Nevado del Tolima Volcano Summit

Nevado del Tolima Volcano Summit

We are a local tourism operator with more than 10 years of experience in the coffee region.

Embark on a unique adventure to the summit of the majestic Nevado del Tolima Volcano, one of the most impressive peaks in the Central Andes of Colombia. This volcano, with its imposing altitude of 5.220 meters above sea level, is considered one of the most desired destinations for mountaineering enthusiasts in Colombia. Throughout this 4-day expedition, you will have the opportunity to challenge your limits, experience the majesty of nature in its purest state, and deeply connect with the mountain.
You will visit the summit of Nevado del Tolima Volcano at 5.221 meters above sea level.

You will get to know the páramo, one of the most important ecosystems in the world.

You will enjoy one of the most privileged views of Los Nevados National Natural Park, Paramillo del Quindío, Nevado Santa Isabel, and Nevado del Tolima.

You will hike through ascents and descents in 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.
✅ Introductory briefing one day before the expedition starts.
✅ Local mountain guide in English or Spanish.
✅ Entrance fee to the private El Portón trail.
✅ 3 nights of accommodation in local countryside farms.
✅ Meals: 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 3 dinners.
✅ Luggage transport by mules on Days 1, 2, and 4 (10 kg and 30 liters of volume per person).
✅ Daily snacks.
✅ Certified high-mountain technical equipment: helmet, crampons, harness, ice axe, and carabiner.
✅ 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 - Acclimatization and Virtual Briefing

You must arrive in the town of Salento one day before your booking date to acclimatize and attend a mandatory briefing with our team. This meeting can be held in person or virtually.

During this briefing session, we will check that you have the appropriate equipment for the activity and provide key recommendations to help you successfully complete the O Circuit in Los Nevados without any issues.

Day 1 - Start of the Ascent from the Cocora Valley

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 masl. 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 masl, where we will rest and have dinner.

Day 2 - Acclimatization Trek to La Playa

We will start the day with a nutritious breakfast before loading our gear onto the mules. From La Argentina farm, we will hike 8 km to La Playa farm (3,700 masl), on a route designed for proper acclimatization before the summit attempt.

Along the way, we will traverse páramo trails with spectacular views, allowing for a relaxed and progressive hike to adapt to the altitude. Upon arrival at La Playa, we will enjoy a comforting lunch and have the afternoon free to rest, hydrate, and prepare the necessary equipment for summit day.

In the evening, we will share a hot dinner before going to bed early to recover energy for the great challenge ahead.

Day 3 - Nevado del Tolima Summit Attempt

This is the most physically demanding day of the expedition, so it is essential to be in excellent condition. Remember that you will carry your backpack with the necessary items for the day, while the rest of your gear will remain at the farm.

Equipment you must carry:

Personal clothing for the day

Rain poncho

Glacier equipment: helmet, crampons, ice axe, and harness with carabiner

Hydration (2 liters)

Snacks

Sunglasses + sunscreen

Headlamp with spare batteries

We will wake up at 11:00 p.m. on Day 2 to have tea and a light snack before starting the ascent. We will begin hiking toward the glacier, passing key points such as El Calvito, Arenales, the Helipad, the rock pass, and finally the glacier ascent, with the goal of reaching the summit at 5,221 meters.

Ascent sections:

Arenales (4,400 m): This first section consists of a steep climb through transitional sandy terrain between the super-páramo and the glacial moraines. Here we begin to feel the physical challenge while immersing ourselves in a breathtaking landscape.

Rock Pass (4,800 m): We continue ascending through rocky terrain that was once covered by the glacier. This section includes some exposed passages that we will cross carefully and safely.

Glacier (5,000 m): As we reach the edge of the glacier, we will gear up with crampons, ice axes, helmets, and harnesses for the ascent. From this point, the terrain features a steep 2 kilometers climb that will take us to the summit. The glacier traverse will take approximately 1.5 hours.

Nevado del Tolima Summit (5,221 m):

Once at the summit, we will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks surrounding the national park. The feeling of standing on the summit is indescribable, and we will take time to admire the scenery if weather conditions allow.

Descent:

The descent follows the same route. Once off the glacier, we will remove the glacier equipment and continue to La Playa farm (around 2:00 p.m.), where the day will end. The total estimated ascent and descent time is approximately 14 hours.

This day requires physical effort, but the reward is one of the most memorable and spectacular mountain experiences you can have.

Day 4 - Descent Back to Salento

We will start our third and final day with a traditional breakfast at 6:00 a.m., followed by a 2.5 kilometers uphill hike to “Alto de la Virgen,” a viewpoint that rewards us with an incredible panoramic view of Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado del Tolima, weather permitting.

Afterwards, we will begin the descent to 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 for lunch.

The tour will end in Salento at La Gata Carola restaurant around 3:00 p.m. after hiking approximately 19 kilometers.
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 2.500 meters above sea level, especially if you live at sea level.

Briefing meeting:
All briefing meetings take place one day before the trip virtually. The meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and we will check that you have everything you need, answer your questions about the trekking, and additionally you will be able to pay the remaining 50%.

Where can I store my main luggage?:
During the trip, you can store your main luggage free of charge in our storage room. You can also safely store any equipment you will not need for the trek at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service.

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).

Reservations and advance payment:
To book this adventure, you only need to choose your desired date. If there are available spots, you can reserve your place with 50% of the total price; the other 50% is usually paid one day before the trek starts during the briefing meeting. If you want to do the tour privately, you can choose any date you want.

Accepted payment methods:
For the first and final payment, we accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.

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 (available for rent)

Sun hat

Warm wool hat

Buff

Lightweight gloves

Trekking socks

Spare clothes

Waterproof trekking boots or plastic boots in case of heavy mud

Gaiters (available for rent)

Headlamp (available for rent)

Trekking poles (available for rent)

Water bottle or 2 L Camelback

Personal medications

Sunscreen

Personal care products

Towel

Valid ID document or passport

Extra money (recommended in COP)