Bogotá – Ibague – Juntas (1850 m)

Departure from Bogotá early in the morning for a road trip descending from the Eastern Andes Cordillera into the Magdalena River Valley. It’s a very scenic mountain road where we can experience the change in vegetation and temperature as we descend in altitude. The Magdalena River is the country’s main river and historically served as the most important fluvial connection between the Caribbean coast and the Andes.

We’ll drive southward, following the western margin of the river until reaching the city of Ibagué, the capital of the department of Tolima. From here, it’s a 1-hour drive to the Combeima River Valley, up to the settlement of Juntas (“Conjunction” in Spanish, where two rivers meet). We will spend the night in a very nice hotel with amazing views of the valley’s ridges and forests.

Included meals: None

Trekking: Alto del Oso Mountain pass (2850 m) – “La Florida” farm (2010 m)
We start the day very early in the morning since we have a long journey to cover. We will have breakfast around 6 AM and depart no later than 7 AM. From the hotel, we will walk approximately 10 minutes to the town of Juntas. From here, we will take the mountain path that begins after crossing the Combeima River. The walk follows a well-marked path that ascends steadily, gaining elevation as we observe changes in the vegetation. We will take occasional breaks for hydration, snacks, and photos. On this day we reach one of the highest points of the route, Alto del Oso (2850 meters), which marks the highest point between the eastern and western flanks of the Central Andes Mountain Range. From this point, a wide valley called Normandia unfolds, offering views of the Machin volcano (2758 meters) in the background, just behind the Toche River Valley. On clear days it is possible to see the snow-capped peak of the Tolima Volcano on the other side of the Combeima canyon.

We will descend through the Normandia valley, passing several sheep and cattle ranches, bordered by the high Andean Forest. The descent path crosses well-marked sections over cattle meadows and some grasslands, some of which may be slightly swampy. We will head south through the valley and then ascend to the edge of the lower crater of the Machin Volcano (2550 meters). At this point we will take a break to enjoy the landscape and later descend to the crater, taking a path that will eventually lead us the main road. Local vehicles will be waiting to take us to the entrance of the farm where we will spend the night. There’s a short 25-minute hike down to the farm. This farm is called Finca La Florida (2010 meters) and it’s a basic accommodation run by a local family. The farm offers stunning views over the Toche River Valley and, as a reward for this long day of hiking, it has its own hot springs pool.

Ascent to Alto del Oso: 1000 m / Descent to Normandia: 490 m /
Ascent to edge of the lower crater: 190 m / Descent to La Florida Farm: 540 m /
Highest altitude: 2850 m / Distance: 19 Km / Activity duration: 9-10 h

Included meals: Breakfast, picnic, Dinner

Trekking: Toche town (2000 m)
After a well-deserved rest, we will commence the day by descending into the Toche River valley. Today’s route is new for hikers, as it involves rural paths and farms interconnected with one another.

The path, starting from the farm, is somewhat inclined and not very well-marked initially. It will take us about an hour to reach a more defined path very close to the Toche River (1670 meters). From this point, we will follow a series of paths that run parallel to the eastern bank of the Toche River. These paths connect several family farms of small coffee, banana, and fruit producers. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to observe rural life in the coffee-producing area, enjoy the beautiful landscapes, and gradually ascend through the valley.

During our walk, we will pass through a place known as the ‘Puente de Tierra,’ where the river is cannoned between rock walls, from which thermal water jets emerge from the Machin volcano, creating a spectacular display of steam rising from the canyon. Here, we will take a break to appreciate the view and the surroundings. It’s worth noting that the path varies in quality throughout the entire route, as these are paths primarily used by local inhabitants, some of which are less traveled and less visible or may be narrow. The route will include occasional short uphill and downhill sections as it follows the contours of the valley.

As we approach the end of the route, the valley will open up, and the path will become less steep. The last 2 kilometers to the town will depend on the condition of the river and the path. If the path is not in good condition, we may ascend through a small valley to a dirt road and follow it until we reach the town of Toche.
Toche is a town located at the convergence of the valleys of the Toche River, originating from the Tolima Volcano, and the Tochecito River. This place is known as the upper basin of the Toche River. It is the largest population center in the basin and serves as a collection point from where the area’s products are transported to the markets of Ibague and Calarca.
The town retains its authenticity, featuring the characteristic architecture of Paisa colonization, representing the charm of coffee-growing towns. Here, we will spend the afternoon.
We will stay overnight in a basic hotel.

Descend: 340 / Ascent: 330 m / Highest altitude: 2010 m / Distance: 12 Km / Activity duration: 6 h

Included meals: Breakfast, picnic, Dinner

Hike in the wax palm forest (2940 m) – “La Leona” Farm (2899 m)
This day is filled with a combination of hiking and transportation along mountain roads. After enjoying breakfast, we will be picked up in town by 4-wheel drive vehicles that will take us on a 45-minute journey up the picturesque Tochecito River valley until Finca Las Cruces at an elevation of 2690 meters. From here, our hiking adventure begins, leading us through sections of farmland before reaching the enchanting wax palm forests. Our route will take us northward, passing through areas covered by lush Andean Forest, occasionally giving way to open livestock pastures. Throughout most of our journey, we’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, reaching an altitude of 3109 meters before descending to “La Leona” farm where we will spend the night. This local farm it’s a place in a stunning location with a panoramic view to the Tochecito River Valley and the surrounding wax palm’s forests.

Ascent: 419 m / Descent: 210 /
Highest altitude: 3109 m / Distance: 8,31 Km / Activity duration: 6-7 h

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner

Hike through La Carbonera forest – Drive to “El Rocio” Refuge (3050 m) – Hike to Salento town (1919 m)
Wake up in this scenic location to enjoy an abundant traditional breakfast before starting the hike from La Leona down to one of the small rivers that flow into the Tochecito River. This section is one of the most beautiful and varied of the trek, passing through grasslands before descending into the well-preserved wax palm forest and then ascending to the dirt road that leads to Salento. From this point, we’ll continue our adventure in 4-wheel drive vehicles, heading to the renowned La Carbonera viewpoint. This spot is famous for its breathtaking panoramic views of the region’s best-preserved wax palm forests. Following our visit, we’ll continue our journey for approximately another hour, driving over El Boquerón de la Línea (at 3378 meters), which marks the boundary between the departments of Tolima and Quindío. Shortly after, we will arrive at “El Rocío” refuge, a local farm perched on a ridge with stunning panoramic views of both the Central Andes Cordillera and, on the other side, the Cauca River Valley with the Western Andes Cordillera in the background.

From “El Rocío” Refuge, we’ll begin our descent to the charming town of Salento, nestled at an altitude of 1,919 meters. This section follows parts of the historic Camino Nacional trail, which was used during colonial times to connect this region with the capital. It was also the path taken by Alexander von Humboldt’s botanical expeditions and, years later, by Simón Bolívar’s liberation army. The Camino Nacional trail is mostly downhill, winding over ridges and through forests, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. As we descend, both the vegetation and temperature change due to the loss of altitude, eventually leading to the lush coffee plantations of the Salento area at the entrance of the Cocora Valley. The final stretch to Salento will be completed by vehicle.

Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Salento, soak in its unique atmosphere, and appreciate its charm.

Descent from La Leona farm: 213 / Ascent: 96 m / Highest altitude: 2899 m / Distance: 2,1 Km / Activity duration: 1 h
Descent to Salento: 1100 m / Highest altitude: 3050 m / Distance: 10,24 Km / Activity duration: 4-5 h

Included meals: Breakfast, lunch