3

DAYS

306

USD

Normal

SCHEDULE

Modéré – Difficile

Physical Condition

In Summary

Why this trip ?

Get to know the Otún river basin, its majestic lagoon, the Colombian páramo and try to climb Nevado Santa Isabel, in only 3 days!

The Nevado Santa Isabel volcano is a 4995m mountain that rises above the central mountain range in the Colombian Andes. It is considered the least difficult snow-capped mountain to climb. It has 3 independent domes or peaks that rise to different altitudes. Together with its sister mountains: Nevado del Ruiz and Nevado del Tolima, these are the 3 intertropical glacier formations found in the protected area. Andean forests, moors, moraines and glaciers are just a small part of what you can enjoy in this great high mountain expedition.

parque los nevados tolima colombia © frank charton

Andes

Parque los Nevados

The Nevados Natural National Park was founded on the 30th of April 1974 in order to contribute to the conservation of the ecosystems. It is a cold area with a…

At glance

Highlights of this Trip

1

Discovery of the Colombian Paramó, characterized by a variety of low altitude and rather humid plants.

2

Glacier zone (4750m-5000m) with moderate slopes. This is not a technical climb but a physical one.

3

This trek crosses the mythical paths of Arrieria, cultural routes in Antioquia.

Day by day

Detailed Itinerary

montañas colombianas

Day 1

Pereira – Otún Basin and Refuge

7am: Departure from Pereira, by 4×4. Arrival at Cedrál, gateway to the Ucumarí Regional Natural Park, where the hike begins. The route starts at 2130m altitude, along a mule track, where a whole history of the moorland population has been shaped, which will be observed during the expedition. Here we have lunch in the middle of the Andean rainforest. A unique place where we can appreciate different species of fauna and flora. (2500m) 13:00: We continue to El Jordán farm, located at 3100m, at the beginning of the sub-paramo. We will spend the night in this farm where we will learn about the mountain culture of Colombia (3100m). Night in a tent or room (you choose).

  • B, L, D
  • 6h
  • 2h
santaisabel x

Day 2

The Páramo and the Otún Lagoon

7am: Breakfast and then we leave through the ecosystem of the páramo. On this route we observe some mountains like the paramillo of Quindío, the paramillo of Santa Rosa, the 3 peaks of the snowy Santa Isabel and, with a lot of luck, the Tolima glacier. We will pass by farms that have existed for more than 50 years in the protected area, generating daily field practices that make these communities unique.
2pm: We will arrive at a beautiful viewpoint above the Otún Lagoon where we will have our picnic lunch facing the paramo and the majestic body of water dominated by the 3 peaks of Santa Isabel. We will continue to our next refuge, where we will check in to the national park.

  • B, L, D
  • 8h
montañas colombianas

Day 3

The snowy peak of Santa Isabel

2am, hot drink and energy bars before heading to our main goal. This day has 3 zones before reaching the summit (5.1km): Paramo/superparamo (4100m-4450m), rocky area/old Glacier (4450m-4750m), Glacier/summit (4750m-5000m). The vehicle will be waiting for us to continue another 10km on the road until we reach 4100m, the starting point for the summit. Then we start the 3.7km trek through the paramo. Once at the edge of the glacier, we will prepare our personal equipment and start our ascent. We will return by the same route and return to the mountain hut for a comforting lunch before heading back down to the towns.

  • B, L
  • 7h

Photo Gallery

The Journey in Image

Included in this Travel

Included

  • All Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners
  • Local guides specialist of the region
  • Local transport
  • Homestay/Refuge
  • Complete equipment for the glacier (helmet, harness, crampons, ice axe)
  • Trekking poles
  • Water purification
  • Tents, sleeping, insulation

Not Included

  • Domestic flights
  • International flights
  • Additional drinks and meals
  • Medical Insurance
  • Expenses not specified in the program
  • Tips

Conditions

Price & Details

FROM

306

Usd / pers

  • 5% discount on your next trip
  • Covid Special Guaranteed reimbursement on D-15 in case of health emergency

CONTACT AN AGENT

Book or Customize Your Trip

Free estimate, Response in 24h max

HOW ? WHEN ? WHY ?

Frequently Asked Questions

For any information regarding your trip, refunds, insurance, please consult our terms and conditions. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions

The tourist activities have resumed as usual in Colombia. We have an article dedicated to the Covid that we update regularly and will give you all the information about the Covid 19. Do not hesitate to contact us for any question

Colombia knows all climates. What you will take in your suitcase depends mainly on the regions you want to visit. We also have a very comprehensive article on the subject: best season to go to Colombia

Colombia is seasonal, with the high season being mainly from December to January. Some of the most beautiful hotels may be fully booked in advance, however we recommend that you book your trip at least 3 to 6 months in advance.

You can pay by bank transfer or by credit card. However by credit card a 4% bank charge is applied.

Of course! This is the essence of Colombia Adventure. You can choose your hotels, activities, add an extension. Our sales consultants are there to guide you to the best choices thanks to their experience.

RELATED TOURS

See more Journeys