Nevado del Tolima Guided Climb in Colombia

Begin the trek in Cocora Valley and follow the San José stream toward Estrella de Agua, a biological station located at 3,170 metres. The surrounding forest supports an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species, spectacled bears and mountain tapirs.

At the station, enjoy a traditional lunch prepared on a wood-fired stove by the local family who maintains the trails and helps protect this remote mountain environment.

Continue for approximately 2 kilometres through the humid high-Andean forest. This is one of the steepest, muddiest and most demanding sections of the day. At around 3,600 metres, the dense forest gives way to the open páramo landscape.

After a short break, climb another 200 vertical metres to the highest point of the day at 3,800 metres. Continue for approximately 5 kilometres along La Virgen Ridge, enjoying views across the inter-Andean valleys and toward Nevado del Tolima and Paramillo del Quindío.

Finish the day at the farm or campsite at approximately 3,700 metres.

Total distance: 18 km Estimated time: 7–8 hours Altitude profile: 2,400 m–3,800 m–3,700 m Distance to Estrella de Agua: 7 km Estimated time to Estrella de Agua: 4 hours

Continue through the páramo across gently undulating terrain toward the lower slopes of Nevado del Tolima.

The route follows sections of the Toche River and crosses remote landscapes of peatlands, wetlands and high-altitude grasslands. Along the way, enjoy extensive views over the Toche Valley, the Cauca Valley and the Ruiz–Tolima volcanic massif.

This region is also home to species such as the Andean condor, the black-chested buzzard-eagle and the buffy helmetcrest hummingbird.

Reach high camp at approximately 4,300 metres and prepare your equipment for the summit attempt.

Total distance: 7 km Estimated time: 5–6 hours Altitude profile: 3,700 m–4,300 m

Begin the summit climb early. Above 5,000 metres, exposed scrambling leads to the glacier, where the team ropes up and continues toward the summit.

The glaciated section involves approximately 200 metres of climbing. Near the top, cross a crevassed area before negotiating a small cornice and continuing to the summit of Nevado del Tolima at 5,220 metres.

Although the route is not considered highly technical, the long approach, altitude and demanding terrain make this a serious mountain objective.

After reaching the summit, descend to high camp and continue toward the farm at approximately 3,700 metres. End the day with a warm dinner and a well-earned rest.

Distance: 3 km to the summit and back to high camp, followed by approximately 8 km to the next farm Estimated time: Around 5 hours to the summit, plus 4–5 hours to the farm Altitude profile: 4,300 m–5,220 m–3,700 m

Leave the farm and climb toward La Línea Pass at approximately 4,000 metres. From the pass, enjoy views of Paramillo del Quindío, an ancient volcanic structure with a large caldera measuring approximately 2 kilometres across.

Descend through the Cárdenas stream canyon, one of the main tributaries of the Quindío River. This biodiverse area provides opportunities to observe high-altitude birdlife, including the black-chested buzzard-eagle and the rare, endemic rufous-fronted parakeet.

Continue across páramo and sub-páramo landscapes toward La Argentina farm before descending into Cocora Valley, famous for its extensive forests of towering wax palms.

At the end of the trek, transfer by traditional Willys Jeep back to your accommodation in town.

Total distance: 18 km Estimated time: 7–8 hours Altitude profile: 3,700 m–4,000 m–2,400 m