
Our 11-day itinerary stands out as one of the premier programs, offering not only the opportunity to ascend the Nevado del Tolima volcano but also to explore and uncover the lesser-visited corners of Los Nevados National Park. This journey commences on the eastern flank of the Central Cordillera of the Andes, amidst the lush surroundings of Anzoategüi municipality. It traverses over the Cordillera and descends on the western side, ultimately arriving in the charming coffee town of Salento.
The program follows a gradual ascent, commencing at an altitude of 2900 meters, with a prior acclimatization hike near Bogota to 3620 meters. As you ascend, you’ll witness a transformation from lush tropical vegetation to the rugged highlands, following ancient trails that have been in use since colonial times for crossing the Andes.
To cap off this remarkable adventure, a full day awaits you in Salento. You can look forward to an exceptional coffee tour and ample time to savor the unhurried rhythm of rural Colombia. Without a doubt, this is a journey well worth considering!
| Day 1 | Arrival in Bogotá (2660 m) |
| Day 2 | Bogotá – Full day city tour (2660 m) |
| Day 3 | Trekking: Chingaza National Park – Trek to Siecha Lakes (3620 m) |
| Day 4 | Bogotá – Ibague – Anzoategüi – Palomar (2900 m) |
| Day 5 | Trekking: “Vancouver” farm (3630 m) |
| Day 6 | Trekking: “Cañon” campsite & Hot springs (3964 m) |
| Day 7 | Trekking: Tolima’s high camp (4345 m) |
| Day 8 | Climb: Tolima Volcano (5221 m) |
| Day 9 | Trekking: Salento (1919 m) |
| Day 10 | Salento (1919 m) – Bogotá |
| Day 11 | Departure |
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR VISITING LOS NEVADOS NATIONAL PARK:
In accordance with park regulations, Los Nevados National Park closes to visitors four times a year during the following periods:
* Easter Week: The week immediately after Easter, from Monday to Friday.
* May: From the third Monday of May until that Friday.
* September: From the fourth Monday of September until that Friday.
* November: From the fourth Monday of November until that Friday.
If you are planning your trip around these dates, please check with us in advance, as the exact closure dates may vary each year.
| Day 1 | Arrival in Bogota Bogotá, the bustling capital of Colombia, is a city where rich history meets vibrant modernity. Nestled high in the Andes at an altitude of 2,640 meters, Bogotá offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and a dynamic urban life. The city’s lively atmosphere is complemented by a thriving culinary scene, with a wide array of restaurants offering both traditional Colombian dishes and international cuisine. The vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues, ensures there’s always something to do after dark. Bogotá’s fusion of tradition and innovation makes it an essential stop for any traveler exploring Colombia. |
| Day 2 | Bogota – Full day city tour Afterwards, begin your walking tour in Plaza de Bolívar, the heart of La Candelaria. This spacious plaza is surrounded by some of the city’s most important institutions, including the imposing Primada Cathedral, the neoclassical National Capitol, and the Palace of Justice. Enjoy the grandeur of these buildings and learn about their historical significance. From Plaza de Bolívar, stroll through the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria, lined with colorful colonial buildings adorned with wooden balconies and doors. As you walk, your guide will tell you stories about the neighborhood’s history, from its origins as a colonial settlement to its role in Colombia’s fight for independence. Stop at the Botero Museum, housed in a colonial mansion, to admire the works of Colombia’s most famous artist, Fernando Botero. Marvel at his signature “Boterismo” style, characterized by exaggerated proportions and whimsical themes, as you explore the collection of the master’s paintings, sculptures, and drawings. Finally, end your tour with a visit to the Gold Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts. Marvel at the elaborate goldsmithing of these ancient treasures, which offer insight into the rich cultural heritage of Colombia’s indigenous peoples. Duration: 6 hours. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR BOGOTÁ CITY TOUR:– The Gold Museum is closed every Monday, including Mondays that fall on a holiday. – The Botero Museum is closed every Tuesday. |
| Day 3 | Trekking: Chingaza National Park – Trek to Siecha Lakes (3620 m) Upon registration, the team will commence the hike to the Siecha Lakes. The hike ascends through the Andean highland, known as the “paramo,” with its characteristic flora and fauna. First, we will pass by the National Park’s Paso Hondo Refuge, then ascend to the first of the lakes known as De Los Patos Lake. Next is Guasca Lake, and finally, the sacred Siecha Lake (3620 m). This last lake is where the Muisca indigenous ancestors practiced the legend of El Dorado, covering their bodies with gold dust to bathe and offer it to the lake and Mother Earth. After the hike, we will drive back to Bogotá. Ascent: 470 m / Descent: 470 m / Highest Altitude: 3620 m / Distance: 5.18 km one-way / Activity duration: 5-6 hours |
| Day 4 | Bogotá – Ibague – Anzoategüi – Palomar (2900 m) We’ll drive southwards, following the western margin of the river until reaching the city of Ibague, the capital of Tolima state. From here, it’s an 80 km transfer to the town of Anzoategüi via a paved road, followed by a 24 km stretch on a dirt road to El Palomar (2900 m). The entire journey takes approximately 6 hours. The team will stay at El Palomar rural Posada in shared dormitories for the night. |
| Day 5 | Trekking: “Vancouver” farm (3630 m) The second part of the hike continues over the humid “Paramo” vegetation until “Vancouver” farm (3630 m). Located in a shallow valley and a great view to Tolima volcano, it offers a nice dry place to stay. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR VISITING LOS NEVADOS NATIONAL PARK:In accordance with park regulations, Los Nevados National Park closes to visitors four times a year during the following periods: * Easter Week: The week immediately after Easter, from Monday to Friday. If you are planning your trip around these dates, please check with us in advance, as the exact closure dates may vary each year. |
| Day 6 | Trekking: “Cañon” campsite & Hot springs (3964 m) The hike continues over the “Paramo”, moving westwards, heading towards the eastern flank of the volcano. It takes about 5 hours to cover the distance and the idea, is to reach the next camp “Cañon” (4000 m) around noon. Lunch will be served and the campsite setup. For the active hiker, an additional short hike that can be done before leaving “Vancouver” farm and it is an ascent to Cerro Gabillo peak (3978 m), located close to the farm. The ascent will take about 2 hours depending on client’s physical shape and acclimatization. Night in tents. Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner |
| Day 7 | Trekking: Tolima’s high camp (4345 m) |
| Day 8 | Climb: Nevado del Tolima (5221 m) |
| Day 9 | Trekking: Salento (1919 m) by the Cardenas valley |
| Day 10 | Salento (1919 m) – Bogotá After lunch, there will be some free time to explore this charming town at a leisurely pace and browse its wide selection of handicrafts and local products. For those seeking a more active experience, several optional excursions are available like horseback riding, mountain biking, and much more. In the evening, the group will take a flight to Bogotá for their final overnight stay in the capital. |
| Day 11 | Departure |
INCLUDED
- Local English speaking mountain guide
- Local assistant mountain guide from 4 people
- Local assistant mountain guide for the summit day Ratio: 1:3
- Private transfers in and out in Bogotá
- Private transportation during the mountain program
- National Park entrance fee and park’s insurance
- Coffee tour in Salento
- 4 nights in shared double rooms in the city of Bogota
- 1 night in shared double rooms in the town of Salento
- 2 nights in shared dormitories at the mountain farms
- 3 nights in shared double tents at campsites
- Quality mountain tents – 2 pax per tent
- Group common campsite equipment
- Mules for group campsite equipment, food and pax personal gear (Packing and weight allowance information will be sent)
- Porter to/from high camp for personal gear (Packing and weight allowance information will be sent)
- Included meals specified in the day to day itinerary
NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic or international flights
- Separate airport transfers in case of multiple arrival/departures
- Personal climbing and camping gear
- Insurance
- Tips
- Everything not mentioned in the “Included” list
BOGOTÁ: Hotel Best Western Plus 93 Park or similar
ANZOATEGÜI: Cabañas El Palomar or similar
SALENTO: Hotel Salento Plaza or similar
PARQUE NACIONAL LOS NEVADOS:
Finca Vancouver (no website) or similar
Cañon Camping site (no website) or similar
Finca La Primavera/La Playa (no website) or similar
Overview:
Chingaza National Park:
Los Nevados National Park:





