We will pick you up at your hotel in Salento at 3:30 a.m. and board a 4×4 vehicle that will take us along the old Salento–Ibagué road. For many years, this was the most direct route for Indigenous communities and settlers in the region to cross the Central Andes from one side to the other.

At around 3,000 meters above sea level, we will make one of our first stops to admire the highest peaks of Quindío and the high-mountain ecosystems, weather permitting.

After approximately an hour and a half, we will reach the highest point of the day, at 3,350 meters above sea level, on the border between the departments of Quindío and Tolima, a place known as La Línea.

We will then descend another 5 kilometers until reaching Finca La Carbonera, at approximately 2,850 meters above sea level, which is also a hummingbird reserve. We expect to arrive at around 6:00 a.m.

Here, we will enjoy a hot drink, some fruit, and snacks before beginning an approximately 3-kilometer descent through the wax palm forest.

This unique ecosystem is home to the Yellow-eared Parrot, toucans, and many other bird species. With a little luck, we may also spot some wild mammals along the way.

At the end of the descent, near the Cochecito River, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast at a traditional local farmhouse.

We will then visit a spectacular waterfall, where we can take a moment to enjoy the surroundings and recharge before continuing our journey.

Afterward, we will get back into the 4×4 vehicle and continue along the route until reaching a point where we will take an ancient trail known as the Camino Nacional.

This historic trail will lead us back to Salento, following a route traditionally used by the people who crossed these mountains before us.