I had the opportunity to visit El Nevado del Tolima, also known as the "Dulima" mountain, since before the conquest by the indigenous natives, it is a volcano located in the Central Mountain Range of the Andes of Colombia, in the jurisdiction of the Tolima municipalities of Anzoátegui and Ibagué. . Together with the Nevado de Santa Isabel and Nevado del Ruiz volcanoes, it is part of the protected area of the Los Nevados National Natural Park.

Rural Adventure Nevado del Tolima Expedition

ITINERARY

Day 1: Cocora Valley, cloud forest and paramo landscape

The tour begins at 6:30 in the main park of Salento, where we will board a jeep bound for the Cocora Valley where we will begin the walk towards Nevado del Tolima. Upon reaching the Cocora Valley we will begin the ascent starting through the palm valleys, then we will pass through the cloud forest, passing through Estrella de Agua and until we reach the Colombian moor, where if we have clear weather we will be able to see the Nevado del Tolima and the Paramillo del Quindío, later we will proceed to rest and spend the night in some peasant farms (La Primavera) where we can enjoy a delicious lunch and/or meal depending on the time of arrival.

What does Day 1 include?

- Guide

- Jeep Transportation: Salento – Cocora Valley

- Cocora Valley Tolls

- Entrance to Acaime (Hummingbird Valley)

- Lunch and/or Finca Campesina Food

- Hydration and Snack

- Finca Campesina Accommodation (includes blankets and shower the next day with hot water)

Day 2: Expedition to Nevado del Tolima and Laguna del Encanto

On the second day we will get up early in order to go on an Expedition (trekking) to Nevado del Tolima (snow border) and enjoy the beauty of Laguna del Encanto. On this expedition we will enjoy

What does Day 2 include?

- Guide

- Breakfast, Lunch and/or Finca Campesina Lunch

- Hydration and Snack

- Finca Campesina Accommodation (includes blankets and shower the next day with hot water)

Day 3: Return to the Cocora Valley

We will get up early in order to pack up and hike back, which 70% of the way will be through a new crossing passing through the Paramillo del Quindío, and the Fincas La Argentina, Buenos Aires, El Bosque and la Cascada to reach the Valle del Valle again. Cocora where we will board a jeep again that will take us to the Municipality of Salento.

What does Day 3 include?

- Guide

- Breakfast and/or lunch Finca Campesina La Argentina

- Jeep Transportation: Salento – Cocora Valley

TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS

It must be taken into account that the walk through the moorlands and the ascent to the snowy peak require a certain level of physical condition; it is best to have a minimum of training to prevent our journey from becoming somewhat traumatic. The path to the snow-capped mountain is very well marked and signposted, let's avoid going off it as well as walking at night. All the gates that we find must be left as they are. After Cocora (towards the mountain) all the water sources are clean, so we should be able to drink from them directly without having any problems. Due to the altitude, the sun hits quite hard so we must use sunscreen all the time as well as good sunglasses (preferably with a UV filter), we can quickly hurt our skin and eyes. Let's wear the right footwear (preferably leather boots), tennis shoes and boots made of absorbent materials can stay wet for several days. In the Páramo and Bosque it is prohibited to make bonfires. Although there is no telephone signal on much of the route, it is good to carry one, it is not known when it will be useful. If we are not in the habit and decide to climb the first day until spring or beyond, let us remember that there is a fairly large change in altitude in a single day and we will surely experience some symptoms of mountain sickness such as dizziness and vomiting, but these usually disappear. in a couple of hours.

Likewise, the Trek is a circuit, therefore the way back is different from the way up, so you will have the opportunity to enjoy different landscapes throughout the tour.

WHAT TO BRING

Bring with you at least the following basic equipment or elements:

- Appropriate clothing for cold weather (It is recommended to wear clothing according to the "layers of the onion" theory. For more information, see:

- Glasses with UV filter

- Headlamp (Optional)

- Container for hydration and/or some energy drinks.

- Sun cap, hat or balaclava cap

- Sunscreen SPF (or FPS) equal to or greater than 30

- Walking sticks (Optional)

- Mountain or trek boots

- Change of clothes, socks and sandals for rest

- Backpack minimum 30L and maximum 50L

- Personal medications and toiletries

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MEETING POINT

- Salento main square or pick up from any hotel in the Urban area in the Municipality of Salento.

BOOKING CONDITIONS

- RESERVATIONS ARE MADE AT LEAST FORTY-EIGHT (48) HOURS IN ADVANCE.

- ASK ABOUT AVAILABILITY THROUGH OUR WHATSAPP CHAT BEFORE BOOKING.

NOT INCLUDED

- Transportation from other Municipalities other than those mentioned (If required we can provide it at an additional cost)

- Everything that is not expressly mentioned in the itinerary

VIDEO SUMMARY OF THE EXPERIENCE

- Not available

TRAVELERS' OPINIONS