An amazing three days circuit, in which we go across rivers and water streams, ascend through the cloud forest and enter to the paramo ecosystem.
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.
The journey detailed below is a beautiful three-day expedition with the aim of getting close to the Paramillo del Quindío while also enjoying the high Andean cloud forests with their rivers and streams. Additionally, we will explore the paramo, a beautiful ecosystem found in only five countries and of great importance in conserving water sources.
The trip starts in the beautiful and picturesque town of Salento, Quindio, in the coffee region. After breakfast, we will meet at the main square where a traditional Willys Jeep will take us to the beautiful Cocora Valley, 12 Km from Salento. During the beautiful ascent we will go across creeks and cloud forests that will finally turn into paramo, a very special ecosystem that only exist in five countries. During our hike we will enjoy a typical lunch wrapped in leafs. We will continue our trip until we reach a humble, heartwarming place called La Argentina, which has a beautiful view to the canyon. In La Argentina, we will have dinner and also the opportunity to share with locals that inhabit the place. We will spend the night there in shared rooms.
Duration: 5 hours (10 Km)
Altitude gain: 1.000 meters
Altitude loss: 80 meters
Initial altitude: 2.400 meters
Maximum altitude: 3.400 meters
Final altitude: 3.400 meters
We will start the day with a nutritious breakfast before leaving our luggage with the mules. Then, we will begin our hike towards the majestic Paramillo del Quindío. Before reaching its base, we will detour to a place known as La Línea, situated at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level, from where we will commence our descent to reach La Playa farm, located at 3,700 meters above sea level. Once at La Playa, we will enjoy a comforting lunch and take the afternoon to rest and organize the high mountain equipment that we will need for the next day of the expedition. Later, we will savor a delicious dinner and prepare ourselves for a well-deserved rest.
Distance: 6 km
Duration: 3 – 4 hours
Altitude gain: 600 meters
Altitude loss: 300 meters
Initial altitude: 3.400 m.a.s.l
Maximum altitude: 4.000 m.a.s.l
Final altitude: 3.700 m.a.s.l
After breakfast, we will initiate our descent to Cocora Valley. We will be going through a different rout than we ascended to allow us to enjoy others typical Andean’s landscapes. Once we reach the Cocora Valley we will take a vehicle to Salento, where our trip ends
Distance: 20 km
Duration: 6 – 7 hours
Altitude gain: 400 meters
Altitude loss: 1.900 meters
Initial altitude: 3.700 meters
Maximum altitude: 4.000 meters
Final altitude: 2.400 meters
+ Professional guide authorized by the National Park.
+ Medical insurance.
+ Full meals in the mountains, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3.
+ Snacks kit for every hike.
+ Land transport: Salento – Cocora Valley – Salento.
+ Accommodation: two nights in peasants houses.
+ Entrance permits to Los Nevados National Park.
+ All the activities described in the itinerary.
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+ Breakfast on day 1 and dinner on day 3.
+ 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
It is a beautiful tour through the mountains. It was hard to reach the Paramillo’s top, but because of the amazing landscape you can see from there, is completely worthy.
Thanks SAWA for the excellent job!
Cludia Jara
I loved the tour! We were lucky to have perfect weather, which let us see the paramo and the whole National Park from the paramillo’s top. I loved the warmth of the people and the peasant houses!
Beautiful trip. Thanks SAWA and its excellent guide Yesid!
Viviana.
