Pico Pan de Azúcar facts for kids
The Pico Pan de Azúcar is a super tall mountain in Venezuela. It stands at 4,680 meters (about 15,354 feet) high! This makes it the ninth highest mountain in the whole country. It's also the third tallest in the Sierra de la Culata mountain range, which is in the Mérida State.
Its name means "Bread of Sugar" in English. Why? Because the mountain's sandy slopes look a lot like "Pan dulce," a sweet bread sprinkled with sugar that people love to eat in Venezuela. From the very top, you can see amazing views! You might even spot Lake Maracaibo, the snowy peaks of Sierra Nevada de Mérida, and all the other cool mountains around it in the Sierra de la Culata.
Quick facts for kids Pico Pan de Azúcar |
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Pico Pan de Azúcar as seen from the East at Alto de Mucujún
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,680 m (15,350 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Mérida state, Venezuela |
| Parent range | Sierra de la Culata, Andes |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Wilhem Sievers, June 5th, 1885 |
| Easiest route | Walk, easy climb PD |
Contents
Where is Pico Pan de Azúcar?
This amazing mountain is about 27.7 kilometers (around 17 miles) northeast of Mérida, Mérida. That's the main city of the state.
Pico Pan de Azúcar and other mountains surround a high valley. This valley is about 4,300 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level. It's also where the Mucujún river begins its journey!
A Look Back: History of the Mountain
The first person known to climb Pico Pan de Azúcar was a German explorer. His name was Wilhem Sievers, and he reached the top in 1885.
Later, in 1910, another explorer named Alfredo Jahn climbed the mountain. He was an engineer leading a team to explore western Venezuela. But here's a fun fact: Jahn actually called this mountain "Tucaní." He gave the name "Pan de Azúcar" to a different mountain nearby, which we now call Pan de Sal!
Climbing Pico Pan de Azúcar
Pico Pan de Azúcar is one of the most popular mountains to climb in the Mérida state. People love it because it's easy to get to and doesn't take too long to reach.
The best time to climb is during the dry season. This usually lasts from October to March. The main way to start your climb is through a place called "La Culata." Most climbers use the path along the mountain's South ridge.
See also
In Spanish: Pico Pan de Azúcar (Venezuela) para niños
