SANTA ISABEL SUMMIT
A spectacular journey to one of Colombia’s most breathtaking glacial peaks.
Your adventure begins in Salento, where the group gathers before boarding off-road vehicules that take you deep into the rugged beauty of Los Nevados National Park. From there, the hike begins, ascending gradually through beautiful highland landscapes and ancient ecosystems, shaped by wind, water, and time.
This trek offers a unique opportunity to witness the transition between vibrant high-Andean vegetation and the snowfields that surround this majestic volcano. At 4,950 meters, Santa Isabel, also known as Poleka Kasue in the ancestral language welcomes those who seek silence, challenge, and a deeper connection with the mountains.
Are you ready to enjoy this deep, immersive journey through some of Colombia’s most sacred and remote mountain terrain?
What You Can Expect!
Experience the magic of the Andes as you ascend to one of the highest points in Los Nevados National Park.
The majestic Nevado de Santa Isabel, reaching 4,950 meters above sea level. This unforgettable trek takes you through a rich tapestry of ecosystems, from the misty beauty of High Andean forests to the unique vegetation of the páramo, until you reach the shimmering perpetual snow that crowns this sacred peak.
Known as “Poleka Kasue” in the ancestral language, it’s a symbol of purity, tradition, and natural wonder. Along the way, you’ll witness the dramatic shift in climate, vegetation, and terrain, all while guided safely by experienced locals who know this land by heart.
This is a cultural, physical, and emotional journey into the heart of Colombia’s highlands.
Tour Summary & Itinerary
Day 1
- Travel by vehicle from the meeting point (Armenia / Pereira / Santa Rosa / Manizales), at 5 a.m., to the El Cisne refuge (approximately 4.5 hours), located in the PNN los Nevados at 4,200 m.a.s.l.
- Breakfast at a typical farm, lunch at the El Cisne lodge.
- Acclimatization walk to Laguna Verde (6 km) round trip.
- Accommodation and dinner at the refuge.
- Distance: 11 Km
- Duration: 6 hours (approximately)
- Max. altitude: 4.200 m
- Min. altitud: 2.400 m
- Full ascent: 1.835 m
Day 2
- We start the adventure at 2 a.m. in a vehicle towards the conejeras trail.
- The walk from the trail to the edge of the glacier is approximately 3 hours.
- We equip ourselves with the technical equipment to reach the northern summit of the mountain (4,950 m), 2 hours of walking.
- Reached the summit, we return to the vehicle and start our return to the starting point, we have lunch at a typical farm on the way.
- Distance: 13.4 Km
- Duration: 8 hours (approximately)
- Max. altitude: 4.300 m
- Min. altitud: 3.600 m
- Full ascent: 700 m
What should you bring?
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- Sunscreen
- Hat or Cap / Warm hat
- Rain poncho
- Quick-drying T-shirts *2
- Trekking/Hiking Boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof pants
- Thermal underwear
- Sweater, fleece, or polar jacket
- Additional warm clothing for sleeping
- Thermal socks * 2
- Hiking socks *2
- Trekking backpack (30-40 liters)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Water bottle (at least 1 liter)
- Thermal/waterproof gloves
(*) At the Salento Hikers office, personal equipment is available for rent (with advance reservation).