Arrival in Bogota
Reception at the airport and transfer to hotel.

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.
Included meals: None

Bogota (2660 m) – Full day city tour & hike down from Monserrate
Full-day private tour of Bogotá’s historic center. After breakfast, meet your guide for a tour of the capital’s colonial center. The first visit is a cable car/train ride to the Sanctuary of Monserrate, an emblematic church located at an altitude of 3152 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views of the city.
The hike down from Monserrate begins with a steep, stone-paved trail, once used by pilgrims. As you descend, the cool mountain air gives way to the warmth and movement of the city below. The path winds through lush greenery, gradually revealing the rooftops and colonial facades of La Candelaria. At the base, you step into a neighborhood of colorful houses, cobbled streets, murals, and street life.

Hike: Descend to the cable-car station: 464 m / Distance: 2,6 Km / Activity duration: 45 min.

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.
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant street life, a walking tour of La Candelaria is a must-do for anyone visiting Bogotá.

Duration: 6 hours.

Included meals: Breakfast

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.

Bogotá – Ibague – Juntas (1850 m)
Departure from Bogota 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 southwards, following the western margin of the river until reaching the city of Ibague, the capital of Tolima state. From here, an hour drive the Combeima River Valley up to the settlement of Juntas (Conjunction, in Spanish, where 2 rivers meet each other). Here, we will accommodate in a very nice hotel with amazing views to the valley’s ridges and forest.
Included meals: Breakfast

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

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 Reforma” Farm (2667 m) – “La Julia” Farm (3022 m)
From “Katay” farm, a short descent leads us down to Quebrada Dantas creek (2348 m), the lowest point of the day. From there, we start a steady ascent along a series of well-kept trails, first reaching La Reforma farm (2667 m), the largest in the area, dedicated to cattle and milk production. The last section climbs up to La Reforma Pass (3038 m), the highest point of the hike, before descending to Pajarito Creek (2727 m), and finally ascending once more to “La Julia” farm (3022 m), where we will spend the night.

Descend to Quebrada Dantas creek: 116 m / Ascent La Reforma Pass: 690 m / Descend Quebrada Pajarito Creek: 311 m / Ascent La Julia Farm: 295 m / Highest altitude: 3038 m / Distance: 12,36 Km / Activity duration: 5-6 h

Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: “Los Vocanes” Farm (3227 m) & Drive to “El Rocio” Refuge (3050 m) – Hike to Salento town (1919 m)
Early in the morning, the team will participate in a short workshop to learn how to make the local cheese “Cuajada” (soft cheese). This experience will allow you to dive into the artisanal craft and understand the process behind it.

After breakfast, we’ll begin the hike, ascending along a ridge to a mountain pass (3227 m), then descending to a river crossing (2799 m), followed by one final steep section leading up to the dirt road at “Los Volcanes” Farm (3064 m). From this point, we’ll continue our adventure in 4-wheel drive vehicles, 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.

Ascent: 205 m / Descent: 428 m / Ascent to Los Volcanes Farm: 265 m / Highest altitude: 3227 m / Distance: 7,30 Km / Activity duration: 4 h
Descent to Salento: 1100 m / Distance: 10,24 Km / Activity duration: 4-5 h

Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

Salento (1919 m) – Coffee tour
After a well-deserved rest and an easygoing morning, the group will have a coffee tour in one of the traditional coffee farms of the area. The coffee tour shows the entire coffee production from the seed to the final product. It also includes a very pedagogic coffee tasting to learn about the different types and qualities of the local coffee. Lunch will be at one of Salento’s typical restaurants and then there will be some free time to enjoy this lay back town and the wide offer of handy-crafts and local products.
For the active traveller, there are plenty of extra tours options like “La Kasa” botanical tour guided by experts in the fauna and flora, horse back riding itineraries, mountain biking routes, between so many others.
Night in hotel.
Included meals: Breakfast

Trekking: Cocora Valley (2425 m) – “La Primavera” Farm (3769 m)
Early departure by jeep to the Cocora Valley (30 min), where your luggage will be taken by horse. Begin your ascent by a quite off-the-beaten-track trail, very well preserved and through primary mountain rainforest. The trail heads up the by “Estrella de Agua” following the river and slowly gains altitude to until the tree line, shortly after will rach the highest point of the day known as: Alto de la Virgen (3905 m) and from there a descend down “La Primavera” Farm (3769 m), where we will find our home for the night, the farm located at a beautiful spot between the vanishing woods and the steeps of the “Paramo”. This small farm will be our shelter for the night. The place is very rustic and humble, but with a lot of charm and local atmosphere.

Ascent: 1480 m / Descent: 136 m / Highest Altitude: 3905 m / Activity duration: 9-10 h / Distance: 15,1 Km.

Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: “Cañon” campsite & Hot springs (3964 m)
The group will leave in the morning, hiking up the valley to reach El Encanto Lake (4026 m), a perfect spot for a lunch break. Afterwards, a gentle descent offers a very pleasant hike with beautiful landscapes and views of both the volcanoes and the valleys below. After a few hours, we will arrive at the Cañón campsite & hot springs (3964 m), located on a green patch along the slopes of the Tolima Volcano.

In the afternoon, there will be time to relax and enjoy the hot springs.
Night in tents.

Ascent: 257 m / Descend: 64 m / Highest Altitude: 4026 m / Distance: 13,25 Km / Activity duration: 5-6 h

Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: La Escuela El Salto (3360 m)
After a well-deserved rest, we’ll begin descending from the páramo (highland), following a trail that first gains altitude and then gradually descends into lush high Andean Forest filled with moss and ferns. The route is moderately challenging due to the altitude and terrain, but rewarding, ending at the remote school known as El Salto (3360 m)

Ascent: 99 m / Descent: 604 m / Highest Altitude: 4063 m / Distance 10 Km / Activity duration: 4 h

Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner

Trekking: Town of Juntas (1850 m)
Last day in the mountains! Today, a long descent awaits us—but not before hiking up to the Alto de las Nieves pass (3732 m). From there, we’ll descend through lush Andean forests and streams, passing key points such as Estambul, Doble Cruce, Las Delicias, and Cebollal, before reaching the village of Juntas (1850 m). From there, it’s a short walk along the main road to a rural hotel.

Ascent: 372 m / Descent: 1882 m / Highest Altitude: 3732 m / Distance 14 Km / Activity duration: 6-7 h

Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic

Ibague – Departure
Transfer to Ibague’s airport (1 h) for domestic flight and onward international connection.

End of services in Ibague.

Included meals: Breakfast