A True Andean Experience - Los Nevados National Park

A robust region of Colombia tucked away in the countryside, centered around snow-capped volcanic peaks, grand glaciers, dazzling lakes and a very unique Paramo ecosystem which is a true oddity that rivals those of the South American continent. Not just known for its rich, arable, coffee-laden land nicknamed “Zona Cafetera” but this Andean area has a few other treasures up her sleeve like the very real, very active Nevado Del Ruiz, Santa Isabel, Tolima and of course the Paramillo of Quindio offering some of the most breathtaking panoramic views from it’s 4750m summit. A travellers, explorers and hikers true Arcadia allowing you an unforgettable 3-day mountain experience.  

What to Expect:

Day 1: Cocora Valley Cloud Forest

(Climbing, Viewpoint, Coffee) 

7 am wakeup call to start the day where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast in Salento before we hop in one of Colombia’s coolest vehicles- a classic Willys jeep and transfer to the Valley of Cocora. A quick debriefing before we set off on our expedition through the valley in the Cardenas River Canyon. You will have a chance to eat lunch but not until we hike to the highest point of the valley where you will witness a remarkable view of the cloud forest and the Amarguras canyon in its entirety. In the afternoon we will make our way to ‘La Argentina’ farm where we can enjoy some talks, stories with the local people learning about their family rituals/traditions while sipping a warm cup of locally grown coffee. This is where you’ll spend your first night. 

(All meals included) 

Day 2: Wetlands and Paramillo of Quindio

(Viewpoint, Hiking, Wetlands) 

Today will start a little earlier at 6 am with a local campesino breakfast before we begin our hike along the valley towards the abandoned house ‘Buenos Aires’. Here we have 2 options: 1) Check out the stunning wetlands ecosystem of Quindio 2) Continue to hike to the highest point at 4700m depending on the weather conditions and the energy levels of the group members. Afterwards we will finish up our day by descending to ‘La Primavera’ farm at 3600m where we can enjoy dinner and a solid nights rest. 

(All meals included) 

Day 3: Descending to Paramo

(Cocora Valley, Canyon, Hummingbirds) 

Your final day will kickoff at 7 am with a further descent into the Cocora Valley hiking along a different route alongside the canyon of the Quindio River which hosts a rich variety of flora and fauna. During our journey we will rest at a local farm called ‘Estrella de Agua’ (water star) 3200m where you’ll have to chance to indulge in a traditional drink made from sugarcane called ‘Agua de Panela’ which is usually served hot. Following our break we will then enter the Natural Reserve Acaime known to some as the ‘Casa de los Colibries’ or House of the Hummingbirds. A very magical place allowing you a real intimate experience with these incredible birds since Colombia holds more species of hummingbird than any other country in the world! Following your birding encounter we take off to have lunch and continue on to the Cocora Valley where a private car will be waiting to take you back to Salento.

(Breakfast & Lunch included) 

End of Tour

Included:

• Emergency assistance insurance.
• Three meals a day, from breakfast on Day 1 until lunch on Day 3. Snacks and hot beverages will be included.
• Transportation from Salento to Cocora and back to Cocora.
• Professional mountain guide.
• Consulting and logistics before and during the expedition.
• Accommodation in La Argentina farm (Day 1) and La Primavera farm (Day 2). Both farms have basic services, shared bathrooms, comfortable basic beds in shared dorm rooms for four to six people.
• Entrance to the Acaime Natural Reserve.
• Trekking poles, if required.
• Water purification.

• Visas

• Travel/medical insurance
• Person items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, etc
• Anything not listed within the itinerary