Crossing Cedral – Santa Isabel Summit

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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