Ibague – Cajamarca – Anaime Valley (1810 m)
Tolima is a region of volcanoes, fertile valleys, and rich musical traditions in central Colombia. The Nevado del Tolima and Los Nevados National Park attract hikers and mountaineers, while the Magdalena River basin supports coffee, cacao, and rice landscapes. Its cuisine, particularly lechona tolimense, and its Andean musical heritage shape the local identity.

Ibagué, the capital, is known as Colombia’s “Musical City.” With a warm climate and easy access to nature, it hosts major music festivals and offers a relaxed urban atmosphere. The Combeima River canyon stretches from the city toward the Nevado del Tolima, making it a natural hub for trekking and outdoor activities.

Pick-up at Ibagué’s airport or bus terminal. The road trip from Ibagué to Cajamarca and the Anaime Valley (1.5 hours) transitions from the city edges into peaceful Andean countryside, climbing through green slopes, coffee farms, and misty forests until reaching Cajamarca’s wide agricultural basin. From there, a narrower rural road leads to the Anaime Valley, known as “La Despensa de Colombia” for its abundant production of potatoes, arracacha, corn, fruits, dairy, and other highland crops.

After arrival at the lodging and a short rest, we will take a brief 1-hour hike to a viewpoint with breathtaking views of the Anaime Valley. We will spend the night in a charming hotel located in the valley.

Included meals: None

Trekking: Toche town (2000 m)
After a well-deserved rest, we will drive from Anaime Valley up the Toche River Valley for about one hour to a place known as the Volcano Viewpoint, where the trailhead is located (2291 m). The first part of the hike involves descending to the Toche River and crossing it via “Puente de Tierra” (1670 m), where the river is confined between rock walls, and thermal water jets emerge from the Machín 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 trail varies in quality throughout the route, as these paths are primarily used by local inhabitants. Some sections are less traveled, narrower, or less visible. The route includes occasional short uphill and downhill sections as it follows the contours of the valley.

From this point, we will follow a series of paths running parallel to the eastern bank of the Toche River. These paths connect several family farms producing coffee, bananas, and other fruits. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to observe rural life in this coffee-growing region, enjoy the beautiful landscapes, and gradually ascend.

As we approach the end of the route, the valley will open up, and the path will become less steep. The final two kilometers to the town will depend on the condition of the river and the trail. 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 located at the convergence of the Toche River, originating from the Tolima Volcano, and the Tochecito River. This area 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 which local products are transported to the markets of Ibagué and Calarcá.

The town retains its authenticity, featuring the characteristic architecture of Paisa colonization, reflecting the charm of traditional coffee-growing towns. Here, we will spend the afternoon.
We will stay overnight in a basic hotel.

Descend: 621 / Ascent: 330 m / Highest altitude: 2291 m / Distance: 10,7 Km / Activity duration: 6 h

Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: “El Consorte” Farm (2610 m) – “Katay” Farm (2464 m)
Hidden in the mountains of Tolima lies the Upper Tochecito Valley, a breathtaking corner of the Colombian Andes. Stretching between 2,000 and 3,400 meters above sea level, this valley shelters the largest wax palm forest on Earth.

In this landscape of misty ridges and green slopes grow more than 600,000 Quindío wax palms (Ceroxylon quindiuense), Colombia’s national tree and the tallest palm species in the world, reaching up to 70 meters in height. Covering nearly 4,500 hectares, the forest here is far more extensive and less disturbed than the better-known Cocora Valley, making Tochecito a true sanctuary of biodiversity.

Its relative isolation, due in part to years of limited access, has allowed these towering palms and their ecosystems to thrive. The valley is home to unique birds and wildlife that depend on the palms for food and shelter.

Tochecito is not only a natural wonder but also a living symbol of Colombia’s landscapes—majestic, resilient, and deeply connected to local culture.

Today, we will depart from the town of Toche, starting the hike along the dirt road that leads to Cajamarca before taking a trail that ascends through grasslands and the first patches of wax palm forest until reaching El Consorte farm (4,53 km). This local house is located in a privileged spot, offering stunning views over the Toche and Tochecito River valleys. On a clear day, it is possible to see the Tolima volcano above the valleys.

After a short break, we’ll continue along a very scenic trail that gradually gains altitude until reaching 2,656 meters. From there, a gentle descent begins, becoming steeper as we approach the “Katay” farm (2,464 m), located on a valley slope. We will spend the night here, enjoying the views and immersing ourselves in the local way of life.

Overnight in tents.
Ascent: 656 m / Descent: 202 m / Highest altitude: 2656 m / Distance: 8,98 Km / Activity duration: 5-6 h

Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: “La Cabaña de Doña Marleni” farm (2667 m) & Drive to Salento (1919 m)
From the farm, a short descent leads us down to Quebrada Dantas Creek (2348 m), the lowest point of the day. From there, we begin a steady ascent along a series of well-kept trails until reaching a junction where another trail begins, which we will follow. This trail passes through a wax palm forest before descending toward “El Pajarito” farm (2447 m). After a short ascent (2633 m), the old road becomes visible, and we will follow it down to the Tochecito River crossing (2437 m), then ascend once more to the dirt road. Our hike will conclude at the “La Cabaña de Doña Marleni” farm at an elevation of 2667 meters. Here, we’ll take a well-deserved rest, savoring traditional panela water with cheese and enjoying our meal.

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 drive for approximately another hour, crossing El Boquerón de la Línea (3,378 m), which marks the boundary between the departments of Tolima and Quindío. Finally, we’ll descend for about two hours to reach the town of Salento.

Descend to Quebrada Dantas creek: 116 m / Ascent to the wax palm forest: 324 m / Descend “El Pajarito” farm: 225 m / Ascent “El Pajarito” Pass: 186 m / Descend to Tochecito River: 196 m / Ascent “La Cabaña de Doña Marleni”: 230 m / Highest altitude: 2672 m / Distance: 7,63 Km / Activity duration: 4 h

Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic