CUMBRE NEVADO DEL TOLIMA
TOUR DETAILS
- Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights
- Departure: Salento
- Languages: English – Spanish
- Distance: 60km
- Difficulty: High
- Arrival: Salento
- Maximum Elevation: 5,220 m a.s.l
- Minimun Elevation: 2,385 m a.s.l
HIGH MOUNTAIN EXPERIENCE
Cocora Valley · Páramo de Romerales · Nevado del Tolima
TOUR DESCRIPTION
The Nevado del Tolima is a volcano located in the Central Andes mountain range. With an approximate elevation of 5,220 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest peaks in the region.
The ascent route generally begins in the Cocora Valley, and along this journey we will venture into the heart of the Andes, exploring valleys, cloud forests, páramos, and high-altitude lagoons. Reaching the summit of Nevado del Tolima is an experience that offers the opportunity to admire the mountainous landscape of the Colombian Andes from its highest point.
This is a four-day expedition that starts from Salento, in the Cocora Valley, at 2,400 meters above sea level.
From $1,650,000 COP per person (4 participants)
(Price may vary depending on the number of participants.)
ITINERARY
Day 1: Cocora Valley – Ascent to a rural farm in the Páramo de Romerales
Minimum altitude: 2,400 m a.s.l.
Maximum altitude: 3,750 m a.s.l.
Distance: approximately 20 km
We begin our day in Salento with a delicious breakfast before heading to the majestic Cocora Valley, home to the iconic wax palm, Colombia’s national tree. From there, our hike starts through the San José River canyon, entering the enchanting cloud forest and crossing several hanging bridges over the crystal-clear waters that flow down from the mountains and supply water to the Quindío region.
As we ascend, the landscape transforms: the Andean forest gives way to the sub-páramo ecosystem, where vegetation becomes lower and the first frailejones appear. At the end of the day, we arrive at La Playa farm, located at 3,750 meters above sea level, where we will enjoy a well-deserved dinner and spend the night.
Day 2: Trekking to base camp
Maximum altitude: 4,500 m a.s.l.
Minimum altitude: 3,750 m a.s.l.
Distance: 7 km
After breakfast, we continue hiking 7 km toward the Arenales area, where we will set up camp and have a technical briefing on the use of mountaineering equipment.
Day 3: Summit attempt – Nevado del Tolima Volcano
Maximum altitude: 5,220 m a.s.l.
Minimum altitude: 3,750 m a.s.l.
Distance: 15 km
After a well-earned rest, we prepare for the most challenging stage of the expedition. Around 2:00 a.m., we begin our ascent toward the summit. During this journey, we will face three main sections: a steep sandy slope that serves as a transition between the super-páramo ecosystem and the glacial moraine, followed by rocky terrain. In the final stage, upon reaching the glacier’s edge, we will put on the necessary gear to climb the last 200 meters of elevation gain to reach the summit, where we will enjoy spectacular sunrise views before beginning our descent back to the farm for our final night.
Day 4: Descent to Cocora Valley and return to Salento
Minimum altitude: 2,400 m a.s.l.
Maximum altitude: 3,750 m a.s.l.
Distance: approximately 20 km
After an early breakfast at the farm, we begin our descent. The route takes us back through the páramo, descending into the cloud forest and ending in the impressive Cocora Valley. We then return to Salento, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch. With this, we conclude our tour, filled with unforgettable experiences.
INCLUDES
- Professional guiding
- Full meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners)
- Hydration and snacks
- Transportation
- Luggage storage service
- Medical assistance insurance
- Entry fees and required permits for protected areas
- Equipment carrying service
- Mules
- Camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag)
- Mountaineering equipment (crampons, helmet, ice axe, and harness)
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.
