Paso del Angel

The ridge is a narrow spine of rock running between two ravines, and at its thinnest it is roughly a metre across with the ground falling away several tens of metres on either side. There is nothing to hold on to and no barrier. Crossing it is the whole activity, and it has become well known through photographs, which has brought people who underestimate it. Local guides accompany visitors from Santa Sofia and this is worth taking rather than going alone, both for the route and because the approach crosses private land. The surrounding country is dry and eroded, part of the same badlands landscape as the Candelaria desert, with the Hoyo de la Romera sinkhole nearby.

What to look for

• A ridge about a metre wide - with unguarded drops on both sides.
• No barrier or handhold - nothing between you and the fall.
• Dry eroded badlands - the surrounding country.
• Local guides from Santa Sofia - who also manage the land access.

When to go

December to March, the drier months. Half a day.

Practical notes

Wind, wet rock and vertigo all make it genuinely dangerous and there is no safety infrastructure. Do not attempt it in rain. Take a local guide - this is not a signposted trail.

Nearby

Santa Sofia is the base; Villa de Leyva is south-east.