4-day Nevado del Tolima trek from Salento: 5,220 meters

Four days climbing to 5,220 meters through Cocora Valley and high-altitude snow

A 4-day guided trek from Salento to the summit of Nevado del Tolima (5,220 meters), Colombia's second-highest mountain in Los Nevados National Park. The route passes through Cocora Valley's cloud forests and high-Andean vegetation, with three nights at a mountain refuge, all meals, snow equipment, and a live guide in English, Spanish or French. Adequate clothing for extreme cold and high altitude is your responsibility. Children are welcome from age 15.

The experience

The trek starts in Salento with breakfast and a drive into Cocora Valley by private transport. Your luggage travels by mule while you hike through the valley's forests and up to the entrance of Los Nevados National Park, reaching the first refuge at 3,750 meters by evening. A technical briefing from park authorities prepares you for the climb ahead.

Day two is an acclimatization hike: 7 kilometers to 4,300 meters and back to the refuge, letting your body adjust to the altitude. Day three is the summit push: 11 kilometers starting at 11 p.m. to reach the 5,220-meter peak by dawn, then the descent back to the refuge. Day four is the return: 18 kilometers back down through Cocora Valley to Salento, ending with lunch. The full trek covers 22 kilometers of climbing and 18 of descent.

Snow equipment (crampons, helmet, ice ax, harness and rope) is provided. Three nights of lodging at a peasant farm refuge, four breakfasts, three lunches, three dinners and hot showers are included, along with high-mountain accident insurance and all park fees. A guide fluent in your language leads the group throughout.

What’s included

• High-mountain accident insurance.
• private transportation from Salento.
• entrance to Cocora Valley and Los Nevados National Park.
• four breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners.
• three nights lodging at a mountain refuge with hot showers.
• snow equipment including crampons, helmet, ice ax, harness and rope.
• snacks throughout the trek.
• all fees and taxes.
• live guide in English, Spanish or French.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

Book up to1d 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 is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 11 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 16 days ago

Good to know

Physically demandingNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Quimbayas Trail Colombia

Is this one for you?This is a guided trek with a live guide leading a group, so you climb with instruction and support rather than navigating alone. The high physical demand and extreme altitude suit experienced hikers or strong trekkers accustomed to steep terrain and thin air. The four-day format gives your body time to acclimatize before the summit push on day three.

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

Nevado del Tolima's summit stands at 5,220 meters, making it Colombia's second-highest mountain. You start from Salento at a lower elevation and climb over the four days, with the steepest push happening on day three when you hike 11 kilometers from the refuge to the peak.

How many kilometers of hiking happens each day?

Day one is a moderate hike through Cocora Valley to the first refuge at 3,750 meters. Day two covers 7 kilometers up and back for acclimatization. Day three is the summit attempt: 11 kilometers to 5,220 meters. Day four is the descent: 18 kilometers back to Salento.

What's included in the lodging and meals?

Three nights are spent at a mountain refuge on a peasant farm with hot showers available. Meals include four breakfasts, three lunches and three dinners, plus snacks throughout the trek. High-mountain accident insurance and all entrance fees to Cocora Valley and Los Nevados National Park are covered.

Do I need to bring my own snow climbing gear?

No. Crampons, helmet, ice ax, harness and rope are all provided. You need to bring appropriate clothing for extreme cold and high altitude, which you arrange yourself. The operator does not supply mountaineering clothing.

Is this trek suitable for teenagers?

Children are welcome from age 15 onward. The trek demands a high level of physical fitness and is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, cardiovascular issues or pregnant travelers.