Nevado del Tolima 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 5,221 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.✅ 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.
✅ 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 - 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 reaching the summit of Nevado del Tolima.
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 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 - 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 m a.s.l.), 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 midnight 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-kilometer 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 fourth and final day with a traditional breakfast at 6:00 a.m., followed by a 2.5-kilometer 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:
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).
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
- Waterproof gloves
- Trekking socks
- Spare clothes
- Waterproof mountain boots (plus rubber boots if there's a lot of mud)
- Sunglasses with UV protection, category 3 minimum
- 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 Camelback
- Personal medications
- Sunscreen
- Personal care products
- Towel
- Valid ID document or passport
- Extra money (recommended in COP)
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Price per person:
$720 USD
*We accept credit card and cash payments
Choose the number of participants to know the price.
Nevado del Tolima Summit
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 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 5,221 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.✅ 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.
✅ 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 - 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 reaching the summit of Nevado del Tolima.
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 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 - 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 m a.s.l.), 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 midnight 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-kilometer 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 fourth and final day with a traditional breakfast at 6:00 a.m., followed by a 2.5-kilometer 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:
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).
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
- Waterproof gloves
- Trekking socks
- Spare clothes
- Waterproof mountain boots (plus rubber boots if there's a lot of mud)
- Sunglasses with UV protection, category 3 minimum
- 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 Camelback
- Personal medications
- Sunscreen
- Personal care products
- Towel
- Valid ID document or passport
- Extra money (recommended in COP)
Nevado del Tolima Summit
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 had 4 amazing days with Daniel hiking in Los Nevados and ascending the Tolima, from the lush forests of the Cocora Valley up to the glacier. If you want to visit Los Nevados, Daniel and Paula are the ones to go with!
Maximilian H.
Germany
We did the Tolima volcano hike and had an amazing experience! The couple running El Sendero is very kind, professional and passionate about what they do. Daniel is a skilled mountain guide ensuring both the safety and enjoyment throughout the trip.
Christian J.
Denmark
My guide Daniel was professional, calm and easy to communicate with. Each night we stayed in small local farms. The summit was a great challenge, and the smile didn't leave my face for the whole 4 days.
Kiaya P.
United Kingdom
The 4-day Tolima trek with Daniel was an awesome experience. Daniel is a super professional, fun and positive guide. Everything was perfectly organized and communication was fantastic. 10/10!
Tobias T.
Switzerland
