Ascend the impressive Nevado del Tolima on a spectacular five-day trek starting in Salento and finishing in Ibagué. Enjoy natural hot springs, Andean forests, wetlands, páramo landscapes, and high-mountain sandfields along the way.
Los Nevados National Natural Park is located in the Central Andes Mountain Range of Colombia and covers an area of 61,200 hectares. Its highest point reaches 5,321 meters above sea level at the summit of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, while its lowest elevation lies at 2,600 meters in the Andean forests. The park extends across the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, and Tolima, and features three stunning snow-capped volcanoes—Ruiz, Santa Isabel, and Tolima—surrounded by vast páramo landscapes, forests, lagoons, and rivers. These ecosystems are home to a wide diversity of plant and animal species, some of them currently endangered.
The trek described below lasts five days. During this journey, we cross the Central Andes Mountain Range, starting on the western slope—the Cocora Valley—and finishing in the city of Ibagué, on the eastern slope of the range. Along the route, we will experience a variety of ecosystems, including cloud forests, páramo landscapes, and high-mountain sandfields, before reaching the impressive summit of Nevado del Tolima (5,240 m a.s.l.). After the ascent, we will visit the warm waters of the Cañón hot springs, where we will recharge before continuing the descent through ravines and historic colonial paths until reaching the city of Ibagué.
🔴 Limited spots
+ One guide for each 3 people.
+ Medical assistance insurance.
+ Mountaineering equipment: crampons, ice axes, helmets, harnesses, ropes, gaiters, etc.
+ Mules to carry the luggage throughout the entire route.
+ Full mountain meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners.
+ A complete snack kit for each day of hiking.
+ Ground transportation: Salento – Cocora Valley and Juntas – Ibagué.
+ Full lodging: three nights in rural farmhouses and one night camping.
+ Camping equipment: tent, stoves, plates, cups, cutlery, etc.
+ Entrance permit to Los Nevados National Natural Park.
+ All activities described in the itinerary.
+ Sleeping bag (available for rent).
+ Thermal sleeping pad (available for rent).
+ Unspecified expenses.
+ It is possible to complete the route in four days if, instead of finishing the hike in Juntas, it ends in Palomar.
+ This trip is suitable for people with good physical condition, although it is not necessary to be an athlete or have high-mountain experience.
+ Accommodation in the rural farmhouses is in shared rooms; if you would like a private room, please write to us. Keep in mind that one night will be spent in tents provided by the agency.
Our journey begins in the charming town of Salento, located in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Cultural Landscape and known for its traditional beauty and picturesque atmosphere.
At 7:00 a.m., we will meet at a previously agreed meeting point to enjoy breakfast before taking private transportation on a 12-kilometer ride to the stunning Cocora Valley. Here, we will admire the towering wax palms — Colombia’s national tree — and the spectacular natural scenery that surrounds them.
After loading our luggage onto the mules, we will begin our ascent through misty forests, crossing small streams and trails surrounded by a rich diversity of native birds and vegetation. We will continue hiking until reaching the welcoming rural farmhouse known as La Argentina, located on a natural viewpoint overlooking a canyon surrounded by lush, forest-covered mountains.
Here we will enjoy a traditional lunch and settle into our rooms. The afternoon will be free to rest, explore the surroundings, and connect with the warm host family. We will end the day with dinner and a well-deserved rest.
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 5 hours
Positive elevation gain: 1,000 meters
Negative elevation loss: 80 meters
Starting altitude: 2,400 m a.s.l.
Maximum altitude: 3,400 m a.s.l.
Ending altitude: 3,400 m a.s.l.
We will begin the day with a nourishing breakfast before loading our luggage onto the mules. Then, we will start our hike toward the majestic Paramillo del Quindío. Before reaching its base, we will take a detour to a place known as La Línea, located at 4,000 meters above sea level, from where we will begin our descent toward the farmhouse La Playa, situated at an altitude of 3,700 meters.
Upon arrival, we will enjoy a comforting lunch and spend the afternoon resting and preparing the high-mountain equipment needed for the following day of the expedition. Later, we will share a hot dinner and get ready for a well-deserved rest.
Distance: 6 km
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Positive elevation gain: 600 meters
Negative elevation loss: 300 meters
Starting altitude: 3.400 m a.s.l.
Maximum altitude: 4.000 m a.s.l.
Ending altitude: 3.700 m a.s.l.
Our day begins very early, at 11:00 p.m., with a light breakfast before starting the hike in the stillness of the páramo, surrounded by imposing frailejones and other unique species characteristic of this ecosystem. As we progress, we gain altitude and enter an area of sandy terrain and rocky formations, where we will witness the sunrise in an awe-inspiring landscape.
We will continue ascending until reaching the edge of the glacier, where we will gear up with helmets, crampons, ice axes, ropes, and harnesses, all provided by our agency. Once ready, we will begin the ascent over the snow toward the summit. The glacier section takes approximately an hour and a half and will lead us to the peak, located at 5,240 meters above sea level. From there, we will enjoy a privileged viewpoint overlooking the surrounding snow-capped peaks and paramillos of the National Park.
After making the most of this unique moment at the summit, we will begin the descent and take the trail toward the Cañón Hot Springs, where we will end the day relaxing in its natural thermal waters.
Distance: 22 km
Duration: 14 – 16 hours
Positive elevation gain: 1,600 m
Negative elevation loss: 1,300 m
Starting altitude: 3,700 m a.s.l.
Maximum altitude: 5,240 m a.s.l.
Ending altitude: 4,000 m a.s.l.
On this day, we will enjoy a hike designed for contemplation and connection with the landscape, following ancient trails adorned with beautiful frailejones that gradually lead us toward the Andean forest ecosystem. The path will take us to the rural school El Salto (3,200 m a.s.l.), nestled among the mountains and offering a wonderful view of Nevado del Tolima.
This place welcomes us with its authentic atmosphere and provides the opportunity to interact with the host family and the students who live in the area. We will enjoy a delicious traditional lunch and have time to rest, take in the scenery, and learn about the local way of life and cultural traditions. We will end the day with dinner and shared lodging accommodations.
Distance: 11 km
Duration: 4 – 5 hours
Positive elevation gain: 90 meters
Negative elevation loss: 890 meters
Starting altitude: 4,000 m a.s.l.
Maximum altitude: 4,030 m a.s.l.
Ending altitude: 3,200 m a.s.l.
After a pleasant night at the school and a hearty traditional breakfast, we will begin our final day of hiking. We will start with an ascent of approximately one hour before beginning the descent through ravines surrounded by lush high Andean cloud forests, known as fog forests. This beautiful and extended descent will lead us to the town of Juntas, on the opposite side of the mountain range, where we will take a bus that will transport us to the city of Ibagué (approximately 40 minutes of travel).
Our journey concludes in Ibagué, where each participant will have the option to return to their city of origin by plane or bus, depending on preference.
Distance: 13 km
Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Positive elevation gain: 400 meters
Negative elevation loss: 1,700 meters
Starting altitude: 3,200 m a.s.l.
Maximum altitude: 3,600 m a.s.l.
Ending altitude: 1,900 m a.s.l.
+ Small backpack (20–30 L) for the hikes.
+ High-mountain sleeping bag.
+ Sleeping pad (small mat).
+ Small towel.
+ Swimsuit.
+ Dark sunglasses with UV protection.
+ Poncho-style rain cover (not necessary if your jacket is waterproof).
+ Headlamp with spare batteries.
+ Cold-weather clothing: warm jacket, fleece layer, comfortable hiking pants and another pair for sleeping (preferably thermal), thick socks (at least three pairs), gloves, and a hat that covers the ears.
+ Hiking boots, lightweight shoes.
+ Water container (thermos or bottle).
+ Sunscreen.
+ Lip balm.
+ Small personal first-aid kit.
+ Small personal hygiene kit (toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrush).
+ Large bags to pack clothing and trash.
This is a physically demanding expedition. Although no previous mountaineering experience is required, participants must have excellent physical condition. Having completed multi-day hikes in cold environments or at high altitude will help you feel more confident and better prepared for the ascent.
We also recommend arriving two days early and spending time in high-altitude areas such as Bogotá or Salento, as prior acclimatization significantly improves the body’s ability to adapt and reduces the risk of altitude-related discomfort during the expedition.
To prepare for a high-mountain ascent, we suggest maintaining a consistent training routine that includes cardiovascular exercise (such as hiking, running, or cycling), leg and core strengthening, and long walks carrying a backpack. Training at least 3 to 4 times per week in the weeks leading up to the expedition will greatly improve your performance, endurance, and comfort during the ascent.
Our team is equipped with satellite communication devices, first-aid kits, and medical oxygen supplies at the high-altitude camps. In addition, we continuously monitor the physical condition of all participants.
+ Sleeping bag: $80.000
+ Thermal sleeping pad: $30.000
+ Jacket + fleece sweater: $80.000
+ Trekking poles: $30.000
+ Thermal pants: $30.000
+ Waterproof pants: $30.000
+ Gloves: mittens + fleece gloves: $30.000
+ Hat, balaclava, or buff: $10.000
+ Sunglasses with UV protection: $30.000
+ Headlamp (with batteries): $30.000
You can secure your spot with a 20% deposit, and the remaining balance must be paid before the start of the expedition. Contact us to learn more about available payment methods.
If you are unable to continue due to health reasons or weather conditions, our team will always prioritize your safety. We will accompany you during the descent, and you will receive the necessary medical attention.
Remember that this expedition includes medical assistance and rescue insurance.
Yes! If you can’t match the dates of our upcoming expedition, contact us. We can design a customized adventure or even open a new expedition date especially for you or your group.
