Pico Cristóbal Colón is the highest mountain in Colombia, with an estimated height of 5,700 metres (18,700 ft). It is also the fifth most prominent in the world (see list of peaks by prominence). The nearest peak that is higher is Cayambe, some 1,288 kilometres (800 mi) away. There is a permanent snowcap on this peak and on the nearby mountains. It is part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta range, along with Pico Simón Bolívar. The peak is named after Christopher Columbus.
| Pico Cristóbal Colón | |
|---|---|
 Pico Cristóbal Colón in 2008 | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 5,700 m (18,700 ft)[1] |
| Prominence | 5,508 m (18,071 ft)Ranked 5th |
| Listing | Country high point Ultra |
| Geography | |
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| |
| Location | Magdalena Department,  Colombia |
| Region | CO |
| Parent range | Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1939 by Wood, Bakerwell and Praolini |
| Easiest route | basic snow/ice climb |
Pico Cristóbal Colón and Pico Simón Bolívar are the two highest peaks in Colombia and are very nearly equal in elevation. It is possible that nearby Pico Simón Bolívar is higher than Pico Cristóbal Colón. If so, then Pico Simón Bolívar is the true highest mountain in Colombia and the fifth most prominent in the world.[2]
Pico Cristóbal Colón was first climbed in 1939 by W. Wood, A. Bakerwell and E. Praolini.[3]
References
- ^ The elevation given here is based on SRTM data. Colombian topographic maps show 5650m contours but no 5700m contours. A figure of 5775m is frequently quoted.
- ^ Andes site
- ^ http://www.peakware.com/peaks.html?pk=57
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