Close to the cotton-like Caribbean clouds, the highest point in Providencia offers a generous, breathtaking view of the island and the sea. The blue sky melts into the “Sea of Seven Colors” at the horizon. In front of the Pico, you can see her little sister, Santa Catalina, beauty brimming over the Caribbean cloak. A green carpet that descends the mild slopes meets white-sand beaches and flows into the sea.
The Pico is a forest reserve that rises, proudly, 360 meters above sea level – the highest point in all of the archipelago of San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina. The Pico is an emblem of the Providencia islanders whose peak is a protector of life, charged with spiritual energy. It’s also the only hydrographic star of the archipelago and, because of this, the hydrolic center whose value has no price as the lush green forests wave down the gentle slopes spilling, so the traveler can appreciate the varied forms a dry tropical forest.
To reach the top, the traveler should contract a certified guide. Bring lots of hydration, walking shoes, sunscreen and a sun hat, ready to climb and reach the peak of the mountain in a revitalizing, moderately difficult, hike. It should take a few hours to reach the peak, passing through trails marked by the dry tropical forest that allow the hiker to appreciate and fill up with the electrical charge of life and beauty.
The ascent to the Pico is charged with all the qualities that we look for in eco-tourism: protected by huge ceibas, beautiful orchards, ferns and corsages of flowers, the trails climb accompanied by the music of beautiful, crystalline water sources that flow from the heart of the mountain. Later, to descend, meandering over the trails in search of the warm, multi-colored waters that surround Providencia.
To reach the crown of the Pico, you might find yourself walking through clouds and fog, which can be arduous. But your hard work will be compensated, as the reward exceeds the fatigue: postcard-worthy photos are taken by the victorious climbers. On the other hand, Mother Nature, without a doubt, will offer visitors a fruit from her fertile earth: a sumptuous, ripe mango while sitting at the top of the mountain is a flavor to be treasured.
