Best Treks In Los Nevados

Why book a trek in Los Nevados?

Located in the heart of the coffee region on the Andes mountain range, Los Nevados National Natural Park (PNN) was created to contribute to the conservation of important ecosystems at national and global levels.

Landscapes of Los Nevados National

The park’s mission is to preserve this protected area’s water and biological richness while ensuring harmony between the established communities within this territory and visitors.

Choosing an agency that shares these environmental and social values allows you to contribute indirectly to maintaining this protected zone while discovering unique environments.

Diverse ecosystems

Los Nevados is composed of various ecosystems typical of tropical regions. The diversity of these environments is one of the park’s main attractions. In two or three days of hiking, you can discover and appreciate the richness of nature.

Between 2000 and ~3000 meters, you’ll traverse through a cloud forest, often covered in mist, hence its name. This high Andean humid forest consists of layers of trees and bushes that capture moisture from the air and return it to the soil and waterways. A rich biodiversity thrives in this environment.

From 3000 meters to ~4300 meters, the landscape is mainly low grasslands and fields of frailejones, the famous endemic plant of the paramo. This ecosystem covers 80% of the protected areas of the park. Its natural ability to regulate water flows, acting like a giant reservoir, is crucial for water supply to Andean communities.

Above 4300 meters, you hike through the super-paramo, characterized by a lunar-like environment with very low and sparse flora and a mineral mix of rocks, pebbles, gravel, sand, and ashes.

You then cross a rocky area, once covered by ice, marking the evolution of the glacier melt.

From ~4850 meters, you reach the first tropical glaciers. There are three glaciers in Los Nevados National Natural Park, but only two of these high-altitude ecosystems are currently accessible.

Different Nevados, peaks, and points of interest

Los Nevados National Park is characterized by its volcanic landscapes, including the Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado de Santa Isabel, Nevado del Tolima volcanoes, and the Paramillo del Quindío, among the most famous.

Today, one of the park’s three glaciers covers Nevado del Ruiz but is closed to the public due to its dangerous volcanic activity.

The Paramillo del Quindío with its yellow-orange slopes is also temporarily closed. However, you can see it on certain treks, such as the 3-day hike between Salento and Pereira, passing near its base.

The ascent of Nevado Santa Isabel (4995m) is ideal for a first glacier experience. It’s easily accessible in good physical condition and requires no special mountaineering techniques. While the adventure can be completed in 1 or 2 days, I recommend the 3-day trek for better acclimatization and exploring all three ecosystems in the park.

Climbing the glacier of Nevado del Tolima (5200m) demands excellent physical condition and prior experience at such altitudes. A 4-day trek from Salento allows you to attempt the ascent of this iconic peak.

Laguna de Otún is another renowned site in the park. Colombia’s National Natural Parks organization declared it an internationally important wetland. During the three-day trek to Nevado Santa Isabel, you pass by this high-mountain lake.

Both 3-day itineraries mentioned earlier pass through the Ucumarí Regional Natural Park and the Otún Quimbaya Fauna and Flora Sanctuary, two crucial areas for biodiversity conservation.

Multi-day treks in medium and high mountains

For mountain adventure enthusiasts, the opportunity to hike for several days in Los Nevados National Natural Park is a blessing.

Luckily, numerous routes range from 1 to 7 days to explore this fabulous natural territory. There’s something for every level, from a leisurely hike in the medium mountains to the ascent of tropical glaciers.

Level of difficulty

The difficulty level of expeditions is determined by several criteria:

• Physical fitness: Are you used to walking or an occasional hiker? Are you athletic or not?
• Experience: Have you done mountain hikes before, stayed in refuges or tents for one or several days, and with what weight in your backpack?
• Altitude: The higher the altitude, the more you may feel the effects of reduced oxygen and fatigue. Altitude sickness exists but shouldn’t be a cause for undue concern. Acclimatization can help mitigate these effects. Have you experienced high altitudes before? Do you know how your body reacts beyond certain heights?
• Technical skills: The route may require specific technical skills related to high-altitude mountaineering.

A good agency will answer all your questions and guide you towards the most suitable route. They should also ensure the safety and smooth operation of your adventure.

SAFETY

Safety is essential in medium and high mountain environments. Knowing the environment you are navigating is crucial because weather conditions can change rapidly, potentially leading to unforeseen incidents.

The expert we recommend trains their guides in high-altitude mountaineering and wilderness first aid.

ascension of a tropical glacier

Only three tropical glaciers in the mountain range cross Los Nevados. Unfortunately, these glacial ecosystems are shrinking year by year.

Glacial melting is clearly visible when you climb to the summit of Nevado Santa Isabel or Nevado del Tolima. Soon, these ice giants will no longer exist, but for now, you have a unique opportunity to ascend them and enjoy the unique atmosphere at the top.

Fortunately, these two glaciers do not require mountaineering skills. If your physical condition allows, just follow your guide, who takes care of all safety aspects and organizes the ascent in a roped team.

Things to know before your excursion in the park

All the important information you need to know before exploring these fascinating landscapes.

weather and seasons

There aren’t distinct seasons, although the best months are from December to February and July to August because it tends to rain less. Keep in mind that it can still rain during these periods.

Cloud forests and paramos are very humid environments where weather can change quickly. Keep your rain jacket handy to avoid getting soaked.

Conversely, if the sun is out, you might be able to hike in a t-shirt, but sun protection becomes crucial. At 4000m, the sun burns quickly. Bring long sleeves, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat or cap.

At night, temperatures drop between 5°C and -2°C, and due to ambient humidity, it’s very cold. Warm and dry clothing is essential.

traditional farms and refuges

Colombian refuges are typically very modest family-owned fincas. There’s no helicopter resupply, and families have limited resources. The more modern farms are supplied by 4×4 vehicles, while others rely on mule drivers (arrieros).

You often sleep on traditional farms, where families warmly welcome you. This is an opportunity to learn about their agricultural activities and discover the harshness of their living conditions.

As a result, the rooms are basic, poorly insulated, or not insulated at all, with simple wooden beds, foam mattresses, and wool blankets. Don’t worry, after 6-8 hours of hiking, you’ll still find sleep.

Showers consist of a simple hose connected to the river, so the water is icy cold.

This rustic charm is part of the experience. The friendly atmosphere in these wooden cabins has never disappointed us.

It can be difficult to communicate directly with a refuge’owners if you’re not going through an agency.

group stay

Despite very affordable rates for these types of excursions, which require qualified guides and good logistics, the price can be a barrier if you’re traveling alone or on a tight budget.

By planning ahead, you can contact our partner and ask him to open dates of your choice to other travelers.

You can also ask him if he can integrate you into an existing group. Anticipating these arrangements gives you more flexibility with your dates and itinerary planning in the country.

Los Nevados with or without an agency

At first glance, it might be difficult to appreciate the value of a mountain guide, especially if you’re accustomed to hiking in the Alps and Pyrenees where trails are well-marked, refuges are easily accessible, managing meals is straightforward, and access to national parks is freely available.

However, things work differently in Colombia!

The skills and expertise of these guides enable you to fully enjoy Los Nevados National Park.

• Peace of mind: They handle reservations, logistics, and park entry permits.
• Safety: Guides are trained in first aid and can quickly contact their agency in case of emergencies (such as altitude sickness).
• Fauna and flora: Guides have grown up in the region. They know the environment well and have plenty of stories to share.
• Cultural exchanges: Life is tough in the mountains, and families living in Los Nevados have little time for hikers. Guides facilitate communication and help establish connections.
• Access to summits like Nevado del Tolima or Santa Isabel: You cannot climb these peaks without a guide.
• Lighter backpack: Depending on your trek, the agency transports some of your equipment by jeep or mule.

Your equipment for trekking in Los Nevados

The key is to keep your backpack as light as possible. Let’s look at the essentials of what you might need:

For hiking:

• Comfortable mountain shoes that are sturdy enough to accommodate crampons if you plan to climb a glacier.
• Thick socks
• Gaiters (for mud)
• Hiking pants
• Breathable T-shirt (merino wool)
• Hiking fleece
• Hiking down jacket
• Neck gaiter (fleece or fabric)
• Raincoat
• Walking poles – provided by the agency if needed
• 40 L backpack
• Waterproof cover for the backpack
• 2 L water container
• Snacks – provided by our local partner
• Lunch sandwich – provided by the agency
• Sunscreen
• Cap
• Sunglasses
• Headlamp
• Towel

In the evening, it’s important to have dry clothes:

• Sandals or flip-flops
• Thick socks
• Sweatpants
• T-shirt
• All necessary camping equipment if there are no shelters.

Glacier equipment for climbing Nevado del Tolima or Santa Isabel summit. Our partner agency provides the necessary gear:

• Helmet
• Harness
• Ice axe
• Crampons