3-day trek Los Nevados: Tropical glaciers and volcano summit

The paramo ecosystem produces 70% of Colombia's water, and you walk through it.

A 3-day mountain trek in Los Nevados National Natural Park near Salento, Colombia, climbing to Quindío volcano's summit at 4,720 meters while crossing endangered tropical glaciers, paramo grasslands and cloud forest. The guide speaks English or Spanish; pickup from Salento is included; professional guide, bottled water, snacks, insurance and meals are provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Cocora valley to La Argentina

• See wax palms
• Walk to cloudy forest
• Have traditional lunch
• Enjoy traditional farm dinner

Day 2: La Argentina to Chispas Summit

• Explore paramo ecosystem
• Climb to Chispas Summit
• Bird watching
• Have traditional farmers lunch
• Enjoy traditional farmers dinner

Day 3: Finca to Salento

• Breakfast at the farm
• Descend from paramo
• Visit hummingbird's house
• Return to Cocora valley
• Take transportation to Salento
• Have lunch in Salento

The experience

How do you reach a tropical glacier in Colombia without a car? The trek starts in Cocora valley at 2,400 meters, where you walk past the world's tallest wax palms, Colombia's national tree, and into the cloud forest, a preserved ecosystem typical of the Andean tropical mountains. The first night is in a traditional mountain house with no electricity. The trade-off is that you sleep where high-altitude farmers live, not in a town.

Day two is the climb. You leave the farmhouse at 3,400 meters and ascend to Chispas Summit at 4,400 meters, entering the paramo: the high-altitude grassland that feeds water to roughly 70% of Colombia's population. The peaks hold the last tropical glaciers in the region. The guide points out bird species and explains how the plants and animals survive at altitude. Weather is unpredictable. Sometimes clouds block the view, so clear days are the lucky ones. You sleep in another small farmer's house, this one with a warm shower.

The final day descends through the hummingbird's house and back into Cocora valley, then transport takes you to Salento for a hot meal. The guide is a professional who speaks English or Spanish. Pickup from Salento on day one and return there on day three are included. Bring high fitness (this is sustained climbing at altitude), and dress for cold, wet weather.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup from Salento on day one and return on day three.
• bottled water and snacks throughout.
• coffee and tea.
• insurance.
• accommodation in traditional mountain houses on nights one and two.
• warm shower on night two.
• hot meal in Salento on day three.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 05:30 and 07:30

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (18 to 75 years) · Under 18: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by RIOS DE LOS ANDES

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so you can follow the commentary about the ecosystems and the plants and animals on the trail. This trek demands high cardiovascular fitness and sustained climbing at altitude. It suits experienced hikers comfortable with cold, unpredictable weather and nights without electricity.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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's the highest point I'll reach on this trek?

Quindío volcano's summit sits at 4,720 meters above sea level. Day two takes you to Chispas Summit at 4,400 meters, where the tropical glaciers and paramo ecosystem are visible.

Do I need mountain climbing gear or technical skills?

This is trekking, not technical climbing. You hike on trails. No ropes, crampons or climbing experience are required. High cardiovascular fitness is essential because of the altitude and sustained ascent.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The trek operates in all weather conditions. Cloud cover is common at altitude and can block views of the glaciers and peaks, but the hike continues. Dress in layers and bring rain gear.

Where do I sleep, and is there electricity?

Night one is in a traditional mountain house in La Argentina with no electricity. Night two is in a small farmer's house with no electricity but a warm shower included. Both are working farms where locals live.

What meals and drinks are covered?

Professional guide, bottled water and snacks are included throughout the three days, plus coffee and tea. A hot meal is provided in Salento at the end. Vegetarian options are available if you advise at booking. Alcoholic drinks can be purchased.