SOCORRO ANDINO COLOMBIANO

The Colombian Association of Mountain and Climbing Guides (ACGME) is a non-profit educational organization. It is dedicated to support and train the community of climbing and mountain instructors and guides in the country.

The Colombian Andean Rescue (Socorro Andino Colombiano) is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing high-altitude search and rescue services in the mountainous regions of Colombia. Modeled after similar rescue organizations in the Andean region, the group is made up of skilled mountaineers, first responders, and medical professionals who work to assist individuals in distress in remote and challenging terrains.

The organization’s primary focus is on ensuring safety and conducting rescue operations for climbers, hikers, and adventurers who may encounter difficulties in Colombia’s rugged mountain ranges. These operations often involve rescues from high altitudes, sometimes exceeding 4,000 meters, where environmental factors such as altitude sickness, weather, and difficult terrain create life-threatening situations.

In addition to conducting rescues, the Socorro Andino Colombiano also works on prevention efforts. This includes educating the public about mountain safety, offering training for emergency situations, and collaborating with local and international rescue teams to improve the effectiveness of operations. The group is highly regarded for its dedication, professionalism, and expertise in the field of mountain rescue.

Saving Lives in the Mountains...

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About us - Who are we?

Dedicated to Mountain Rescue and High Mountain Safety

Socorro Andino Colombiano (SAC) is an organization dedicated to mountain rescue and emergency response in Colombia. Its main objectives include the protection and rescue of people in mountainous and difficult-to-access areas, particularly during emergencies caused by accidents, natural disasters, or other life-threatening situations.

Founded: SAC has been active for several decades, establishing itself as a leading organization for mountain rescue in Colombia.

Mission: SAC focuses on rescue operations, training in rescue techniques, and raising awareness about safety in outdoor activities.

Activities:

- Mountain Rescue: SAC is frequently involved in rescuing individuals from Colombia’s rugged terrains, including the Andes and various national parks.
- Training: The organization offers training programs for volunteers and professionals in rescue techniques, first aid, and survival skills.
- Collaborations: SAC often works alongside other organizations, such as the Red Cross, civil defense, and local fire departments.

Structure: SAC operates through a network of regional groups, each responsible for a specific area of Colombia, ensuring rapid and coordinated responses during emergencies.

The Colombian Association of Mountain and Climbing Guides (ACGME) is a non-profit educational organization. It is dedicated to supporting and training the community of climbing and mountain instructors and guides in the country.

As a leading organization in the community, we offer cutting-edge knowledge and years of collective experience that you won’t get from any other climbing organization. ACGME guides and staff are experts in the business of being a guide. We’ve set standards for instruction, protecting the guiding environment, and organizing a powerful, unified community of guides and clients. And we will continue to support you as you pursue your passion.

Our certifications

Our mission

Saving Lives and Protecting Mountaineers

Our Mission at Socorro Andino Colombiano

At Socorro Andino Colombiano, our mission is to provide expert search and rescue services in Colombia’s mountainous regions, ensuring the safety and protection of all who venture into these challenging terrains. We are committed to:

Saving Lives: Through rapid response and coordinated rescue efforts, we aim to assist those in distress in high-altitude environments, ensuring safe evacuations from dangerous situations.
Prevention and Education: We promote mountain safety and awareness by offering education and training to the public, helping individuals prepare for safe mountain adventures and reducing the risk of accidents.
Collaboration: We work closely with local communities, governmental organizations, and international rescue teams to enhance our capabilities, share knowledge, and improve the overall effectiveness of rescue operations.
Sustainability: As a volunteer organization, we are dedicated to maintaining our operations through community support, fundraising efforts, and partnerships, ensuring that we can continue to serve the people who explore Colombia’s mountainous landscapes.

Our commitment is to preserve lives while fostering a culture of safety and preparedness among mountaineers, hikers, and adventurers in Colombia’s breathtaking and often challenging high-altitude environments.

To train and support mountain and climbing guides and instructors in Colombia by providing high quality training and rigorous standards. We are dedicated to protecting the guiding environment and fostering a cohesive community of professionals committed to excellence and safety in the practice of these activities.

Our vision

Extreme Height Rescue and Support

Our Vision at Socorro Andino Colombiano

Our vision is to become a leading organization in mountain safety, rescue, and prevention across Colombia and the Andean region. We aspire to:

Be a Beacon of Safety: Set the highest standards for search and rescue operations in Colombia’s mountainous areas, becoming a trusted name synonymous with safety and reliability.
Expand National Reach: Grow our presence across all mountainous regions of Colombia, ensuring that anyone in need, no matter how remote, can rely on our expert services.
Foster a Culture of Preparedness: Encourage a widespread culture of safety, preparedness, and environmental responsibility among all who explore Colombia’s mountains, through education, outreach, and community engagement.
Innovate and Lead: Stay at the forefront of search and rescue technologies, techniques, and practices, continuously improving our capabilities and training to meet the evolving challenges of mountain rescue.
Collaborate Globally: Build strong partnerships with international mountain rescue organizations to share knowledge, resources, and best practices, establishing Colombia as a model of excellence in the global mountain rescue community.

Through our dedicated efforts, we envision a future where every adventurer can explore Colombia’s mountains with confidence, knowing that the Socorro Andino Colombiano is there to safeguard their journey.

To become the leading organization in the training and development of mountain and climbing guides in Colombia, integrating cutting-edge knowledge and decades of experience to drive passion and professionalism in the community. We seek to unite guides and instructors in a powerful and committed network, raising the standards of the sector and promoting sustainability in the natural environment.

Our Team - Colombian Association of Mountain and Climbing Guides | ACGME

Prepared for Any Mountain Emergency

The Colombian Association of Mountain and Climbing Guides – ACGME recognizes the people mentioned on this page as guides and aspirants who strive to establish a standard of quality and safety in rock and mountain climbing guiding at the national level.

The exact number of certified mountain guides in Colombia varies, as the profession is still developing and gaining recognition. However, as of recent years, Colombia has seen a growing community of professional mountain guides due to the increasing popularity of outdoor sports such as mountaineering, trekking, and rock climbing.

There are several training and certification programs available in the country, and some guides are certified by international organizations such as the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA/UIAGM). Additionally, there are local guiding organizations and mountaineering clubs that support and train mountain guides. These certifications are important for ensuring safety and professionalism in Colombia’s mountain tourism sector.

Despite the growing demand, the number of fully certified mountain guides in Colombia remains relatively low compared to other countries with longer traditions of mountain tourism and rescue, like Peru or Argentina. As interest in mountaineering and adventure tourism increases, it is expected that the number of certified mountain guides will also grow in the coming years.