Nevado del Tolima Private 5-day Hiking Route

Nevado del Tolima Private 5-day Hiking Route

Day 1: Ibagué - Finca Vancouver

We will meet at Carrera 4d in Ibagué at 4 am. There, we'll get into a 4x4 to drive to the point where we'll start the trekking route to the summit of the Nevado del Tolima. 

After a journey of three and a half hours, we'll arrive at La Punta, in the town of Palomar. With our batteries recharged after breakfast, we'll walk along an irregular and stony path for a total of 9 km (5.6 mi). 

On the way, we'll pass through the Amberes valley and enjoy the glacial landscape of the Vancouver and Bombona lakes. In this area, we'll take a break for a hamburger lunch. 

Finally, we'll arrive at the Finca Vancouver country inn to rest until the next day.

Day 2: Finca Vancouver - Cañón Hot Springs

On the second day, we'll have a delicious breakfast of eggs, arepa and a drink to fill us up with energy. With our batteries recharged, we'll embark on a 9 km (5.59 mi) route where we'll reach an altitude of 4,000 m (13,123 ft) above sea level.

During the hike, which lasts between 4 and 6 hours, we'll enjoy incredible views of Nevado del Tolima and its flora and fauna. Throughout the climb, we'll reach 3,700 m (12,139 ft) above sea level.

We'll end the day by arriving at the Cañón hot springs, medicinal pools of volcanic origin. Here we'll take a hot bath and rest at the campsite until the following day.

Day 3: Cañón Hot Springs - Arenales

On the third day, we'll get up very early, so we'll bring some snacks to have breakfast along the way.

As we start to climb the Nevado del Tolima, the terrain will become more uneven. On the trail we'll come across moorlands and sandy areas where endemic species such as toucans and Andean condors live. Then it'll be time to take a break for lunch. We'll have a delicious beef stew before continuing our hike. 

On this trek, we'll also enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Los Nevados National Park from an altitude of 4400 m (14435 ft). We'll finish the day by arriving at the Arenales campsite. 

At the end of this hike, which lasts between 4 and 6 hours, we'll rest at the Arenales camp.

Day 4: Arenales – Summit of Nevado del Tolima – Ibagué

On the last day of trekking, we will follow a 14 km (8.7 mi) route to conquer the summit of Nevado del Tolima. The hike, lasting 8 to 12 hours, will take us up to an altitude of 5,232 m (17,171 ft), with an elevation gain of 800 to 1,550 m (2,625 to 5,085 ft). The effort will definitely be worth it!

From this fantastic spot, we'll be able to admire the Nevado de Ruiz, the Nevado del Cisne and the Nevado de Santa Isabel. In addition, this location will allow us to see the Paramillo del Quindío, Santa Rosa and the valley of the Magdalena River.

Afterwards, we'll head back to the base of Nevado del Tolima to rest at the campsite.

Day 5: Ibagué – Salento

The final day has arrived. After breakfast, we'll take on a challenging route of approximately 18 km (11.2 mi) through the Cocora Valley. We will ascend more than 2,000 m (6,562 ft) in altitude!

During this last hike, we'll continue enjoying the beauty of the Colombian mountains, admiring their flora and fauna in their most natural state. Along the way, we'll stop for a hearty beef stew for lunch.

After 6 to 8 hours of trekking, we'll reach the end of the route and take you to the center of Salento, where we'll say goodbye at around 6 pm. Until next time!

Accommodation

The tour includes 2 nights accommodation in tents and 2 nights in a rural inn.