2-day Los Nevados hike: Frailejones and Nevado Tolima views

Walk among frailejones at high altitude and sleep in a mountain farm

This 2-day guided hike climbs to 3,800 meters in Los Nevados National Natural Park, starting from Cocora Valley. You hike 18 kilometers on day one to a peasant farm where you stay overnight, then walk 21 kilometers on day two past the Paramillo del Quindío to views of Nevado Tolima. The tour includes private transport, park entry, a guide in English, Spanish or French, all meals, lodging and high-mountain accident insurance.

The experience

The hike starts at 6 a.m. with pickup and transport to Cocora Valley, where you register with National Park authorities and begin the ascent. Day one covers 18 kilometers through changing landscapes (you'll pass through wild animals and the distinctive frailejones plants that grow only at high altitude) before reaching the farm lodging at 3,800 meters. Lunch happens at a water star nature reserve partway up. Dinner and a hot shower wait at the farm.

Day two departs the farm at 7 a.m. and descends 21 kilometers, passing the Rio Cardenas Canyon and the Argentina farm before dropping back into Cocora Valley by 1 p.m. The route is built to show you the Paramillo del Quindío and the snowy Tolima on the second day, when the weather is often clearest. You'll see the full range of the park's terrain: high grassland, mountain forest and the valley floor.

Private transportation handles all movement between the starting point and Cocora Valley, and a guide leads both days. Meals include two lunches, one dinner and one breakfast. Snacks come along the trail. You sleep one night in the peasant farm with access to a hot shower. The operator requires at least moderate physical fitness for this altitude and terrain, and children can join from age 15.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your starting point.
• park entry to Los Nevados National Natural Park and Cocora Valley.
• a guide fluent in English, Spanish or French.
• one night of lodging in a peasant farm.
• two lunches and one dinner.
• breakfast on day two.
• snacks along the trail.
• a hot shower at the farm.
• high-mountain accident insurance.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 55 years) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Under 15: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 17 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Quimbayas Trail Colombia

Is this one for you?Choose this 2-day version if you want to sleep at altitude and see both the snow peaks and high páramo without rushing down on day one. Pick the 1-day tour if you prefer to return to town the same evening or climb more gradually.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years). Children under 15 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are frailejones and where do I see them on this hike?

Frailejones are distinctive high-altitude plants that grow only in the páramo ecosystem above 3,000 meters. You'll encounter them throughout day one as you climb toward the farm lodging at 3,800 meters, and they're scattered across the landscape on day two as well.

How much of the hike is uphill versus downhill?

Day one climbs 18 kilometers to the farm at 3,800 meters, gaining most of the altitude on that first day. Day two descends 21 kilometers back down to Cocora Valley, so the second day is mostly downhill after you leave the farm.

What's included in the meals, and when do I eat?

Breakfast is served on day two at the farm before departure. Lunch happens on day one at a water star nature reserve partway up the mountain, and a second lunch on day two. Dinner is at the farm on day one. Snacks are provided along the trail both days.

Do I need to bring my own camping gear or sleeping bag?

No camping gear is needed. You sleep in a peasant farm with lodging provided. The farm has a hot shower available after the first day's hike.

What time does the tour end on day two, and how do I get back to my hotel?

You arrive back in Cocora Valley by 1 p.m. on day two. Private transportation is included to return you to your starting point, though if you need pickup from another location in the country, that can be arranged separately.

Is this hike safe at high altitude, and what should I know about the fitness level required?

High-mountain accident insurance is included in the tour. The operator rates this as high-demand terrain and requires at least moderate physical fitness. It is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers. Children can participate from age 15.