Tolima Volcano Summit - Los Nevados National Park

6am: Our starting point is the Cocora Valley, a sacred place which has the world’s tallest wax palm trees. Trekking through the beautiful cloud forest, we will cross over six bridges, visiting the Acaime Natural Reserve – a sanctuary for hummingbirds – and then continuing on until the farm, ‘Estrella de Agua’ (Water Star, at an altitude of 3100m). 9 km. Estimated time 3.5 hours.

12.30pm: After the lunch, we’ll continue on the trail from Estrella de Agua, reaching the otherworldly páramo ecosystem, an ecosystem considered vital for providing fresh water and sustaining life and only found in four other countries in the world. It is then on to the farm ‘La Primavera’ where we will sleep for the night.

Day 2: Base Camp & Acclimatization 

8am: After a delicious breakfast, we’ll start the trek from the La Primavera farm to Base Camp at 4400m. This day is easier than the first and consists of a more relaxed walk, a useful way to acclimatize the body to the altitude. After midday, we arrive at Base Camp to have some rest for the day and prepare ourselves for the next day’s summit attempt. The glacier equipment will be organized and instructions about its proper use will be given.

Day 3: Summit Attempt

2:00am: We’ll wake up very early, have some tea and something to eat, then make our way to the glacier in order to complete the summit attempt (5220m). This attempt is divided into three main sections: The first is leaving the camp and taking a steep, sandy slope that will lead us to a large flat zone. The second section is hiking through an area of huge rocks that a few short years ago were covered by the glacier. We will climb with caution on some spots before arriving at the last section, the glacier. Here we will use the equipment and face the last kilometers to the summit. The glacier segment will take around two hours to reach the summit and then about 45 minutes to descend.

Estimated time to the summit and return to base camp: 7 hours.

1pm: After having a short break back at the camp, we will pack up and start descending to La Primavera farm to arrive there mid-afternoon.

Day 4: Back to Salento

7am: Today we will descend to the Cocora Valley, taking a different route from our ascent, along the Cardenas River canyon, rich in fauna and flora. From there, we will reach one of Quindío’s oldest and most traditional towns, Salento.

Included:

• All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 4
• Two nights' accommodation on a local farm (very basic accommodation)
• Private transport from Salento to Cocora and from Cocora to Salento
• Professional mountain guide
• All required glacier equipment 
• Mules to carry heavy backpacks, food, and equipment for Days 1, 2, 3, and 4
• Trekking poles (if required)
• Sleeping bag and tent

• Visa
• Travel/medical/cancellation insurance
• Tips
• Personal items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, etc
• Flights