Tropical Snow Peaks Climb & Lost City Trek
COL-16 / 16-day trip / Grade: F, T2
Climb: Nevado del Tolima Volcano (5221 m)
Trek: Siecha Lake in Chingaza N.P. & Lost City in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

The Tropical Snow Peaks and Lost City program combines active and cultural experiences, on an itinerary that provides a good picture of Colombia’s cultural and natural diversity.
The program goes from the metropolitan atmosphere of Bogotá, to the remote snowcapped volcanoes of the central Andes, and down to the tropical rain forest and archeological ruins of the lost City, ending on the beautiful beaches of the Colombian Caribbean coast.
Trip’s highlights:
– 1-day acclimatization hike to Siecha Lake in the Chingaza national Park.
– 5-day climb of the snowcapped Tolima volcano (5221 m), situated in Los Nevados National Park on the central Andes range. In addition to the climb, the coffee culture enriches the experience and can be enjoyed in the town of Salento, right in the heart of Colombia’s traditional coffee area.
– 4-day trek to La Ciudad Perdida of the Tayronas, known as “The Lost City”, one of the best restored and preserved archeological sites in the country. It is located in the Buritaca valley in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest costal range in the world.
– Tayrona National Park and Caribbean beach lodge. To end this amazing program, there will be a visit to the famous Tayrona park with a easy gentle walk to enjoy some of Colombia’s best beaches.
Day 1 | Arrival in Bogotá (2660 m) |
Day 2 | Bogotá – City tour |
Day 3 | Chingaza National Park – Trek to Siecha Lakes (3620 m) |
Day 4 | Bogotá – Salento (1919 m) – Coffee tour |
Day 5 | Trekking: “La Argentina” farm (3483 m) |
Day 6 | Trekking: “La Primavera” farm (3769 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 | Coffee Region – Santa Marta & Walking Tour |
Day 11 | Pick-up – Trekking: “Donde Adan” lodge (480 m) |
Day 12 | Trekking: “Paso Lorenzo” lodge (806 m) |
Day 13 | Trekking: Lost City (1320 m) |
Day 14 | Trekking: El Mamey (150 m) – End of trek |
Day 15 | Tayrona National Park |
Day 16 | 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.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE LOST CITY TREK:
Yearly closures:
– The Lost City trek closes once a year for Indigenous religious ceremonies. This usually occurs in September and typically lasts for the entire month.
If you are planning your trip around this time of year, please contact us to confirm the exact restricted dates, as they may vary slightly from one year to the next.
– This itinerary reflects the standard program but may be subject to change due to weather conditions and/or force majeure events.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE VISIT TO TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK:
Due to regulations established by local Indigenous communities, Tayrona National Park will be closed three times a year during the following periods:
* February 1st to 15th
* June 1st to 15th
* October 1st to 31st
If you are planning your trip around these dates, please check with us to confirm the park closure, as the exact dates may vary from year to year
Day 1 | Arrival in Bogotá |
Day 2 | Bogotá – Full day city tour (2660 m) 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 | 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 | Bogota – Salento (1919 m) – Coffee tour Salento enjoys a mild mountain climate and lush, green landscapes. The town is part of the UNESCO-listed Coffee Cultural Landscape, offering visitors the chance to explore traditional coffee farms, artisan shops, and scenic viewpoints like the Alto de la Cruz. Salento combines natural beauty, cultural richness, and authentic local experiences, making it a favorite stop for nature and culture lovers. In the afternoon, the group will have a coffee tour at one of the traditional coffee farms in the area. In the coffee tour, visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of Colombian coffee while exploring the farm´s lush coffee plantations. Expert local guides explain the complete production process, from planting the beans to harvesting and roasting. Tourists can also participate in bean picking, learn about different coffee varieties, and enjoy tastings of fresh coffee while taking in the stunning views of Salento’s mountainous landscapes. It’s an educational and sensory experience that allows visitors to appreciate the passion and dedicated work behind every cup of Colombian coffee. |
NEVADO DEL TOLIMA CLIMB | |
Day 5 | Trekking: “La Argentina” farm (3483 m) 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: “La Primavera” farm (3769 m) |
Day 7 | Trekking: Tolima’s high camp (4345 m) |
Day 8 | Climb: Nevado del Tolima (5221 m) |
Day 9 | Trekking: Salento (1919 m) |
Day 10 | Coffee Region – Santa Marta & Walking Tour Santa Marta was founded in 1525, this city is the oldest in Colombia and has a rich history waiting to be discovered. We will then continue our stroll through Bolivar Park, a picturesque green space in the heart of the city. Here, we will find the statue of the liberator Simón Bolívar, who played an important role in Colombia’s independence. Finally, we will end our tour at the Malecon, a lively waterfront promenade lined with palm trees and filled with restaurants and shops. Here, we will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the sea breeze while taking in the beautiful scenery. |
LOST CITY TREK | |
Day 11 | Lost City – Trekking: “Donde Adan” lodge (480 m) Morning pick-up at the hotel and transfer in 4WD vehicles, driving northeast along the Caribbean coast. After 1 to 1.5 hours, we leave the paved road—and this is where the adventure begins! After approximately a 1-hour drive on a dirt road through a beautiful landscape, we reach the village of El Mamey (150 m), also known as Machete Pelado. Lunch will be served upon arrival, and then the hike to Ciudad Perdida begins. This day’s hike is exposed to the sun or rain, so it is important to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Tropical fruits will be offered along the trek. The group will follow the river trail, which is a more pleasant walk than the main road. This path follows the Quebrada del Alto Mamey river valley for about one hour and then ascends steeply (1.5 hours) to El Mirador pass (640 m), which offers a fantastic view over the town of Mamey and the Buritaca River. From this point, the trail descends steadily (1.5 hours) to the Quebrada Honduras river, where Donde Adán lodge is located. It is possible to take a refreshing swim in a beautiful natural river pool near the lodge. Dinner will be served in this rustic accommodation. Overnight in hammocks or bunk beds. Ascent: 490 m / Descend: 160 m / Highest altitude: 640 m / Distance: 8,9 Km / Activity duration: 4 h IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE LOST CITY TREK:Yearly closures: – The Lost City trek closes once a year for Indigenous religious ceremonies. This usually occurs in September and typically lasts for the entire month. If you are planning your trip around this time of year, please contact us to confirm the exact restricted dates, as they may vary slightly from one year to the next. – This itinerary reflects the standard program but may be subject to change due to weather conditions and/or force majeure events. |
Day 12 | Trekking: “Paso Lorenzo” lodge (806 m) The region is also home to Wiwa communities—Indigenous people originally from another part of the Sierra—who have since settled in these valleys and now operate some of the local lodges. A noticeable shift occurs here: expansive farmland gives way to a more pristine and less exploited environment. From the pass, the trail descends quickly into the Buritaca River valley (430 m), where the trek’s only Kogi settlement, Montangi, is located. This is a great opportunity to observe and appreciate local traditions and ways of life. After about an hour, a hanging bridge crosses the river, leading to a second ascent (approx. 2 hours) up to Koskunguena Pass (824 m), before descending again to the Buritaca River (743 m), and finally reaching the rustic lodge Paso Lorenzo (806 m), where you’ll spend the night. This lodge, located beside the river, is an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a refreshing swim. Overnight in hammocks or bunk beds. To Mumake pass: Ascent: 200 m / Descend: 250 m / Highest altitude: 680 m |
Day 13 | Trekking: Lost City (1175 m) From this point, a journey through time begins, taking us to one of the most fascinating archaeological sites from Colombia’s pre-Hispanic era. The Lost City of the Tayronas—originally known as Teyuna—is internationally renowned and is one of the three great citadels of the vanished Tayrona civilization. Teyuna is the only one discovered so far, and thus the only one partially restored. The Tayrona cities were connected through an intricate network of roads, linking the Caribbean coast with the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. The Tayrona had a highly developed social structure and an efficient system for exchanging products and goods among settlements. Although there is no definitive information about the specific role of Teyuna in Tayrona society, it is believed to have been both a religious sanctuary and a political center. During the 3-hour visit to the archaeological complex, you will explore different types of terraces and how their placement reflected social hierarchy and designated functions. During the visit, it is also possible to see the house of a Mamo Kogi (shaman), who continues to preserve his people’s traditions and cosmology. After the visit, the hike continues to the “El Paraíso” lodge for lunch, and then resumes (4 hours), following the same trail as the previous day but continuing further. You’ll cross a suspension bridge and descend through the Buritaca River valley, passing once again through the Kogui settlement of “Montangi” before reaching the “Mumake” lodge (389 m), located at the foot of the Mumake Pass. Overnight in hammocks. Overnight in hammocks or bunk beds. To Lost City: Ascent: 369 m / Descend back to lodge: 369 m / Highest altitude: 1175 m / Distance one-way: 2,4 Km / Activity duration: 5 hours including a 2 hours visit. |
Day 14 | Trekking: El Mamey (150 m) – End of trek Ascent to Mumake Pass: 291 m / Descent to “Donde Adán” lodge: 200 m / Ascent to El Mirador Pass: 160 m / Descent: 490 m / Maximum altitude: 680 m / Distance: 14.2 km / Activity duration: 4–5 hours. |
CARIBBEAN LODGE BEACH | |
Day 15 | Tayrona National Park Remark: the guide will adjust the length and itinerary according to the clients interest and capabilities. IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE VISIT TO TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK:Due to regulations established by local Indigenous communities, Tayrona National Park will be closed three times a year during the following periods: * February 1st to 15th If you are planning your trip around these dates, please check with us to confirm the park closure, as the exact dates may vary from year to year |
Day 16 | Departure |
INCLUDED
- Local English speaking AWT city guide in Bogota day 2
- Local English speaking AWT mountain guide from day 3 to 9 from 2 to 5 PAX
- Local English speaking AWT mountain guide during the entire program from 6 PAX on
- Local assistant mountain guide from 3 people in Los Nevados
- Local assistant mountain guide for the summit day Ratio: 1:3 in Los Nevados
- Local Spanish trekking guide in the Lost City from 2 to 5 PAX
- English translator for the Lost City trek for groups between 2 to 5 PAX, in those cases where the guide’s English is not good sufficient
- Lost City trek in shared international group from 2 to 5 PAX (For upgrade to private groups see the tables above)
- Lost City trek in private group from 6 PAX on
- Shared transportation to/from the Lost City trek from 2 to 5 PAX
- Private transportation throughout the entire program from 6 PAX on
- Bogotá – Half day city tour
- Coffee tour in Salento
- Santa Marta – Half day city tour
- Tayrona National Park full day tour
- National Parks entrance fees and park’s insurances
- 3 nights in shared double rooms in the City of Bogotá
- 2 nights in shared double rooms in the town of Salento
- 1 night in shared double rooms in the City of Santa Marta
- 2 nights in shared double rooms in Tayrona N.P.
- 3 nights in shared dormitories at the mountain farms in Los Nevados N.P.
- 3 nights in hammocks/bunk-beds in the Lost City trek
- Quality mountain tents – 2 pax per tent in Los Nevados
- Group common campsite equipment
- Pack animals for group/personal campsite equipment, food and pax personal gear in Los Nevados (Packing and weight allowance information will be sent)
- Porter to/from high camp for personal gear (Packing and weight allowance information will be sent)
- Pack animals for personal gear during the Lost City trek from 6 PAX on (Packing and weight allowance information will be sent)
- Cook in Los Nevados and the lost city trek
- Included meals specified in the day to day itinerary
NOT INCLUDED
- Domestic or international flights
- Separate airport transfers in case of multiple arrival/departures
- Pack animals for luggage during the Lost City Trek for groups between 2 and 5 PAX
- Personal climbing and camping gear
- Insurance
- Tips
- Everything not mentioned in the “Included” list
BOGOTÁ: Hotel Opera or similar
SALENTO: Hotel Salento Real or similar
PARQUE NACIONAL LOS NEVADOS:
Finca La Argentina (no website) or similar
Finca La Primavera/La Playa (no website) or similar
SIERRA NEVADA DE SANTA MARTA – LOST CITY TREK:
Lodge: Donde Adan (no website) or similar
Lodge: Paraiso (no website) or similar
Lodge: Mumake (no website) or similar
SANTA MARTA: Hotel Casa Carolina or similar
TAYRONA N.P. – LODGE: Yachay Eco Hotel or similar