PARAMILLO DEL QUINDÍO
TOUR DETAILS
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Departure: Salento
- Languages: English – Spanish
- Distance: 54km
- Difficulty: Medium / High
- Arrival: Salento
- Maximum Elevation: 4,750 m a.s.l
- Minimun Elevation: 2,400 m a.s.l
HIGH MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
Cocora Valley · Páramo de Romerales · Paramillo del Quindío
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Paramillo del Quindío is an extinct volcano located in Los Nevados National Natural Park. This area of the park offers one of the best panoramic views from its summit, at 4,750 meters above sea level. It was once a snow-capped peak, but it lost its ice, which earned it the classification of a “paramillo.” Its location, between Nevado del Tolima and the Santa Isabel and Ruiz snow-capped mountains, allows visitors to appreciate the park’s main attractions.
This impressive mountain is considered one of the most beautiful in the national park due to its unique geomorphology. The remains of its inactive crater reveal high-altitude sands, wetlands, and lagoons that later feed the Quindío River, the main tributary of La Vieja River. All of this makes the mountain a paradise for hiking enthusiasts.
From $1,200,000 COP per person (4 participants)
(Price may vary depending on the number of participants.)
ITINERARY
Day 1: Trekking from Cocora Valley to Rural Farm
Min altitude: 2,400 m a.s.l.
Max altitude: 3,750 m a.s.l.
Distance: approx. 14 km
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we head to Cocora Valley, home to the tallest wax palms in the world, Colombia’s national tree.
We begin a hike of approximately 12 kilometers along cloud forest trails, crossing streams and bridges while observing the region’s biodiversity: hummingbirds, orchids, and giant ferns.
At the end of the journey, we arrive at Finca Buenos Aires, a cozy rural lodge located at 3,750 meters above sea level, where we will enjoy a hot dinner. There, we will rest and prepare for the next day’s ascent.
Day 2: Approach to Paramillo del Quindío
Max altitude: 4,750 m a.s.l.
Min altitude: 3,750 m a.s.l.
Distance: Between 7 km and 16 km (depending on physical condition and weather conditions)
Early in the morning, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast and begin our hike toward Paramillo del Quindío (the route will be adapted to your physical condition and weather conditions).
We will cover approximately 10 kilometers, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,750 meters above sea level. Along the way, we will cross from the department of Quindío into Tolima, passing through three ecosystems: sub-páramo, páramo, and super-páramo.
After this journey, we will arrive at Finca La Playa, a welcoming rural farm where we will have dinner and spend the night, surrounded by the tranquility of the páramo.
Day 3: Descent to Cocora Valley and Return to Salento
Min altitude: 2,400 m a.s.l.
Max altitude: 3,750 m a.s.l.
Distance: approx. 20 km
We have an early breakfast at the farm (located at 3,750 meters above sea level) and begin the final descent of our journey. During this day, we will hike approximately 20 kilometers, crossing the open landscapes of the páramo and re-entering the cloud forests, filled with mosses, orchids, and Andean birdlife.
We finish the hike in the majestic Cocora Valley, where a vehicle will be waiting to take us to Salento. There, we will close the experience with a delicious traditional lunch. With this, we conclude a journey full of nature, connection, and adventure through Los Nevados National Natural Park.
INCLUDES
- Professional guiding
- Full meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners)
- Hydration and snacks
- Transportation
- Luggage storage service
- Medical assistance insurance
- Entrance fees and permits for protected areas
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is very important to have a good level of physical fitness and to bring at least the following items to enjoy this outdoor experience safely and comfortably:
- Comfortable clothing and hiking boots or suitable footwear for mountain trekking.
- Jacket, hiking pants, rain jacket, rain pants, or rain cover.
- Sunscreen, cap, hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved shirt.
- Water bottle or hydration bladder.
- A change of clothes or pajamas for sleeping.
- Headlamp.
- Personal toiletries.
- A small backpack to carry snacks, water, rain gear, the packed lunch for each day, and other personal items.
