Location and surroundings
The mountain is located in the Boyacá region, within the municipality of Güicán and the district of Gutiérrez. It is part of the Andes, specifically the Northern Andes, the Eastern Cordillera, and the Western Cordillera, culminating in the Snowy Mountains of Cocuy. The surrounding terrain is characterized by high-altitude alpine environments, featuring glaciers and rugged rock formations typical of this part of the Andes.
Neighbouring peaks
- Concavito, peak, 5,080 m, 1.2 km W
- Pico U'wa, peak, 4,980 m, 1.6 km N
- Nevado El Cóncavo, peak, 4,917 m, 1.6 km W
- Portales, peak, 4,940 m, 2.5 km S
- El Cóncavo, peak, 4,503 m, 2.8 km SW
- Toti, peak, 5,010 m, 3.0 km S
- Nevado Banco Ancho, peak, 4,887 m, 3.0 km N
- San Pablin Sur, peak, 5,290 m, 3.7 km N
Concavo is positioned centrally among these peaks, serving as a reference point for the local topography.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Concavo, several major peaks are visible within a 25 km radius. The highest is Ritacuba Blanco at 5,410 m, located 9.6 km to the north. Other notable peaks include Pan de Azucar (5,250 m, 4.7 km S), Ritacuba Norte (5,180 m, 11.6 km N), El Castillo (5,170 m, 5.2 km NE), San Pablin Norte (5,112 m, 4.7 km N), and Puntiagudo (5,050 m, 7.5 km N).
The range
Concavo is part of the Snowy Mountains of Cocuy, a range containing 141 named peaks. The highest point of this range is Ritacuba Blanco, which stands at 5,410 m and is located 10 km north of Concavo. Concavo ranks as the 7th highest peak in this specific range.
Climbing routes
The primary route to the summit is the Southwest face, which serves as the normal route. This climb is rated PD− on the alpine grading scale and typically requires one day to complete. There are no other routes listed for this peak.
Access and starting points
The usual starting point for expeditions in this area is the town of El Cocuy. From there, climbers typically undertake a multi-day trek to reach the base of the mountains, often utilizing the Valle de los Frailejones to approach the higher terrain.
Climate and weather
Based on estimates from NASA POWER climate data (2001–2020), the mean temperature at the summit is about 0 °C in the warmest month of March and about -2 °C in the coldest month of July. There are no months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit. Annual precipitation in the surrounding area is about 1,250 mm, with May being the wettest month (about 160 mm) and January the driest (about 40 mm). High-altitude weather in this region is prone to rapid changes, including sudden cloud cover and freezing conditions.
Best time to visit
Given that no months have a mean temperature above freezing at the summit, the best time to visit is during the drier months of the year, typically centered around January, to minimize the risks associated with heavy precipitation and poor visibility.
Nature and wildlife
The mountain is part of the protected Cocuy National Natural Park. The landscape is defined by high-altitude ecosystems, including glacial features and rocky terrain. Vegetation at these elevations is sparse, consisting mainly of hardy alpine species adapted to cold, thin air. Wildlife in the region includes animals capable of surviving in extreme high-altitude environments.
Guides and organised ascents
For high-altitude terrain, hiring a certified guide is advisable. In Colombia, the national organization is the Asociación Colombiana de Guías de Montaña y Escalada (ACGME), which is not an IFMGA/UIAGM member. Páramo Trek, based in Salento, is an established guiding company working in the mountains of the country. A guided ascent typically includes logistics, safety management, and equipment support, with costs varying based on group size, duration, and hut usage.
Safety and preparation
Climbing at this elevation demands excellent physical fitness and acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. The terrain requires basic mountaineering skills and appropriate gear for cold, icy conditions. In case of an emergency, the national general emergency line in Colombia is 123.
History and name
Concavo is located within the protected Cocuy National Natural Park, an area historically recognized for its significant glacial features and high-altitude rock formations.
Interesting facts
Concavo is the 7th highest peak in the Snowy Mountains of Cocuy. Its nearest higher peak is San Pablin Sur, located 3.7 km to the north at an elevation of 5,290 m. The range high point, Ritacuba Blanco, is 10 km away.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Concavo? The summit of Concavo is 5,165 m above sea level.
Where is Concavo located? It is in the municipality of Güicán, Boyacá, Colombia, within the Snowy Mountains of Cocuy.
Are there huts on Concavo? Cabañas Kanwara is a known hut in the region used by climbers.
How hard is it to climb Concavo? The normal route via the Southwest face is graded PD− on the alpine scale, which is the easiest way to reach the top.
Is there water on the way to Concavo? The region is high and alpine; water should be sourced from snowmelt near glaciers and must be treated before consumption. Carry 1.5-3 litres for the day.
How is the mobile phone coverage? Coverage in the hills is patchy and depends on the operator. Always download maps before setting out and remember that 112 reaches emergency services over any available network.