Los Nevados National Park Trek
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Colombia Express
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The Tolima Volcano is perhaps the most attractive mountain for trekking and climbing in Colombia. The conical volcanic shape offers unique opportunities for outdoor adventures, set inside the Los Nevados national park, rising to an altitude of 5,220m. This itinerary takes us across a number of different Colombian ecosystems, allowing trekkers to fully appreciate the beauty and variety of the Colombian Andes.
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Starting point: Salento – Quindío (book hotel on your own)
Difficulty: (High) Day 1: Cocora Valley – Up to the páramo 6am. You will be transferred from your hotel in Salento to the Cocora Valley, a sacred and awe-inspiring landscape that is home to the wax palm, Colombia’s national tree and the world’s tallest palm tree. Trekking through the amazing cloud forest, we will cross 6 bridges, passing by the Acaime nature reserve until we reach Estrella de Agua (Water star, 3,100m). Estimated time 3.5 hours. 9 km. 12.30 pm. After lunch, we will continue along the path from Estrella de Agua, towards the unique Andean páramo ecosystem, found in just 4 countries in the world, and an essential water-producing atmosphere. We will then make our way to the La Primavera farm where we will spend the night. Average trekking time : 8 hours Distance: 17.5 km Initial altitude: 2,400 m Maximum altitude: 3,900 m Final Altitude: 3,750 m Ascent : 1,800 m Descent : 450m Accommodation: Mountain farm Terrain: 50% Dirt paths / 50% Wet paths Day 2: Base camp and acclimatization 8am: After a delicious breakfast, we will begin the trek from the La Primavera farm to base camp, at 4,400m. This day’s trek is less challenging than the first one and involves a more relaxed walk: necessary to acclimatize the body to the altitude. After midday, we will arrive at base camp to have a relaxing afternoon and prepare ourselves for the next day’s summit attempt. The glacier equipment will be organized and instructions about proper use will be given. Average trekking time : 4 hours Distance: 8 km Initial altitude: 3,750 m Maximum altitude: 4,400 m Final Altitude: 4,400 m Ascent : 650 m Descent : 50 m Accommodation: Camping Day 3: Summit attempt 2:00am. We will wake up very early, have some tea and a bite to eat, then head to the glacier in order to complete the summit attempt (5,220m). This attempt is divided into 3 main sections: the first one, heading out from the camp, will take us along steep, sandy slopes that see the terrain change from a páramo ecosystem to a glacial steppe. The second section is made up of huge rocks that a few years ago were covered by the glacier. We will carefully climb some vertical formations before arriving at the last section, the glacier, where we will put on our equipment and take on the last few kilometres to the summit. The glacier segment will take more or less 2 hours in ascent and 45 minutes on the climb back down. Estimated time from and to base camp: 7 hours. 1pm: After having a short break at base camp we will pack our things and start descending to the La Primavera farm. Average trekking time : 9 hours Distance: 14 km Initial altitude: 4,400 m Maximum altitude: 5,200 m Final Altitude: 3,750 m Ascent : 850 m Descent : 1,500 m Accommodation: Mountain farm Day 4: Back to Salento 7am. Today we will embark on our descent to Cocora Valley, taking a different route to the ascent, along the canyon of the Quindío River, bursting with a stunning richness of flora and fauna, until we get back to Salento, the region’s oldest and most traditional town. (arrival will be at about 4pm). Average trekking time : 7 hours Distance: 19 km Initial altitude: 3,750 m Maximum altitude: 3,900 m Final Altitude: 2,400 m Ascent : 450 m Descent : 1,800 m Can add on airport transfers at extra cost |
2020 price per person in Colombian pesos: with 1 person = 3,414,250 with 2 people = 1,932,655 with 3 -5 people = 1,643,235 with 6-9 people = 1,554,685 (we will convert into US$ for payment at current paypal exchange rate) Included:
NOT included: Items not specified above. 
ACCOMMODATION IN MOUNTAIN FARMS:
Contrary to developed nations, you will not find in the Colombian mountains, except in a few cases, well organized and spacious mountains huts or chalets supplied by helicopter and which have all the facilities. To know the best Andean places of the country you have no other option but to sleep in local mountain farms, what enables their owners to improve their everyday life. The thermal insulation of walls, toilets, the comfort of beds and mattress is frequently rustic. With the increased tourism, some local people has begun to better equip their farm (in some farms from this year, you will find hot showers) but they still have a long way to go before reaching the European or north American standards. The cooking is most often done with charcoal. 
Basic equipment required:
Note: Please try to take as little equipment as possible. |
