| Day 1 | Arrival in Bogotá
Reception at the airport and transfer to hotel. The hotel is located in la Canderia, the colonial part of the capital’s downtown.
At arrival you will receive a Welcome Call from the Andes World Travel Team. |
| Day 2 | Bogotá – Full day city tour (2660 m)
Full-day private city tour to the historic part of Bogotá. After breakfast, meeting with guide for a city tour in Bogotá’s colonial downtown. The first visit is a cable car trip to the Monserrate Sanctuary, an iconic church located at an altitude of 3152 m, overlooking the city. Then the tour will continue by foot to see the charming colonial area known as La Candelaria and its main attractions: La Plaza Bolivar (Bogotá’s mains square), the museum of the famous Colombian artist Botero and the world famous gold museum.
Duration 6-7 hours.
Included meals: Breakfast |
| Day 3 | 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, Dinner |
| Day 4 | Trekking: Alto del Oso Mountain pass (2850 m) – “La Florida” farm (2010 m)
We will start the day very early 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. There, we will take the mountain path that begins after crossing the Combeina River. The walk follows a well-marked path that ascends steadily, gaining elevation as we observe changes in vegetation. We will take occasional breaks for hydration, snacks, and photos. Today, we will reach one of the highest points of the route, Alto del Oso (2850 meters), which marks the crossroads between the eastern and western flanks of the central mountain range. From there, 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 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 varies between well-marked sections over cattle meadows and some grasslands, some of which may be slightly swampy.
We will stop to have a meal with a local family, and then continue the descent to the base of the Machin Volcano. We will head south through the valley and then ascend from a farm to the edge of the lower crater of the volcano (2550 meters). There, we will take a break to enjoy the landscape and later descend to some meadows, aiming to circle the volcano on its north side. The path will eventually lead us to a dirt road, which we will follow until we reach the main road. Here some local vehicles will be waiting to take us to the entrance of the farm where we will stay this night. A short 25 minutes hike down to the farm. This farm is called: La Florida farm (2010 meters) is a basic accommodation run by a local family, where we will find tents for our stay. 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 sourced from the Machin Volcano.
We will spend the night in tents.
Ascent to Alto del Oso: 1000 m / Descend to Normandia: 490 m / Ascent to edge of the lower crater: 190 m / Descend to La Florida Farm: 540 m / Highest altitude: 2850 m / Distance: 19 Km / Activity duration: 9-10 h
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner |
| Day 5 | 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, lunch, Dinner |
| Day 6 | Hike in the Wax palm forest (2940 m) – Drive to “El Rocio” Refuge (3050 m)
Today is filled with a combination of walking and transportation along mountain roads.
After enjoying breakfast, we will be picked up in town by 4-Wheel drive vehicles and 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 3000 meters before descending back to the road.
Our hike will conclude at the La Cabaña de Doña Marleni farm (2640 m) at an elevation of 2640 meters. There, we’ll take a well-deserved rest, savoring traditional panela water with cheese and enjoying our meal.
From this point, we’ll continue our adventure in our 4-wheel drives, 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 Boqueron de la Linea (at 3378 meters), which marks the boundary between the departments (States) of Tolima and Quindío. Shortly after, will stop at our lodging place called “El Rocio” Refuge, a local farm located on a ridge with amazing panoramic views to both the Central Andes Cordillera and to the other side the Cauca River Valley and the Western Andes Cordillera in the back ground. The night will be spent at this lovely place.
Night in shared rooms.
Ascent: 310 m / Descend: 360 / Highest altitude: 3050 m / Distance: 5,3 Km / Activity duration: 4-5 h
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch, Dinner |
| Day 7 | Trekking: Salento town (1919 m)
From “El Rocio” refuge, will star the descent to the charming town of Salento, nestled at an altitude of 1919 meters. This section follows parts of the old “Camino Nacional” Trail, which is the one used during colonial times to link this region with the capital, as well as the trail taken by Alexander Humboldt’s botanical expeditions and years later Simon Bolivar’s liberation army.
The “Camino Nacional” trail is mostly downwards, hiking over ridges and through forest, with nice view to the neighboring valleys and mountains. Both, the vegetation and temperature, changes due to the loose of altitude ending in the lush Salento area’s coffee plantations at the beginning of the Cocora Valley. The last bit to Salento is done by vehicle.
Free afternoon to enjoy Salento, explore it and appreciate the town’s unique atmosphere.
Night in hotel.
Descent: 1100 m / Highest altitude: 3050 m / Distance: 10,24 Km / Activity duration: 4-5 h
Included meals: Breakfast, lunch |
| Day 8 | Trekking: “La Argentina” farm (3483 m)
Early departure by jeep to the Cocora Valley (30 min), an spectacular valley located at 2425 meters adorn with Colombia’s national tree: The Wax Palm. After enjoying the place, the staff will prepare the luggage to be taken by pack animals. The ascent follows an off-the-beaten track trail through primary mountain rainforest. The trail goes up the by “Quebrada Cardenas”, following the river with the same name, which slowly gains altitude. Few meters above the tree line, a mountain farm called “La Argentina” is located, a beautiful spot between the vanishing forest and the high altitude grassland known as “Paramo”. This small farm will be the shelter for the night. The place is very rustic and humble, but with a lot of charm and local atmosphere. The hike is a perfect first acclimation day for the coming days.
Night in tents.
Ascent: 1058 m / Highest Altitude: 3483 m / Distance 10,7 Km / Activity duration: 6-7 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner |
| Day 9 | Trekking: “La Primavera” farm (3769 m) and “El Encanto Lake” (4026 m)
After a good local breakfast and rest, we will continue our ascent by the northern margin of “Quebrada Cardenas”, passing an abandon farm called Buenos Aires and from there descending to a river crossing, following an ascending trail to the mountain pass known as “La Linea” (4019 m), which divides the states of Quindío and Tolima, and an excellent view point towards “Paramillo del Quindio” (4745 m), the highest summit of Quindío state, and the Nevado del Tolima in the neighboring valley. From the pass, there is an easy descend toward the “La Primavera/La Playa” farm another humble place, where it will be served the hot local drink “agua de panela” (hot drink with raw sugar) or coffee. Lunch will be held at the farm. On the afternoon the group will do a relaxing hike to “El Encanto” Lake (the Enchanted lake), located west from the farms. The trail follows the Tolima’s valley for about 1,5 hour and then heads up to the lake for another 30 min. The lake is located in a small valley with a great view to the Nevado del Tolima and Paramillo del Quindío summits. Most of the hike will be done through a relative flat páramo ecosystem. The return to the farm will be done by the same trail.
Ascent to La Linea pass: 536 m / Descent to Finca La Primavera: 250 m / Highest Altitude: 4019 m / Distance to La Primavera farm: 5,8 Km / Activity duration to La Primavera: 4-5 h
Ascent to El Encanto Lake: 257 m / Descent back to La Primavera farm: 257 m / Highest Altitude: 4026 m / Distance to El Encanto Lake: 5,25 Km round trip / Activity duration to El Encanto Lake: 3-4 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner |
| Day 10 | Trekking: Salento (1919 m) by the Cardenas valley
Last day in the mountains! Leaving after breakfast back up to “La Linea” mountain pass (4019 m) and descending to the Quindio river (3804 m), after crossing a short ascent to the abandoned “Buenos Aires” farm. After about an hours, the “La Argentina” farm will come into view. Descent through beautiful landscapes and rainforest, making a semi-circular ascent ending the trail at the famous Cocora Valley, an spectacular valley located at 2425 meters adorn with Colombia’s national tree: The Wax Palm. Once in the Cocora Valley, the group will be picked up and transferred to the lovely town of Salento, by the traditional Willies jeeps (25 min.) that are a symbol of the coffee area´s coffee culture. Upon arrival in Salento, the group will be taken to a hotel located in the colonial part of the town. There will be good time to enjoy the town and drink some of Colombia’s best coffee!
Night in hotel.
Ascent: 250 m / Descent: 1594 m / Highest Altitude: 4019 m / Distance 16,5 Km / Activity duration: 6-8 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch |
| Day 11 | 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 |
| Day 12 | Armenia/Pereira – Departure
Transfer to Armenia/Pereira’s airport/bus station (1 h) for onward connection by land/air. Ens of services in Armenia/Pereira. Included meals: Breakfast |
