Ascend to the imposing Nevado del Tolima in an amazing four days trip, departing from Salento and finishing in Ibagué. Enjoy the hot springs, the Andean forest, the wetlands, the moorland and sandbanks.
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 is a beautiful four-days trekking that crosses the central mountain range of the Andes, starting at its western side in the Cocora Valley and ending in the city of Ibagué at the eastern side of the mountain range. The trip ascents through the cloud forests, climbs up to the paramo (alpine moorland), the sandy terrain and summits of Nevado del Tolima volcano (5.240 meters). Then we will visit the pleasant Cañón hot springs and descents through colonial paths to finally reach the city of Ibagué.
Our exciting journey begins in the charming municipality of Salento, located in the heart of the Coffee zone and known for its picturesque beauty. In the morning, we will meet at a prearranged location for breakfast and then take private transportation that will take us on a roughly 12-kilometer journey to the beautiful Cocora Valley. Here, we will witness the majestic wax palms and their naturally stunning surroundings.
After packing our belongings on the mules, we will prepare to start our ascent through lush cloud forests, crossing numerous streams that provide shelter for various birds and plants. Continuing our hike, we will reach the modest but cozy peasant house known as “La Argentina,” which offers a beautiful view of a canyon surrounded by green mountains covered in forests. At La Argentina, we will enjoy a hearty lunch and settle into our rooms. We will have the afternoon free to rest, explore the area, and interact with the warm family who lives there.
Dinner and rest.
Distance: 10 km
Duration: 5 hours
Altitude gain: 1.000 meters
Altitude loss: 80 meters
Initial altitude: 2.400 m.a.s.l
Maximum altitude: 3.400 m.a.s.l
Final altitude: 3.400 m.a.s.l
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
Our journey begins early, at 11:00 pm, with a light breakfast. Subsequently, we’ll start the 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 venture into an area of rocky sandbanks, where we’ll witness the sunrise. We continue ascending until we reach the glacier, where we’ll equip ourselves with the necessary gear, such as helmets, crampons, ice axes, ropes, and harnesses, provided by our agency. Once ready, we commence the ascent on the snow, which will lead us to the summit. The journey across the glacier takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach the top, which sits 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 peaks and paramos of the National Park. After making the most of our summit experience, we begin the descent back and take a detour that leads us to the Cañón Hot Springs, concluding the day by enjoying the warm waters of the place.
Dintance: 22 km
Duration: 14 – 16 hours
Altitude gain: 1.600 meters
Altitude loss: 1.300 meters
Initial altitude: 3.700 meters
Maximum altitude: 5.240 meters
Final altitude: 4.000 meters
On the last day, we will descend from the hot springs, crossing fields of frailejones, and make our way to Laguna Bombona. Finally, we will head to a location known as La Punta, where a private vehicle will be waiting to transport us to Palomar. There, we will enjoy lunch before continuing our descent by car for approximately 3 hours until we reach the city of Ibagué.
Distance: 19 km
Duration: 6 hours hiking and 3 hours by car
Altitude gain: 100 meters
Altitude loss: 1.100 meters
Initial altitude: 4.000 meters
Maximum altitude: 4.000 meters
Final altitude: 2.800 meters
+ A small backpack for hiking (20 – 30 Lts)
+ Sleeping bag suitable for high mountains
+ Insulating mat
+ Small towel
+ Sun glasses with UV protection
+ A raincoat poncho like
+ Frontal torch/lantern with back up batteries, or a cell phone with torch.
+ Cloths suitable for cold weather: waterproof jacket Gore- Tex kind, feathers or synthetic 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 plastic bags to pack the cloths and to pack the garbage.
+ 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 in the mountain: from lunch in our first day in the mountain to breakfast in the last day in the mountain.
+ Snacks for every hike.
+ Land transport: Salento – Cocora Valley and Juntas – Ibagué.
+ Accommodation: two nights in peasants’ houses and two nights camping.
+ Camping equipment: tent, portable stoves, plates, cups and cutlery.
+ Entrance permits to Los Nevados National Park.
+ All activities described in the itinerary.
+ Sleeping bag.
+ Insulating mat.
+ 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
