ITINERARY
A stunning high-Andean adventure that takes you from vibrant cloud forests to the unique páramo ecosystem, ending with a glacier summit attempt on Nevado Santa Isabel. Over three days, you’ll trek through protected natural reserves, visit the iconic Otún Lake, and experience one of Colombia’s most accessible glaciated peaks—perfect for hikers seeking a challenging yet rewarding mountain experience.
Day 1 – Otún River Valley & Cloud Forest (Pereira → 3,150 m)
- Start the trek at 2,130 m after breakfast.
- Walk through three protected areas: Otún Quimbaya Fauna & Flora Sanctuary, Ucumarí Regional Park, Los Nevados National Natural Park
- Possibility of spotting howler monkeys in the cloud forest.
- Arrive at La Pastora Farm (2,500 m) for lunch.
- Continue trekking to the mountain farm (3,150 m), located beside a beautiful waterfall.
- Share a traditional evening around the wood-stove kitchen.
Stats:
- Trekking time: ~6 hours
- Distance: 13.8 km
- Elevation: +1,070 m / –50 m
- Accommodation: Local mountain farm
Day 2 – High Páramo & Otún Lake
- Enjoy a typical breakfast at the mountain farm.
- Begin the hike toward the Otún Lake viewpoints, the largest and most scenic lake in the park.
- Cross the rare páramo ecosystem, found in only four countries in the world.
- Panoramic views of: Paramillo del Quindío, Paramillo de Santa Rosa, Santa Isabel’s three glaciers
- Nevado del Tolima (weather permitting)
- Lunch overlooking the lake.
- Continue to the park entrance for registration and ranger briefing.
Stats:
- Trekking time: ~8 hours
- Distance: 18 km
- Elevation: +1,100 m / –150 m
Accommodation: Local mountain farm
Day 3 – Nevado Santa Isabel Summit Attempt (4,995 m)
- Early wake-up with hot drink and energy snacks.
- 30-minute drive to Conejeras (4,100 m), start of the ascent.
- Trek along the Conejeras trail to the central glacier (4,700 m).
- Gear up and begin the summit attempt toward the central summit.
- Glacier trekking experience on the high slopes of Nevado Santa Isabel.
- Descent around 9:00 AM to meet the vehicle.
- Lunch and return transport to Pereira.
- Optional: descent to the hot springs (advance booking required; extra cost).
Stats:
- Trekking time: ~7 hours
- Distance: 10.2 km
- Elevation: +845 m / –845 m
CHECKLIST
What´s included
What to bring
What´s included
- Private transport (Day 1 Pereira to Cedral, Day 3 Los Nevados to Pereira)
- All meals from Day 1 breakfast to Day 3 lunch
- Snacks and hot beverages
- Entrance fees to Los Nevados National Park
- Certified WFR mountain guide
- Emergency insurance
- Trekking poles on request
- Water purification
Not included:
• Mule/porter for personal luggage (main bags transported by 4×4)
• Optional hot springs visit (additional cost, reservation required)
What to bring
- 30–40 L trekking backpack
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Thermal base and mid layers
- Warm insulated jacket (down or synthetic)
- Hat, gloves, and neck buff
- Headlamp
- Refillable water bottle or thermos
- High SPF sunscreen and lip balm
- Extra snacks (optional)
- Personal documents
