SUGGESTED ITINERARY
Day 1: Discovering the Cocora Valley and Climbing to the Páramo
* 5:00 am: Start the day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on the adventure. We will depart by car from Santento and head to the impressive Cocora Valley, home to the largest wax palms on the planet and a fog forest full of natural wonders.
* 07:30 am : We will explore the Cocora Valley, crossing 6 bridges over a river that descends from the mountains, passing through the Acaime reserve, a treasure in the heart of the journey to the Nevado del Tolima, which stands as an oasis of biodiversity and natural charm.
From Acaime we will advance towards the mountain estate known as Estrella de Agua, a jewel located at an altitude of 3750 meters. This refuge in the heights adds a special dimension to the expedition, providing a place of rest and wonder in the midst of imposing nature. There we will have time to recharge our batteries with a delicious lunch.
* 02:00 pm: We will leave Estrella de Agua towards the mountain farm where we will spend the night, Finca la Primavera. We will walk through the essential paramo ecosystem, recognized as essential for life and present only in four countries around the world, with the opportunity to sight the imposing Nevado del Tolima and the beautiful Paramillo del Quindío
- Approximate walking time day 1: 7 to 8 hours
- Distance: 18 km
- Initial height: 2400 m
- Maximum height: 3900 m
- Final height: 3750 m
- Accumulated ascent: 1800 m
- Accumulated descent: 450 m
- Terrain: 50% dirt trails - 50% wet trails
< font size="2">- Type of accommodation: Mountain farm (with shared rooms and bathrooms).
Day 2: Recovery, Acclimatization and High Mountain Course
* 8:00 am: After enjoying a typical mountain breakfast, we say goodbye to our cozy refuge farm, La Primavera. We begin our journey towards the Base Camp, located at 4400 meters of altitude. This day is calm, with the intention of reaching Base Camp at noon, allowing us to rest for most of the day in preparation for the next attempt to the summit.
The Nevado del Tolima, majestic guardian, accompanies us on our journey until we reach its foothills. With a little luck, we will be able to see the imposing figures of the Nevado Santa Isabel and the Nevado del Ruiz, which will be our view for the rest of the day from the camp.
At the Base Camp, the organization and distribution of the glacier equipment will be carried out, while we receive detailed guidance on its correct use. We will also travel some of the nearby trails on an acclimatization hike where we will receive a basic high mountain course.
The rest of the day will be enjoyed in an atmosphere of tranquility, immersed in the natural beauty that surrounds us. This strategic rest time allows us to adapt even more to the altitude conditions and prepares us mentally and physically for the challenge that awaits us in the early hours of the next day. ;
- Approximate walking time day 2: 4 hours
- Distance: 8 km
- Initial height: 3750 m
- Maximum height: 4400 m
- Final height: 4400 m
- Accumulated ascent: 650 m
- Accumulated descent: 50 m
- Type of accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Nevado Summit Attempt Tolima
* 00:00 hs: The most challenging day has arrived. We wake up with determination in the early morning, we enjoy a comforting tea and we will eat to gain energy before embarking on the path to the glacier and, finally, face the ascent to the top of Nevado del Tolima (5220m ). The estimated round trip time is 14 hours.
Keep in mind that each person must carry their backpack with: Personal clothing necessary for this day. (the rest of the luggage stays on the farm), Rain poncho, Glacier equipment: Helmet, crampons, ice ax and harness with carabiner. Hydration: 2 liters, Snacks (Which will be delivered the day before), Sun protection glasses + Sun block and Headlamp with spare batteries.
Tour Description:
- Arenales: The first section, known as sandbanks , will take us through steeply sloping sands, marking the transition between the super-paramo ecosystem and the glacial moraine. This section offers an impressive view of the transformation of the landscape.
- Rocky Terrain: The second section introduces us to a rocky terrain that , in times past, was covered by glaciers. Some rocks present vertical steps (safe) that we will cross with caution, adding a touch of controlled excitement to our ascent.
- Glacier: The final part of the route covers the glacier. Upon reaching the glacier edge, we equipped ourselves appropriately to face the last stretch. The climb up the last 200 meters of elevation to the top is a challenging but exciting experience, taking approximately 2 hours ascent and 45 minutes descent.
- Approximate walking time day 3: 14 hours
- Distance: 18 km
- Initial height: 3770 m
- Maximum height: 5200 m
- Final height: 3770 m
- Accumulated ascent: 1430 m
- Accumulated descent: 1430 m
- Type of accommodation: Finca mountain (with shared rooms and bathrooms).
Day 4: Descent, Fog Forests and Return to Salento
* 7:00 am: We start the day with a nutritious breakfast before starting the descent from the top of Nevado del Tolima. This descent marks the beginning of our transition to different and equally fascinating environments.
We descend in the direction to the cloud forests, an ecosystem that houses a rich diversity of flora and fauna, playing a crucial role in water conservation in Colombia. This descent offers us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in exuberant nature and appreciate the importance of these forests for ecological balance.
We will reach the imposing Cocora Valley, considered sacred, where we will obtain panoramic views of the giant wax palms and the opportunity to capture unforgettable moments through photographs.
After exploring the Cocora Valley, we prepared to continue our trip to Salento, We will board the vehicles and head towards the oldest and most typical town in Quindío. There, we conclude the exciting expedition of conquering the Nevado del Tolima.
Salento, with its colonial charm and welcoming atmosphere, will welcome us to celebrate the achievements achieved and reflect on the unforgettable experience lived in the heights. div>
- Approximate walking time day 4: 7 hours
- Distance: 19 km
- Initial height: 3750 m
- Maximum height: 3900 m
- Final height: 2400 m
- Accumulated ascent: 450 m
- Accumulated descent: 1800 m
This itinerary is designed to provide a complete experience, from exploring lush nature to the challenging ascent of Nevado del Tolima, ensuring unforgettable moments every step of the way. The route may undergo changes by decision of the mountain guides in charge, in order to preserve the safety of travelers.