing for falls into the water from a maximum height of 3 meters.
How to Get There?
From Ibagué, take the road heading towards El Espinal, and upon reaching kilometer 18, you’ll find a roundabout known as the Buenos Aires roundabout. At this point, make a right turn and continue until reaching Payande. Continue towards Valle de San Juan after passing through the town.
Approximately 15 minutes away, you’ll find a crossroad called “Caracoli”. Continue straight from this crossroad, and in about 7 minutes, you’ll reach Finca El Hoyo, the access point to the park.
Places to Climb in Boyacá
Puente Reyes
Location: Sogamoso
Entry: Free
Climbing Style: Sport, Boulder, and Traditional
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Puente Reyes, located near Sogamoso, Boyacá, approximately 90 kilometers from Tunja, is a premier destination for sport climbing enthusiasts. Offering around 50 routes across sport, traditional, and mixed styles, it’s a must-visit park for climbers.
Additionally, another notable attraction of Puente Reyes is the abundance of boulders and vast potential for opening new climbing routes.
How to Get There?
From Sogamoso, head towards Corrales until you reach a metal bridge. Turn towards Gámeza and continue on the paved road for approximately 1 kilometer. Then, take a right turn onto an unpaved road that leads to the rock, running parallel to the cliff.
Motavita
Location: Motavita
Entry: Free
Climbing Style: Boulder
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
The Motavita boulder park offers a wide variety of blocks, despite not having a considerable extension. It’s located approximately fifteen minutes from the city of Tunja.
With over 60 climbing lines spread across different areas, this park provides a perfect environment for climbers. The climate favors climbing, with low temperatures and minimal humidity. Additionally, the texture of the blocks is skin-friendly.
How to Get There?
From Tunja, follow the road towards Florencia, then head towards Villa de Leyva. After approximately one kilometer, at a right curve, you’ll see an unpaved road on the right side. Follow this path for about 100 meters until you reach an abandoned white house, where you can spot the blocks.
Places to Climb in Nariño
Villa María
Location: Genoy
Entry: Free
Climbing Style: Sport and Traditional
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Villa María stands out as the climbing park in Pasto with the most convenient access for climbers and tourists, located just five minutes from Hostal Rumiwasi and with a road in excellent condition for access.
This climbing spot features around 38 routes, covering difficulties from 5.9 to approximately 5.12d.
It is divided into small sectors that host all the routes, unlike other parks like La Mojarra, where the rock cliff is extensive and continuous.
In Villa María, you’ll find around 6 sectors or spots, as known in climbing, and a beautiful waterfall called the Villa María waterfall, providing a unique scenic beauty.
How to Get There?
From Pasto, take the road towards the Genoy district. After about 8 minutes of travel, you’ll reach the Villa María village. From this point, embark on a walk of around 15 minutes, descending until reaching the trail base.
Maragato
Location: Pasto
Entry: Charged
Climbing Style: Sport
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
In Maragato, you’ll find two extensive climbing sectors with difficulty levels ranging from 5.8 for beginners to 5.13 for advanced climbers.
A unique feature of this park is that it is literally crossed by a beautiful waterfall called the Maragato waterfall, with a height of about 80 meters.
This park offers an ideal environment for practicing various sports, such as hiking, trekking, canyoning, rappelling, canyoning, and also provides the opportunity for a guided tour to a rock featuring petroglyphs from the Quillacinga culture.
How to Get There?
Located about 25 minutes from the urban center of Pasto, follow the road towards the village called “El Chorrillo”.
At this location, there’s a house where climbers often park their vehicles before continuing on foot.
From this point, follow the path that descends to the right, with a walk taking approximately 10 minutes to reach the entrance of Maragato Ecopark.
San Lorenzo
Location: San Lorenzo
Entry: Free
Climbing Style: Boulder
Difficulty Level: Intermediate and Advanced
The San Lorenzo climbing park is a relatively recent area. The granite walls reach a height of approximately 70 meters, making it ideal for multi-pitch climbing and artificial climbing.
This place features a wide diversity of blocks scattered throughout the base of the cliff, making it a perfect destination for boulder enthusiasts.
How to Get There?
The rock formation is located in the municipality of San Lorenzo, about 1 hour and 45 minutes from the city of Pasto.
Places to Climb in Valle del Cauca
Minas
Location: Jamundí
Entry: Free admission
Climbing Style: Sport and Traditional
Difficulty Level: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced
Located near the municipality of Jamundí, south of Cali city, Minas Climbing Park combines climbing with the presence of a river, but its greatest allure lies in the stunning beauty and natural diversity it offers.
The rock in this park is conglomerate type, known for its excellent quality and texture. Minas features routes adapted for various skill levels, ranging from 5.9 up to a potential 5.14A, making it an ideal destination for those taking their first steps in climbing.
How to Get There?
From Cali, head towards the municipality of Jamundí, located about 23 kilometers away.
In Jamundí, look for the “El Piloto” roundabout and take the road leading to Río Claro towards the municipality of Suarez.
Travel until you reach the intersection towards Villa Colombia and turn right. From this intersection, proceed about 7 kilometers until you reach a gate on the right side of the road.
Start the hike from this point, which takes about 30 minutes along a fading trail until reaching an abandoned house that used to be the operations center of a mine.
From this abandoned place, you’ll see a rock cliff and, at the bottom of the canyon, the river. Then descend to the river and continue along its edge until reaching the climbing site.
Vijes
Location: Vijes
Entry: Free
Climbing Style: Sport and Traditional
Difficulty Level: Intermediate and Advanced
Vijes is a municipality located north of Cali city, at a distance of 32 kilometers.
Vijes Climbing Park is a small-sized place with around 15 routes including sport, traditional, and mixed options.
All routes have good protection and are in optimal conditions for climbing, covering difficulties from 5.10a to 5.14a.
It’s advisable to wear a helmet and use it at all times while climbing, securing, or resting, as the rocks on the walls, given their conglomerate composition, can fall at any time.
How to Get There?
From Cali, head north towards the municipality of Yumbo. After passing Yumbo, continue until you reach the main park of Vijes.
From the main square, take the fourth avenue westward and proceed about a kilometer and a half until reaching a right turn. From this point, take an unpaved road and continue on it until reaching a farm, where you can park your car.
From the farm, continue on foot along a path on the right side of the slope. Then take a second path, also located on the right, and start the ascent up the mountain, reaching the top and then descending. After crossing a stream twice and advancing a few meters, you’ll see the rock.
Tips for Climbing in Colombia
- Before heading to any climbing destination, conduct thorough research on routes, difficulty grades, access, and weather conditions. Plan your itinerary in advance.
- Ensure you carry all necessary equipment, from harnesses and helmets to ropes and carabiners. Check that your gear is in good condition and meets safety standards.
- Practice respect for natur. Leave no trash behind, respect environmental restrictions, and avoid damaging local flora and fauna.
- Whenever possible, communicate with the local community and respect their rules and regulations. There may be valuable information about the area that only locals know.
- Before starting to climb, check the safety conditions of the rocks and the surrounding area. Ensure there’s no danger of falling rocks, and be cautious of the weather, especially in areas prone to abrupt climate changes.
- Colombia can have varied weather, so stay well hydrated and protected from the sun. Carry enough water with you and use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
- Join local climbing groups or communities. You can get valuable tips, share experiences, and make new friends who share your passion.
- Consider getting first aid training, especially if you plan to explore remote areas. This can be useful in case of emergencies.
- Always inform a trusted person about your itinerary and estimated return time. This is essential for your safety in case of any mishaps.
More Nature Tourism Experiences in Colombia
Here is a list of incredible destinations for hiking and other nature activities in Colombia:
- The Best Hiking Routes in Colombia.
- The Most Representative Flowers in Colombia.
- Cacao Guide in Colombia.
Other Recommended Destinations to Practice Extreme Sports
- The 15 Coolest Extreme Sports in Colombia
- Off-Road Tours in Colombia: The Ultimate Guide to 4×4 Adventures
- Rock Climbing in Suesca – A climbing paradise in Colombia
- The 7 Top Dive Sites in Colombia – Detailed Guide
- Top 6 Surfing Destinations in Colombia: Quick Guide
- 22 Climbing Spots in Colombia You Shouldn’t Miss
