Ritacuba Blanco facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ritacuba Blanco |
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Ritacuba Blanco from the west
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,410 m (17,750 ft) |
| Prominence | 3,645 m (11,959 ft) Ranked 46th |
| Listing | Ultra |
| Geography | |
 Ritacuba Blanco
Location in Colombia
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| Location | Sierra Nevada del Cocuy, Colombia |
| Parent range | Cordillera Oriental, Colombia; Andes |
| Topo map | CIGM Sheet 137 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | glacial hike |
Ritacuba Blanco is the tallest mountain in the Eastern Mountain Range of Colombia. This range is part of the huge Andes Mountains in South America. The mountain is also known as Ritak'uwa. This old name comes from the U'wa, an indigenous group. They live in the lowlands near the mountain.
Ritacuba Blanco is found inside the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy y Güicán National Park. You can reach its top from the west. First, you go through the town of El Cocuy. Then, you pass the village of Güicán. Finally, you arrive at the small area called Las Cabañas. The climb is not too hard. However, the weather can change quickly. Also, climbers must cross a glacier to reach the summit.
Sadly, the glacier on Ritacuba Blanco is melting very fast. This is happening because of global warming. The glacier is shrinking by about 25 meters each year. Other snow-covered mountains in Colombia are also melting quickly. In 1950, the glacier reached down to 4,100 meters above sea level. By January 2007, its lowest point was at 4,500 meters. If it keeps melting this fast, the glacier might disappear before the year 2055.
Getting to Ritacuba Blanco
You can start your trip to Ritacuba Blanco from two towns. These are Cocuy or Güicán. Both towns are in the Boyacá department of Colombia. After leaving either town, you travel to a place called Kanwara. This is where the main hike to the mountain's base begins.
Ways to Climb the Mountain
There are different paths to climb Ritacuba Blanco. Some are easier, and some are very challenging.
North West Route
This is the usual way to climb the mountain. It is not technically difficult. You will need some basic knowledge of mountaineering. This includes how to use ice axes and ropes safely.
East Route
This path is currently closed to climbers. It offers big challenges for experienced climbers. These climbers enjoy scaling very steep rock faces.
See Also
- In Spanish: Ritacuba Blanco para niños
- List of peaks by prominence
- List of Ultras of South America
