Colombia: Climbing the volcano Tolima
Colombia is a country in the northwest of South America with a rich past. The geographical position played a big role in shaping the culture of the republic, which attracts travelers from all over the world and makes the trip to Colombia interesting – it combines European, Indian and African traditions. You can participate only in the first part of the program (8 days) – climbing the Tolima volcano.
- 12 Days/ 11 Nights
- January to December
- Moderate
Difficulty 
Condition
Travel Program
Day 1: Arrival in Bogota (2660 m).
Meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel. After lunch – sightseeing tour of Bogotá. Walk in the center. Ascent by cable car to the Sanctuary of Montserrat at an altitude of 3152 m, overlooking the city. Duration 3-4 hours.
Overnight
Hotel
Flight
Arrival to Colombia.
Driving
1 hour aprox.
Hiking
1 hour aprox
Meals
-/-/-
Day 2: Flight Bogota - Salento (1919 m) - Coffee tour.
Transfer to the domestic terminal for the flight (1 hour) to the city of Armenia / Pereira. Upon arrival, transfer to Salento, a typical coffee town with paisa colonial architecture and a relaxed atmosphere. Hotel accommodation.
In the afternoon, the group will go on a coffee tour to one of the area’s traditional coffee farms. The coffee tour shows the entire production of coffee from seed to final product. It also includes coffee tasting.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/-/-
Day 3: Trek to the camp "La Argentina" (3483 m).
Early departure by jeep to the Cocora Valley (30 min), located at an altitude of 2425 m.
Loading luggage on horses and crossing the mountain rainforest to the mountain farm “La Argentina” for the purpose of acclimatization. Overnight in tents. Ascent: 1058 m / Maximum altitude: 3483 m / Distance 10.7 km / Duration of activity: 6-7 hours.
Overnight
Camping
Hiking
6 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/D
Day 4: Trek to the camp "La Primavera" (3769 m).
Continue trekking along the northern outskirts of “Quebrada Cardenas”, through an abandoned farm of Buenos Aires, descend to the crossing of the river along the ascending path to the mountain pass “La Linea” (4019 m), which separates the states of Quindio and Tolima, from which an excellent view of the “Paramillo del Quindio” (4745 m) – the highest peak of the state of Quindio and Nevado del Tolima in the neighboring valley. From the pass you can easily walk down to the La Primavera / La Playa farm, where you will be offered a hot local drink agua de panela (hot drink with raw sugar) or coffee.
Overnight in tents. Ascent: 536 m / Descent: 250 m / Maximum altitude: 4019 m / Distance: 5.8 km / Duration of activity: 4-5 hours.
Overnight
Camping
Hiking
6 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/D
Day 5: Trek to the high-altitude camp of Tolima (4345 m).
Trek to the upper camp of Nevado del Tolima. Trek along the Tolima Valley, which is a gentle ascent with interesting scenery, views of the volcanoes and valleys below. The last section runs along a steep mountain slope to the El Calvito ridge, and from there the transition to the Arenales campsite, which lies above the yellow sandy moraine. After setting up the camp, the guide will give you a climbing briefing the next day and help you get everything set up. There will be horses to the camp to carry equipment and food. Overnight in a tent. Ascent: 576 m / Maximum altitude: 4345 m / Distance: 8.4 km / Duration of activity: 4-5 hours.
Overnight
Camping
Hiking
6 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/D
Day 6: Ascent: Nevado del Tolima (5221 m).
Early exit from the high camp, climbing a series of moraines of varying steepness and crossing to the glacier at 4750 m. Here the group will prepare for the crossing of the glacier, starting from a very easy slope, passing a couple of ice climbs before the final plateau, where the main crater is located, and then we reach the top. Nevado del Tolima is an active volcano. The ascent is not technically difficult.
Descent to Camp farm “La Primavera” (3769 m).
Overnight
Camping
Hiking
6 hours aprox
Climbing
9 hours approx
Meals
B/L/D
Day 7: Descent to Salento (1919 m). Overnight at the hotel.
Descent through beautiful landscapes and rainforests in the famous Cocora Valley, located at an altitude of 2425 m. Return to the city of Salento by jeeps (25 min.) Upon arrival in Salento, the group will be transferred to the hotel located in the colonial part of the city. Overnight at the hotel. Descent: 1058 m / Highest altitude: 3483 m / Distance 10.7 km / Duration of activity: 4-5 hours.
Overnight
Hotel
Hiking
6 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 8: Armenia / Pereira - Santa Marta (Caribbean)
Transfer to the airport of Armenia / Pereira (1 hour) and flight (3 hours) to Santa Marta via Bogota. Upon arrival in Santa Marta, transfer (45 min.) to a centrally located hotel and, depending on the time of arrival, a walking tour of this historic city (2-3 hours), which was actually the first one founded in Colombia by the Spaniards. In the evening briefing and preparation for the upcoming trip to the Lost City.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
3 hours aprox
Meals
B/-/-
Day 9: Start of the trek to the Lost City. Trek to "El Paraiso" (870 m).
Moving northeast along the Caribbean coast to the village of “El Mamey” (2-3 hours). Lunch and then hike to Ciudad Perdida. During the hike you will be offered tropical fruits. The hike will pass through the territory of the Kogi tribe. Overnight at the village house “El Paraiso” (870 m), located right on the banks of the Buritaka River – a fantastic place to relax and swim.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
6 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 10: Inspection of the Lost City and descent to the town of Mumaké.
Very early exit along the trail on the right bank of the Buritaka River at about 25 minutes, the archaeological staircase begins to climb rather steeply to the first terraces of the Lost City (1175 m). From here begins a journey through time to one of the most interesting archaeological sites of the “pre-Hispanic” period of Colombia.
The lost city of Tayrona is known all over the world. Its original indigenous name is “Teiuna”. This is one of the three major strongholds of the vanished civilization of Tayrona. Teyuna is the only city that has been discovered so far and thus partially restored. The cities of Tayrona were connected by a complex network of trails from the Caribbean coast to the high mountains in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Tyrone had a well-developed social organization and an efficient system for the exchange of food and goods between the various settlements. Although there is no precise information about Teyuna’s role in the Tayrone culture, it is believed that it was a place of religious worship and a center of political power.
During the 4-hour visit to the archaeological site, the group will learn about the different types of terraces and how the city was divided into districts according to the hierarchy and types of work. During the visit, you can see the house of Kogi Mamo (wise shaman), who lives in the same traditional way as its inhabitants. It is also believed that the Kogi are the descendants of the Tayronas, forced into higher lands during the Spanish conquest.
Overnight
Camping
Hiking
6 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 11: Return to the hotel on the coast.
Final trekking day. From the Mumake house (389 m) descend to the final destination of El Mamay. Lunch and then transfer to the hotel on the coast.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
4 hours aprox.
Hiking
6 hours aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 12: A day on the beaches. Tayrona National Park
In the evening departure to the airport and flight to Bogota.
Overnight in Bogota.
Full day excursion to Tayrona National Park. This is one of the most famous natural parks in Colombia, with one of the most beautiful beaches on the Colombian Caribbean coast, right at the foot of the hills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, the highest coastal mountain range in the world. The park has a protected area of 150 km2 and 30 km2 of sea and is the second most visited park in the country. Due to its privileged location, it has a huge biodiversity, as well as archaeological ruins such as “Pueblito”.
From the main parking lot of the park, you can walk along the coastline to the Arrecife area (1 hour), a famous place in the park. From there, another 25 minutes to La Piscina beach and 20 minutes to El Cabo San Juan.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
1 hour aprox.
Hiking
1 hour aprox
Meals
B/L/-
Day 13: Transfer to Bogotá airport. Flight home.
Overnight
Hotel
Driving
1 hour aprox.
Hiking
1 hour aprox
Flight
Go back home by plane.
Meals
B/-/-
Included meals: B=breakfast; L=lunch; D=dinner
What's Included
Services included in the prices:
- City tours in Bogotá.
- Local English-speaking mountain guide throughout the program.
- Local assistant mountain guide in Los Nevados.
- Hike to the Lost City.
- Transport throughout the program.
- Coffee tour in Salento.
- Santa Marta – Half day city tour.
- Tayrona National Park – Full Day Tour.
- Entrance fees to national parks and park insurance.
- 2 nights in double rooms in Bogota.
- 2 nights in double rooms in the city of Salento.
- 1 night in double rooms in the city of Santa Marta.
- 1 night in double rooms on the coast (Tayrona N.P.)
- 4 nights in double tents in campsites in Los Nevados N.P. or in farm rooms
- 2 nights in hammocks on a hike in the lost city.
- Mountain tents – 2 people in a tent in Los Nevados.
- Group shared camping equipment.
- Horses for group / personal camping equipment, food and personal equipment in Los Nevados.
- Horses for personal equipment during a hike in the Lost City.
- Breakfasts throughout the program, as well as lunch and dinner on trekking.
Not included:
- Domestic flights (from $450 for 4 segments for the full program and from $250 for 2 segments for the first part of the program)
- International flights Personal climbing equipment (arbor, crampons, ice ax, helmet can be rented for $15 for each item) Tips Personal expenses Supplement for single occupancy (from 500 USD for accommodation in hotels throughout the program)
What to Bring
What to Bring or take fo Day Hiking and Technical Equipment for Climbing Expedition
This equipment list is compiled to provide you with adequate help when choosing your equipment for a climb. Most items are required. Please consider each of them and make sure you understand the function and exclusive use for mountaineering, before substituting or removing items from this list. Please note that this list has been carefully annotated by the organizer. Remember that mountaineering, mountaineering or mountaineering is an extreme, risky sport, therefore everything related to it is of great attention.
These items should be on your hiking checklist:
Hiking backpack for hiking 30 to 40 liters
Light gloves for hiking or (Optional Mittens waterproof)
Medium weight socks
Sleeping bag (-10º to 15ºC)
Small daypack for one day hiking 20 liters
Weather-appropriate clothing (think moisture-wicking and layers)
Hiking boots or shoes
Medium weight parka with fibber fill or down
Rain poncho (or rain gear)
Long-sleeved shirts
Fleece or Wool sweater and/or trousers
Lightweight pants
Cotton short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts
Water bottle for hiking or trekking
Strong waterproof duffel bag
Flashlight with spare batteries and bulb
Towel for personal hygiene each participantFirst-aid kit
Regular and long underwear
Knife or multi-tool
Light cap and wool hat
Sunglasses with UV certification, Sun block, lips
The rest of the list Essentials as appropriate for your hike
Grooming and personal hygiene kit
One Hiking Buff per person
Technical Equipment for High Altitude Expedition Mountains
3 Locking carabiners, we recommended per person
We recommend 2 ice screws for each client
1 Daisy Chain (Life Line) per each person
2 Ice axes (per person) technical, we recommended GRIVEL company
1 ATC descender (Rappel), this is very necessary for technical mountains
2 Cords for prusik, very important (Size Cord 6 mm x 10 m. long)
Gloves(Good gloves) for expeditions over 6000meters
Harness, we recommended GRIVEL company
Sleeping pad / Mattress, we recommend with air or inflatable mattress
Crampons, we recommended GRIVEL company
Walking sticks (optional), a pair per person, we recommended GRIVEL company
Down Jacket for expedition
Very important to have personal clothing such as pants and jacket with GOROTEX certification
First aid kit, for high mountains, because we as guides cannot medicate clients
Backpack Capacity 60 liters, it is better to have a bigger backpack to go comfortably to the high camps, because here you have to carry all your personal things
Gaiters or Leggings, now modern boots already have built-in (Incorporated), but better to have an extra pair
Dressing appropriately for the mountains can make the difference between a pleasant trip and a really uncomfortable one. Clothing must provide the right degree of temperature, perspiration and be well ventilated. Preferably cotton clothing should be avoided, as in humid conditions they absorb body heat.
In general, the weather conditions in in the Andes of South America can vary from day to day and even throughout the day. Therefore, clothing must be versatile.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have regarding the necessary equipment.
Prices & Dates
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» Additional dates available upon request
» Rates may vary from July 26th to 31th for the national holidays
Prices (per person):
| 1 PAX | 2 PAX | 4 PAX | 6 PAX | 8 PAX | 10 PAX | 12 PAX | 14 PAX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD | — USD |
Deposit for reservations: — USD (– EUR) ✓ Full payment 40 days before. No refund if you cancel less than 30 days!
Places: 
*Available
Trip-code: Number ►COL-57
Duration: 12 days
Participants: Minimal: 4 Maximal: 12
Members: We don’t have an open group to join – We can open a new group – Contact us!
Country / Location: Colombia
Mountain Guide: Eric Albino Lliuya
Other dates / additional info: Contact us!
3% early bird discount when booking 6 months prior to departure 2023
Legend Booking-information:
EZZ Single room supplement
🟢 On this trip, places are still available.
🟡 On this trip, only a few places left.
🔴 This trip is sold out / closed.
Eric Raul Albino Lliuya
Expert guide certified by AGOMP
General Sales Manager of Peru Expeditions
- WhatsApp: +51 943 081 066
- E-Mail: [email protected]
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Frequently Asked Questions
What our travelers or clients always ask questions before joining our trips, tours & expeditions, read all the information provided here.
Suggested FAQs
What is the average distance and altitude gain that we will hike each day?
Every day we have active walks around approximately 4, to 5 sometimes 6 hours of walking, everything is according to your pace and physical condition of each person, in each of our travel programs you will find more detailed information, and if If you need more information about each day of the travel program, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts or questions, for this please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
For our mountain climbing trips: If they are easily accessible mountains: For easy-climb mountains, well, you don’t need much experience, but if you already want to climb mountains above 6,000 meters and the conditions become more difficult, we recommend if you already want to go through mountains above 6,000 meters, have a basic or intermediate course for a good preparation. It is very important to be physically, technically and psychologically prepared.
Regarding the preparation of children: Everything will depend on which mountain you want to climb with your children, once you are clear on which of our tours or mountains you want to go with your children, we can give you some advice or see how to prepare them before going with they.
Regarding older people: It all depends on the condition of experience and how well the person is in health, on many occasions older people are the best to walk in the mountains because they have more experience, so it is always good to ask and find out about their experience of older participant. If you have any other questions, please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What experience do I need to have? How fit do I need to be? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
To do long-distance hiking you need to at least train or do some tours such as visiting lagoons to get the experience and feel comfortable with what you do, it is always good before doing a long-distance hiking tour to test yourself so as not to be with the problems of altitude sickness during the trekking, and if you travel with children it is good to first train them before taking them, if they are accompanied by an adult of legal age, they must do a good acclimatization before going on the long-distance tour or with high altitude camps If you want to know or learn more advice, we can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify your doubts. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
The preparation is according to what type and what technical level you want to go and climb a trek or mountain, the preparation will always gain experience little by little.
For this type of demanding or technical climbing sports, it is recommended to do some summits above 5 thousand meters beforehand and have good knowledge of high mountain technical equipment such as the use of technical ice axes, ice screws, correct use of crampons, and of course all the technical material. For more information, we can schedule an appointment to be able to explain in more detail everything about the mountain equipment and the preparations prior to joining our outings. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How can I get to the trailhead/meeting point?
For the pick-ups of each trip, depending on the place or the trip that you are going to make with us, the meeting point is always at our office, in one of our trips we pick you up where you are staying or staying, or in some cases a A representative of our company will pick you up and then ship you to your transport to continue with your destination of the tour or trip you have booked with us. If you wish to request more information, do not hesitate to contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
In all our trekking or mountaineering trips we do not include personal equipment in our prices, so you have to have your own equipment: Personal equipment (such as boots, ice ax, crampons, harness, sleeping bag, mat, Goretex, etc. ) and also within each page of the trips that we sell is a small list so you can see it on our website.
Our company can also rent the materials that you would need for your trip, see the list here on our website: https://peru-expeditions.org/equipment-rental/ . For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
In our trips, either hiking or mountaineering: Depending on the type or destination of the trip that you are going to book, in some parts of the treks you go with mules or donkeys or sometimes with horses, and within the mountain trips, the approach camps are also They go with mules or donkeys, but there are some stretches where pack animals can no longer reach. In this part, our logistics is fully supported by the porters.
Who are the porters? They are people from the area who were born and live in the heights of the towns, they are very strong and are very acclimatized, the reason is that after the tourist season ends they dedicate themselves to agriculture and livestock for that reason they are people They are used to the altitude and have lived in nature all their lives and they are happy to be in the mountains together with our expeditions. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
How will accommodation and meals be handled during the trek?
About accommodation or meals during the tour: Well, depending on the type of tour, when the tour is a classic cultural tour or a city tour, we eat during the route in tourist restaurants and sleep in category hotels that the client has requested.
If the tour is with camps and trekking: During the activity, logistics we include the service of Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with traditional and typical meals of the region where you are going to travel with us, during the night we stay in tents, and we have a special tent for the kitchen and another for the dining room.
If the trip is at altitude or in the mountains: We bring special high mountain food, It are quicker meals to cook and we provide complete logistics such as Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, and we sleep in special 4-season high mountain tents, with the best tents. If you have any questions or concerns, we can schedule an appointment via Whatsapp to clarify all your doubts and give you better information so that your trip is an unforgettable tour.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that I need to consider before the tour?
Safe and effective vaccines are available that provide strong protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. Billions of people have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself against COVID-19, help end the pandemic and stop new variants emerging.
We also recommend having accident insurance, we always recommend. We are Partners –Global Rescue. If you have any other questions about the trip we can schedule a date for a calling via WhatsApp. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year for this hike?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
In mountains above 5000 meters: A local guide takes a maximum of 3 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide
In technical mountains: In large-big mountains we manage the travel policy, a guide and a maximum of 2 clients = Ratio 3pax = 1 local guide. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
For all the trips that we offer within our main tourist destinations such as South America and Central America, also including the ascent of the 7 continents and the 7 highest peaks of each continent, on each page of our website for each trip we indicate that month or what season to travel, then please read the information you find in our travel offers for each tour. If you have any other questions you can contact us by WhatsApp with one of our travel experts. Thank you so much. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
Can I join a group?
We as a local company and connoisseurs of tours have departures on different dates. The best thing to do is to join a travel group to take care of your budget, and of course you can join our groups, but on trips like mountaineering we recommend going in small groups. To join a group, ask us for the dates and we will send you the necessary information to be able to join any of our trips.
Why go in a private trip: For trips whether trekking or high mountains, going privately is the most recommended option, but the costs are more expensive. So, if one joins a group, the prices will be more reasonable. In the mountains, the only disadvantage is if you are in a wall with another partner and if one of the participants gets tired or gets sick. In this case, you have to abort or cancel the summit and return together. For more information, contact us. We can schedule a call via WhatsApp to clarify all your questions.
In a mountain, for example, if 3 people go and one of the participants falls ill on the route, for security reasons they have to cancel or abort the summit or return all together. The same in a technical mountain if the climbing partner gets sick they all have to return, for these reasons sometimes it is better to go private only because for a single person the costs are more expensive for the same reason that the trip would already be private .
For more information please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066
What happens in the event of bad weather?
About the meteorological conditions of the climate, we try to organize the trips of each tour in the best season to have the best views and enjoy the selected trip but sometimes even is good season we can have bad weather, in this case on hiking or treks trips The complications are minimal, but when this happens during high-altitude climbing expeditions, the complications can become very difficult, that is why the bosses or leaders of the local guides must always make the most correct decision for the safety of our passengers, so we always recommend listening to the best advice from the local guide assigned for each tour. If you have any other questions please contact us. For calls or inquiries to this number: +51 943 081 066