Rocas de Suesca

The cliffs run for several kilometres along the Bogota river valley above Suesca, sandstone in bands up to about a hundred and twenty metres, and climbing has been done here since the 1930s and 1940s - it is where the sport started in Colombia and where most Colombian climbers learn. There are several hundred routes across the full range of difficulty, sport and traditional, with the rock varying from solid to friable depending on the sector. Schools operate from the village and equipment can be hired. Beyond climbing there are walking paths along the base and top of the cliffs, and the area is dry and open, at around 2,600 metres, so it is cold at night. The heritage train from Bogota runs at weekends.

What you actually see

• Sandstone cliffs up to about 120 metres - running several kilometres.
• Where Colombian climbing began - routes established from the 1930s.
• Several hundred routes - sport and traditional, all grades.
• A weekend heritage train - running up from Bogota.

When to go

December to March, the drier months. A full day.

Honest expectations

Rock quality varies and some sectors are friable - local advice matters. Weekends are busy with climbers and school groups. It is cold at altitude, especially at night. Guides and hired equipment vary in quality.

Nearby

Zipaquira is south-west; Bogota is south.