Laguna del Otún Hike
We are a local tourism operator with more than 10 years of experience in the coffee region.
Laguna del Otún is one of the most beautiful high-mountain lagoons in Colombia. Sitting at 4,000 m above sea level, its striking turquoise water is of glacial origin, and it offers sweeping views of the Cordillera Central.
- Enjoy panoramic views as you hike to La Asomadera (4,100 m a.s.l.), the viewpoint overlooking Laguna del Otún.
- Explore the diversity of wildlife and plant species adapted to this unique environment.
- Admire the volcanoes and learn about their geological history.
❌ Transportation from other cities to the tour starting point.
❌ Tips for our staff.
❌ Additional drinks and meals.
❌ Expenses not specified above.
❌ Trekking clothing and equipment.
✅ Online pre-trip briefing.
✅ Local mountain guide in English or Spanish.
✅ Los Nevados National Natural Park entrance fee.
✅ Meals: 1 breakfast and 1 lunch.
✅ Snacks.
✅ Private round-trip 4x4 transportation from Pereira or Manizales.
✅ First aid kit.
✅ Medical assistance insurance.
✅ Tour photos.
⚠️ If you need transportation from another city to the starting point of the tour, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
Arrival and Online Briefing
You must arrive in Pereira or Manizales the day before the tour, so you can rest and acclimatize before the hike.
Before the tour we'll hold a mandatory online briefing, scheduled as early as possible based on your availability and ours. We'll check that you have the right gear and share recommendations for the hike to Laguna del Otún, so you have time to get organized or rent anything you need.
Meeting and Departure
Our adventure begins at 5:00 a.m. in Pereira, where we take a 4x4 to Potosí, a drive of about 2.5 hours. On the way, between Santa Rosa and Potosí, we stop for breakfast.
Park Entrance and Start of the Hike
After checking in at the park entrance and receiving the park ranger's recommendations, we start hiking through the páramo, where you can enjoy its distinctive flora and fauna and incredible views. We make technical stops to hydrate and acclimatize while the guide shares insights into this unique ecosystem.
Arrival at La Asomadera Viewpoint – 4,100 m a.s.l.
From La Asomadera you'll see Laguna del Otún and, if visibility is good, Nevado Santa Isabel and Paramillo del Quindío. We'll have time to take photos and catch our breath before heading back to Potosí.
Back in Potosí we have lunch; if the restaurant isn't open that day, we'll give you a packed lunch.
Return to Your Hotel
After lunch we'll share some final reflections on the tour, and our vehicle will take you back to Pereira or Manizales and drop you off at your hotel.
What level of fitness do I need?
A good level of physical fitness is required for this hike. To fully enjoy the experience, you should be able to walk distances of up to 12 km. Much of the hike takes place at high altitude, so we recommend spending a few nights above 2,000 m before the hike, especially if you normally live at sea level.
Briefing Meeting
The briefing is held online. We schedule it as early as possible based on your availability and ours, so you have time to prepare your gear or rent anything you need. It takes 30 to 45 minutes: we check that you have everything you need and answer your questions.
Pick-up Information
We pick you up at your hotel in Pereira or Manizales. We recommend a centrally located hotel: if you stay far from the center, pick-up has an additional fee. We'll confirm the time one day before the tour.
Booking and Deposit
This is a private tour, so you choose any date you like, with prior coordination. You secure your booking with a 50% deposit; the remaining 50% is paid on the day of the tour, when you meet your guide.
Accepted Payment Methods
You pay the booking deposit through a Bold payment link, by credit or debit card. If you're in Colombia, you can also pay by bank transfer. The remaining 50% can be paid the same way or in cash on the day of the tour. All payments are processed in Colombian pesos (COP).
Important!
- In the days before the hike, pay close attention to your diet. Avoid alcohol, drugs, and smoking.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages or hallucinogenic drugs before or during the hike.
- Do not remove any plant or animal species from the ecosystem.
- Bring all trash back to the city.
- Minimum 25 L backpack
- Quick-dry base layer
- Trekking pants
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Rain poncho or rain jacket (poncho rental: COP 40,000)
- Sun hat or cap
- Wool hat for cold weather
- Buff / neck gaiter
- Lightweight gloves
- Trekking socks
- Change of clothes
- Waterproof trekking boots
- Gaiters (rental: COP 40,000 per pair)
- Trekking poles (rental: COP 40,000 per pair)
- Water bottle or 2 L hydration bladder
- Personal medications
- Sunscreen
- Valid ID or passport
- Extra cash (recommended in Colombian pesos – COP)
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Price per person:
$191 USD
*We accept credit card and cash payments
Choose the number of participants to know the price.
Laguna del Otún Hike
This trek is offered exclusively as a private tour. You can choose your preferred departure date with prior coordination. Send us an inquiry or contact us via WhatsApp, and we will gladly help you with the booking process.
IMPORTANT: At El Sendero, we offer a wide variety of treks, and not all of them are available as group tours. If you would like to discover all of our destinations, click here.
Laguna del Otún is one of the most beautiful high-mountain lagoons in Colombia. Sitting at 4,000 m above sea level, its striking turquoise water is of glacial origin, and it offers sweeping views of the Cordillera Central.
- Enjoy panoramic views as you hike to La Asomadera (4,100 m a.s.l.), the viewpoint overlooking Laguna del Otún.
- Explore the diversity of wildlife and plant species adapted to this unique environment.
- Admire the volcanoes and learn about their geological history.
❌ Transportation from other cities to the tour starting point.
❌ Tips for our staff.
❌ Additional drinks and meals.
❌ Expenses not specified above.
❌ Trekking clothing and equipment.
✅ Online pre-trip briefing.
✅ Local mountain guide in English or Spanish.
✅ Los Nevados National Natural Park entrance fee.
✅ Meals: 1 breakfast and 1 lunch.
✅ Snacks.
✅ Private round-trip 4x4 transportation from Pereira or Manizales.
✅ First aid kit.
✅ Medical assistance insurance.
✅ Tour photos.
⚠️ If you need transportation from another city to the starting point of the tour, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.
Arrival and Online Briefing
You must arrive in Pereira or Manizales the day before the tour, so you can rest and acclimatize before the hike.
Before the tour we'll hold a mandatory online briefing, scheduled as early as possible based on your availability and ours. We'll check that you have the right gear and share recommendations for the hike to Laguna del Otún, so you have time to get organized or rent anything you need.
Meeting and Departure
Our adventure begins at 5:00 a.m. in Pereira, where we take a 4x4 to Potosí, a drive of about 2.5 hours. On the way, between Santa Rosa and Potosí, we stop for breakfast.
Park Entrance and Start of the Hike
After checking in at the park entrance and receiving the park ranger's recommendations, we start hiking through the páramo, where you can enjoy its distinctive flora and fauna and incredible views. We make technical stops to hydrate and acclimatize while the guide shares insights into this unique ecosystem.
Arrival at La Asomadera Viewpoint – 4,100 m a.s.l.
From La Asomadera you'll see Laguna del Otún and, if visibility is good, Nevado Santa Isabel and Paramillo del Quindío. We'll have time to take photos and catch our breath before heading back to Potosí.
Back in Potosí we have lunch; if the restaurant isn't open that day, we'll give you a packed lunch.
Return to Your Hotel
After lunch we'll share some final reflections on the tour, and our vehicle will take you back to Pereira or Manizales and drop you off at your hotel.
What level of fitness do I need?
A good level of physical fitness is required for this hike. To fully enjoy the experience, you should be able to walk distances of up to 12 km. Much of the hike takes place at high altitude, so we recommend spending a few nights above 2,000 m before the hike, especially if you normally live at sea level.
Briefing Meeting
The briefing is held online. We schedule it as early as possible based on your availability and ours, so you have time to prepare your gear or rent anything you need. It takes 30 to 45 minutes: we check that you have everything you need and answer your questions.
Pick-up Information
We pick you up at your hotel in Pereira or Manizales. We recommend a centrally located hotel: if you stay far from the center, pick-up has an additional fee. We'll confirm the time one day before the tour.
Booking and Deposit
This is a private tour, so you choose any date you like, with prior coordination. You secure your booking with a 50% deposit; the remaining 50% is paid on the day of the tour, when you meet your guide.
Accepted Payment Methods
You pay the booking deposit through a Bold payment link, by credit or debit card. If you're in Colombia, you can also pay by bank transfer. The remaining 50% can be paid the same way or in cash on the day of the tour. All payments are processed in Colombian pesos (COP).
Important!
- In the days before the hike, pay close attention to your diet. Avoid alcohol, drugs, and smoking.
- Do not consume alcoholic beverages or hallucinogenic drugs before or during the hike.
- Do not remove any plant or animal species from the ecosystem.
- Bring all trash back to the city.
- Minimum 25 L backpack
- Quick-dry base layer
- Trekking pants
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Rain poncho or rain jacket (poncho rental: COP 40,000)
- Sun hat or cap
- Wool hat for cold weather
- Buff / neck gaiter
- Lightweight gloves
- Trekking socks
- Change of clothes
- Waterproof trekking boots
- Gaiters (rental: COP 40,000 per pair)
- Trekking poles (rental: COP 40,000 per pair)
- Water bottle or 2 L hydration bladder
- Personal medications
- Sunscreen
- Valid ID or passport
- Extra cash (recommended in Colombian pesos – COP)
Laguna del Otún Hike
Download the brochure for this Trek in PDF
This brochure includes general trek information, location, itinerary, what's included, how to prepare, conditions and much more.
What is the tour like?
GALLERY
Good news from our clients
TESTIMONIALS
We loved every second of our magical trek to the Otún Lagoon. We were impressed by every aspect of El Sendero, and Paula is truly an outstanding guide with incredible knowledge and skills.
Daniel H.
United States
We had a very nice hike to the lagoon, despite the weather, with our lovely guide Daniel. Everything was very well arranged: transportation, food and more.
Lien H.
Belgium
From the very beginning the communication was excellent. Our guide, Daniel, was incredibly professional and made us feel safe throughout the hike. We could simply enjoy it without worrying about the logistics.
Daniela N.
Brazil
An absolutely incredible experience, probably the best of my life! Our guides, Paula and Dani, were charming, passionate, incredibly attentive and always in a good mood. We learned so much from them about nature, culture, the landscapes and local life.
Elise P.
Belgium
