NEVADO DEL TOLIMA

In this post, we'll share our experience at Nevado del Tolima, plus we'll give you tips so you can better enjoy this adventure and avoid making the same mistakes we did.

If you want to go safely 🗻 with a local travel agency, click here 👈

IN THIS POST YOU'LL FIND:

[See this post in Spanish version 🇪🇸]

FUN FACTS ABOUT NEVADO DEL TOLIMA

Nevado del Tolima, also known as Dulima or Volcan Nevado del Tolima, is the highest point of the Central Andes at 17,113 feet (5,215 meters) above sea level.

Its name, Dulima, dates back more than 400 years. During the Spanish conquest, there was a priestess named Ibanasca who led the Dulima tribe. She fiercely defended her people and territory but was accused of witchcraft by the Spaniards and sentenced to die at the stake 🧙‍♀️.

When she was burned, her tribe did not see her burn but rather be covered by the god of fire, purifying her spirit to ascend as the goddess of the snows, sleeping in the depths of Nevado del Tolima where the sages rest.

[Source: ibanasca ]

VIDEO OF THE ROUTE TO NEVADO DEL TOLIMA

Here’s a short video of Nevado del Tolima, showcasing some places you'll see on this high-mountain trek in Colombia's Coffee Region.

TOUR PRICES TO NEVADO DEL TOLIMA

Group tours are usually available on weekends. Be sure to make reservations at least one month in advance. If you go with a group of friends, you could arrange a private tour to Nevado del Tolima. Here's a price chart.

RECOMMENDATION WHEN CHOOSING A TOUR: Make sure the agency you're going with has all the documentation required for these activities and is authorized by National Parks.

For more info or to book, click here.

HOW TO GET TO NEVADO DEL TOLIMA?

You can reach Nevado del Tolima through the towns of Salento, Quindío, or Anzoátegui, Tolima.

We chose the Salento route.

Once in Salento, we went to the main square (Plaza de Bolívar) ⛪️ where jeeps head to Cocora Valley, a 20-minute (12.43 miles / 20 km) ride.

When we arrived at Cocora Valley, I must admit we were a little nervous about what was ahead 😅.

ROUTE TO THE SUMMIT OF NEVADO DEL TOLIMA

The first lodging farms are located 7.5 to 8.7 miles (12 to 14 km) away, with the first 5 miles (8 km) being a 60% uphill climb.

Route map from Cocora Valley to Arenales

Map from Cocora Valley to Arenales

-> DAY #1

We started walking at 6:30 am. Since we had lots of luggage, we hired mules 🐴. After 10 minutes, we reached a National Parks checkpoint.

As we hiked, we left the wax palms behind and entered the forest, crossing some bridges and passing near the now-closed House of Hummingbirds.

-> ESTRELLA DE AGUA

Estrella de Agua

Around 5.6 miles (9 km) from Cocora Valley, we reached Estrella de Agua. The climb here was tough due to steep sections and muddy trails from recent rains.

No lodging or camping is allowed 🚫🏕 at Estrella de Agua.

banner-chaqueta

RECOMMENDATION: If you lack mountain experience, fitness, time, or a specialized guide, it's better to hike only to Estrella de Agua. Beyond this point, the climb is much steeper and longer before reaching the next farm.

After Estrella de Agua, a steep 2.5 miles (4 km) climb through forests awaits before reaching the stunning páramo ecosystem.

Páramo photo (Valley of the Lost)

We then crossed the Valley of the Lost, which is dangerous to walk at night due to disorientation risks and freezing temperatures.

After 2 hours through the valley, we reached the first farm offering accommodation.

ACCOMMODATION NEAR NEVADO DEL TOLIMA

At the farm, we were greeted with hot coffee ☕️ —a lifesaver after hours of cold and rain without gloves (ours were with the mule!).

Available services at the farm:

  • Shared room 🛌: $11 USD (45,000 COP) per person
  • Camping zone 🏕: $5 USD (20,000 COP)
  • Lunch and dinner 🍛: $5.33 USD (20,000 COP) each
  • Breakfast 🥟: $4 USD (15,000 COP)

The above prices are approximate and may vary.

[If you don't have proper gear for this trek, check out our online store here]

HIKE TO THE SUMMIT

DAY #2

Next day, we camped at Arenales. Luckily, my boots had dried somewhat, so I saved them for the summit and wore other shoes for the hike.

From La Playa Farm to Arenales is about 4.35 miles (7 km), climbing from 12,467 feet (3,800 meters) to 14,764 feet (4,500 meters).

Once at Arenales, we set up camp. It was extremely cold, and there are no nearby water sources, so we carried water in bottles.

Please pack out your trash 🥲.

After dinner, we slept at 8 pm to prepare for the next day's summit.

DAY #3

To summit Nevado del Tolima from Arenales, we had to pass several sections:

SAND SECTION: We woke early, geared up with harnesses, helmets, and headlamps, and waited for rain to stop before starting the climb.

We climbed sandy terrain first, where frost became visible as we gained altitude. At the Helipad area, we refilled water.

Sandy section

Photo by: @ssc_roll

My headlamp failed 😢 due to the cold. Thankfully, it was starting to get lighter.

ROCK SECTION: Next, we climbed slippery rocks. Our guide secured a rope to anchors, and we clipped in with our harnesses and carabiners.

Rock section

One teammate almost fell because he had a hiking pole in hand and an ice axe dangling off his pack.

RECOMMENDATION: Before climbing the rocks, ensure your pack's sides are clear and that your hands are free for gripping.

SNOW SECTION: After the rocks, we reached the snow section, put on crampons, roped together, and continued the steep ascent. This was physically demanding.

Snow section

Photo by: @piri487

After about 40 minutes, a teammate’s crampon broke 😰, but they managed to fix it, and we continued.

Finally, we reached the summit!

Nevado del Tolima Summit

Photo by: @jorge_leyton79

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Bring waterproof boots just for the summit, waterproof gloves, a headlamp, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
  • Check your mountaineering gear thoroughly (crampons, ice axe, helmet, harness).

After summiting, we returned to camp by 10 am, packed up, and left for La Playa Farm by noon.

DAY #4

On the last day, we descended back to Cocora Valley. We hired mules to carry our gear —a wise choice since the trail was muddy and slippery after days of rain.

This marks the end of our Nevado del Tolima trek. Don't forget to follow us on social media to discover more amazing places like this 👉 Instagram and YouTube.

The above prices are approximate and may vary.