This is a journey of healing and connection with nature, while visiting sacred places of the indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada. We will enjoy the beaches, rivers and forests, in the company of the Koguis.
NEVADO DEL TOLIMA SUMMIT
LOS NEVADOS NATIONAL PARK
Ascend from Salento to Nevado del Tolima in only three days. The ideal trip for those who are in good physical shape and have little time.
Los Nevados National Park is located on the central mountain range of the Colombian Andes and has an extension of 61.200 hectares, a maximum altitude of 5.321 meters (Nevado del Ruiz summit), and a minimum altitude of 2.600 meters at the Andean forests. The park is located between Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío and Tolima departments. Its wide geography features three volcanoes (Ruiz, Santa Isabel and Tolima), large paramo areas (alpine moorland), forests, lakes and rivers where many species of animals and plants live; some of theme endangered species.
This excursion described below is a beautiful three-days trekking to ascent to the Nevado del Tolima Summit (5.240 m), and enjoy the geography while walking through cloud forest, paramo, sandbanks and glaciers.
Our exciting adventure begins in the charming municipality of Salento, located in the heart of the Coffee Axis and renowned for its picturesque beauty. Early in the morning, we will meet at a predetermined location to enjoy a delicious breakfast, after which we will board a private vehicle that will take us on a journey of approximately 12 kilometers to reach the breathtaking Cocora Valley. Here, we will witness the majestic wax palm trees and their exceptionally beautiful natural surroundings.
Once we have prepared our luggage and entrusted it to the mules, we will get ready to embark on our ascent through lush cloud forests, crossing numerous streams that provide shelter to a variety of birds and plants. We will continue our hike until we reach the paramo ecosystem, which will lead us to the modest yet cozy rural house known as “La Playa.” From there, we will enjoy a beautiful view of the snow-capped mountain. We will have the rest of the afternoon free to rest, explore the surroundings, and share special moments with the warm-hearted family that lives in this place.
Distance: 20 km
Duration: 7 – 10 hours
Elevation gain: 1700 meters
Elevation loss: 400 meters
Initial altitude: 2,400 m.a.s.l
Maximum altitude: 4,000 m.a.s.l
Final altitude: 3,700 m.a.s.l
Our journey begins early, at 11:00 PM, with a light breakfast. Subsequently, we will commence our hike, immersing ourselves in the silence of the paramo, surrounded by impressive frailejones and other unique plants that characterize this region. Gradually, we gain altitude and enter an area of rocky sandbanks where we will witness the sunrise. We continue ascending until we reach the glacier, where we equip ourselves with the necessary gear, including helmets, crampons, ice axes, ropes, and harnesses provided by our agency. Once prepared, we initiate the ascent on the snow that will lead us to the summit.
The journey on the glacier lasts approximately 1.5 hours until we reach the summit, which is located at an altitude of 5,240 meters above sea level. From there, we enjoy a spectacular view that allows us to admire the other snow-capped mountains and paramillos of the National Park. After making the most of our experience at the summit, we begin the descent back to reach Finca La Playa, where we will savor a well-deserved lunch and have the opportunity to rest.
Distance: 24 km
Duration: 12 – 13 hours
Elevation gain: 1,600 meters
Elevation loss: 1,600 meters
Initial altitude: 3,700 m.s.n.m
Maximum altitude: 5,240 m.s.n.m
Final altitude: 3,700 m.s.n.m
After enjoying a hearty country-style breakfast, we will leave our luggage with the pack mules and begin our descent towards the Cocora Valley. The path will be different from the ascent, allowing us to connect with other landscapes (Andean forests) and gullies that intersect with streams until we reach the Cocora Valley. From there, we will take a vehicle back to Salento, where our journey concludes.
Distance: 20 km
Duración: 6 – 8 hours
Altitude gain: 400 meters
altitude loss: 1.900 meters
Initial altitude: 3.700 m.a.s.l
Maximum altitude: 4.0000 m.a.s.l
Final altitude: 2.400 m.a.s.l
+ The activities on the second day are physically and mentally demanding, and constitute a personal challenge. During this trekking we will be gaining 1.500 meters, and is design to last about 13 hours depending on the weather and physical shape of the hikers. Usually we need two days to accomplish this hike, but only for people in very good shape we offer the one-day hike that allows us to make the whole tour in three days, instead of a regular four days package tour. If you never have performed a 12 hours hike, we highly advice you to opt for the four days tour option.
+ This trip is for people in good shape; however, it is not necessary to neither be an athlete nor have any high mountain experience.
+ The accommodation in the peasants houses is in shared rooms, however if you want to have a privet room let us know, we will make the arrangements for an extra fee.
+ A plastic bag to fit all you need for the trip
+ A small backpack for hiking (20 – 30 Lts)
+ Small towel
+ Sun glasses with UV protection
+ A raincoat poncho like (not needed if your jacket is waterproof)
+ Frontal torch/lantern with back up batteries
+ Cloths suitable for cold weather: jacket, sweater, confortable hiking pants and an extra pair to sleep (we recommend thermic pants), thick socks (at least three pairs), gloves and hat that cover your ears
+ Hiking boots and light shoes
+ Re usable water bottle (thermo)
+ Sunscreen
+ Lip balm
+ A small medical kit
+ A small hygiene personal kit (toilet paper, tooth paste, tooth brush, etc.)
+ A pair of big bags to pack the cloths and to pack the garbage
INCLUDED
+ Professional guide authorized by the National Park.
+ Medical insurance.
+ Climbing equipment: crampons, ice axes, helmets, harnesses, ropes, etc.
+ Mules to carry our luggage.
+ Full meals: 3 breakfast, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
+ Snacks kit for every hike.
+ Land transport: Salento – Valle de Cocora – Salento.
+ Accommodation: two nights in a peasant house.
+ Entrance permits to Los Nevados National Park.
+ All the activities described in the itinerary.
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NOT INCLUDED
+ Not specified expenses.
The experience of being in such majestic place is very strong and challenging. The adequate companionship and the experience make the difference between having a very good time and not wanting to go back. Excellent place to connect with nature and excellent guide as well, which makes you fell save during the experience.
Jorge Santamaria.
The tour was excellent, the place is beautiful, and all of it is worth the effort. It is a hard hiking and reaching the hot springs after four days of adventure is priceless. The logistic and the guide were top; schedules, food, transport…everything perfect!
Simon Franco
The cloud forests, the paramo, the snowy mountains, the hot springs…are a whole world of different and amazing landscapes. The organization and the guide were excellent. Thank you SAWA!
Carlos Preciado
See the beautiful landscapes of El Tuparro National Park. Navigate through gigantic rivers, get to know the vast plain with its beautiful tepúyeses and be amazed by the landscapes of this territory
Get to know the Sacred Igüaque lagoon located in this beautiful sanctuary while you tour the Andean forests and its moorland (páramo).