Los Nevados O Circuit
We are a local tourism operator with more than 10 years of experience in the coffee region.
Embark on an exciting 3-day tour to Los Nevados National Natural Park. This journey will take you to discover some of the most beautiful mountains in the country, where the land is dressed in a vibrant palette of colors. Your adventure will be an exciting ascent through panoramic trails and lush valleys, while you marvel at the beauty of Andean flora and fauna.
- You will discover the páramo, one of the most important ecosystems in the world.
- You will enjoy one of the best views in Los Nevados National Natural Park: Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado del Tolima.
- You will hike up and down through native forests.
❌ Transfers 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.
✅ Entrance fee to the private El Portón trail.
✅ Los Nevados National Natural Park entrance fee.
✅ 2 nights of accommodation in local countryside farms.
✅ 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
✅ Snacks.
✅ Filtered water every day.
✅ Private round-trip transportation from Salento.
✅ First aid kit.
✅ Medical assistance insurance.
✅ Tour photos.⚠️ If you need transportation from another city to the tour starting point, please contact us and we will help you.
Day 0 - Arrival in Salento and Acclimatization
You must arrive in Salento the day before the tour starts to acclimatize to the altitude.
Before the tour we'll hold an online briefing, scheduled as early as possible based on your availability and our team's. We'll go over the gear you need (or you can rent it from us) and share key recommendations for a smooth O Circuit trek.
Day 1 - Acclimatization Hike to La Argentina
Our adventure begins at 6:00 a.m. in Salento at El Brunch restaurant, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before taking a vehicle that will drive us to the Cocora Valley in approximately 25 minutes.
Once in the Cocora Valley, we will start our ascent at an altitude of 2,400 m a.s.l. During this first section, we will cross pastures, grasslands, and suspension bridges until we reach the humid forest, where the guide will choose the best spot for lunch.
After an 11 km uphill hike that takes approximately 5 hours, we will arrive at La Argentina, a farm located at 3,400 m a.s.l., where we will rest and have dinner.
Day 2 - Ascent to the Páramo
We will start our second day with a delicious traditional countryside breakfast and a steep climb into the páramo ecosystem. This area offers privileged views of Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado del Tolima, one of the most spectacular panoramas in Los Nevados National Natural Park.
We will respectfully approach the base of the impressive Paramillo del Quindío to see the remnants of snow that once covered this mountain. From there, we will admire volcanic rock formations that make the landscape feel like another planet.
Finally, the guide will choose the best spot for lunch, and after finishing, we will continue our route along a different trail. We will arrive at La Playa farm around 4:00 p.m., have dinner, and rest after completing 14 kilometers of hiking.
Day 3 - Descent Back to Salento
We will start our third and final day with a traditional breakfast at 6:00 a.m., followed by a 1.5 km uphill hike to “Alto de la Virgen,” a place that will reward us with an incredible panoramic view of Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado del Tolima, weather permitting.
Afterwards, we will begin the descent until we reach Estrella de Agua farm, where we will take a break and enjoy some snacks to regain energy.
Then, after a short ascent, we will continue descending until we reach the Cocora Valley, where we will take a vehicle back to Salento to enjoy lunch.
The tour will end in Salento at La Gata Carola restaurant around 3:00 p.m. after hiking approximately 19 kilometers in total.
What physical condition do I need?:
To complete this hike, it is necessary to have very good physical fitness. If you want to fully enjoy your trip, you must be able to walk distances of 19 km for several consecutive days. A large part of the hike will take place at high altitude, so it is recommended to spend a few nights before the hike at altitudes above 2,000 meters above sea level, especially if you live at sea level.
Briefing meeting:
The briefing is held online. We schedule it as early as possible before the tour, based on your availability and our team's, to go over the gear you need (or rent it) and answer your questions. It takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Where can I store my main luggage?:
If you need it, we have a space in Salento where we store your main luggage free of charge while you're on the tour. Just let us know in advance.
Pick-up:
All pick-ups will take place at El Brunch restaurant, which will be our meeting point on Day 1. If you stay in an area far from the center of Salento, you will need to pay an additional pick-up fee. Our staff will confirm the meeting time at El Brunch restaurant one day before the tour.
Return to Salento:
The return to Salento from the Cocora Valley is included in a private transfer from Los Orillos restaurant; however, on holidays there may be limited availability of these transfers, and it may be necessary to return by public transportation (Jeep Willys).
Group tours:
Group tours are made up of different people with different physical conditions and ages. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you acknowledge that some people may be faster or slower than you. In some cases, the group may wish to modify the tour; however, it is the guide’s responsibility to decide, after consulting all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Reservations and advance payment:
To book this adventure, you only need to choose your desired date. If there are spots available, you book your place with a 50% deposit. The remaining 50% is paid on the day the tour starts, when you meet your guide. If you want to do the tour privately, you can choose any date you want.
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 the tour starts. All payments are processed in Colombian pesos (COP).
Important!
Days before the hike, pay attention to your diet; do not consume alcohol or drugs and do not smoke.
Do not consume alcoholic beverages or hallucinogenic drugs before and during the trek.
Do not extract any plant or animal species from the ecosystem.
Bring all your trash back to the city.- Backpack of at least 25 L
- Quick-dry base layer
- Trekking pants
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Rain poncho or raincoat (poncho rental: COP 40,000)
- Sun hat
- Warm wool hat
- Buff
- Lightweight gloves
- Trekking socks
- Spare clothes
- Waterproof trekking boots (plus rubber boots if there's a lot of mud)
- Gaiters (rental: COP 40,000 per pair)
- Headlamp (rental: COP 40,000)
- Trekking poles (rental: COP 40,000 per pair)
- Water bottle or 2 L hydration bladder
- Personal medications
- Sunscreen
- Personal care products
- Towel
- Valid ID document or passport
- Extra money (recommended in COP)
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Price per person:
$382 USD
*We accept credit card and cash payments
Choose the number of participants to know the price.
Los Nevados O Circuit
Confirmed group dates
We guarantee the price won't change, even if you travel alone. Dates are confirmed: the expedition can start with a minimum of 2 people.
Upcoming group dates
CONFIRMED DATES
Embark on an exciting 3-day tour to Los Nevados National Natural Park. This journey will take you to discover some of the most beautiful mountains in the country, where the land is dressed in a vibrant palette of colors. Your adventure will be an exciting ascent through panoramic trails and lush valleys, while you marvel at the beauty of Andean flora and fauna.
- You will discover the páramo, one of the most important ecosystems in the world.
- You will enjoy one of the best views in Los Nevados National Natural Park: Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado del Tolima.
- You will hike up and down through native forests.
❌ Transfers 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.
✅ Entrance fee to the private El Portón trail.
✅ Los Nevados National Natural Park entrance fee.
✅ 2 nights of accommodation in local countryside farms.
✅ 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
✅ Snacks.
✅ Filtered water every day.
✅ Private round-trip transportation from Salento.
✅ First aid kit.
✅ Medical assistance insurance.
✅ Tour photos.⚠️ If you need transportation from another city to the tour starting point, please contact us and we will help you.
Day 0 - Arrival in Salento and Acclimatization
You must arrive in Salento the day before the tour starts to acclimatize to the altitude.
Before the tour we'll hold an online briefing, scheduled as early as possible based on your availability and our team's. We'll go over the gear you need (or you can rent it from us) and share key recommendations for a smooth O Circuit trek.
Day 1 - Acclimatization Hike to La Argentina
Our adventure begins at 6:00 a.m. in Salento at El Brunch restaurant, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before taking a vehicle that will drive us to the Cocora Valley in approximately 25 minutes.
Once in the Cocora Valley, we will start our ascent at an altitude of 2,400 m a.s.l. During this first section, we will cross pastures, grasslands, and suspension bridges until we reach the humid forest, where the guide will choose the best spot for lunch.
After an 11 km uphill hike that takes approximately 5 hours, we will arrive at La Argentina, a farm located at 3,400 m a.s.l., where we will rest and have dinner.
Day 2 - Ascent to the Páramo
We will start our second day with a delicious traditional countryside breakfast and a steep climb into the páramo ecosystem. This area offers privileged views of Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado del Tolima, one of the most spectacular panoramas in Los Nevados National Natural Park.
We will respectfully approach the base of the impressive Paramillo del Quindío to see the remnants of snow that once covered this mountain. From there, we will admire volcanic rock formations that make the landscape feel like another planet.
Finally, the guide will choose the best spot for lunch, and after finishing, we will continue our route along a different trail. We will arrive at La Playa farm around 4:00 p.m., have dinner, and rest after completing 14 kilometers of hiking.
Day 3 - Descent Back to Salento
We will start our third and final day with a traditional breakfast at 6:00 a.m., followed by a 1.5 km uphill hike to “Alto de la Virgen,” a place that will reward us with an incredible panoramic view of Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado del Tolima, weather permitting.
Afterwards, we will begin the descent until we reach Estrella de Agua farm, where we will take a break and enjoy some snacks to regain energy.
Then, after a short ascent, we will continue descending until we reach the Cocora Valley, where we will take a vehicle back to Salento to enjoy lunch.
The tour will end in Salento at La Gata Carola restaurant around 3:00 p.m. after hiking approximately 19 kilometers in total.
What physical condition do I need?:
To complete this hike, it is necessary to have very good physical fitness. If you want to fully enjoy your trip, you must be able to walk distances of 19 km for several consecutive days. A large part of the hike will take place at high altitude, so it is recommended to spend a few nights before the hike at altitudes above 2,000 meters above sea level, especially if you live at sea level.
Briefing meeting:
The briefing is held online. We schedule it as early as possible before the tour, based on your availability and our team's, to go over the gear you need (or rent it) and answer your questions. It takes 30 to 45 minutes.
Where can I store my main luggage?:
If you need it, we have a space in Salento where we store your main luggage free of charge while you're on the tour. Just let us know in advance.
Pick-up:
All pick-ups will take place at El Brunch restaurant, which will be our meeting point on Day 1. If you stay in an area far from the center of Salento, you will need to pay an additional pick-up fee. Our staff will confirm the meeting time at El Brunch restaurant one day before the tour.
Return to Salento:
The return to Salento from the Cocora Valley is included in a private transfer from Los Orillos restaurant; however, on holidays there may be limited availability of these transfers, and it may be necessary to return by public transportation (Jeep Willys).
Group tours:
Group tours are made up of different people with different physical conditions and ages. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you acknowledge that some people may be faster or slower than you. In some cases, the group may wish to modify the tour; however, it is the guide’s responsibility to decide, after consulting all participants, whether such changes are possible.
Reservations and advance payment:
To book this adventure, you only need to choose your desired date. If there are spots available, you book your place with a 50% deposit. The remaining 50% is paid on the day the tour starts, when you meet your guide. If you want to do the tour privately, you can choose any date you want.
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 the tour starts. All payments are processed in Colombian pesos (COP).
Important!
Days before the hike, pay attention to your diet; do not consume alcohol or drugs and do not smoke.
Do not consume alcoholic beverages or hallucinogenic drugs before and during the trek.
Do not extract any plant or animal species from the ecosystem.
Bring all your trash back to the city.- Backpack of at least 25 L
- Quick-dry base layer
- Trekking pants
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Waterproof jacket
- Rain poncho or raincoat (poncho rental: COP 40,000)
- Sun hat
- Warm wool hat
- Buff
- Lightweight gloves
- Trekking socks
- Spare clothes
- Waterproof trekking boots (plus rubber boots if there's a lot of mud)
- Gaiters (rental: COP 40,000 per pair)
- Headlamp (rental: COP 40,000)
- Trekking poles (rental: COP 40,000 per pair)
- Water bottle or 2 L hydration bladder
- Personal medications
- Sunscreen
- Personal care products
- Towel
- Valid ID document or passport
- Extra money (recommended in COP)
Los Nevados O Circuit
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
I did the O Circuit in Los Nevados with Daniel and had an amazing time. Everything was really well planned and he knows a lot about the park, its plants and animals. I would definitely recommend El Sendero!
Luca S.
Germany
An incredible and unforgettable experience. Many thanks to Paula for the care and organization, and to Daniel, our guide, for his kindness, his teachings on the mountain and the laughs we shared! Completely recommended.
Vannick R.
Colombia
He was a very professional guide but also a super cool dude. He made sure we were fed, hydrated, healthy, and tracked any altitude symptoms. The park, its flora, and fauna are all well-known to him, so he could teach us about the unique ecosystems there.
Christian W.
United States
Three days of trekking with Daniel, who adapted so well to our needs that we almost forgot he was the guide, yet he took care of everything. He knows an enormous amount about the Andean forest and the páramo.
Gerwin S.
Germany
