TOLIMA'S SUMMIT
Witness a sunrise at 5,220 meters above sea level from the summit of Nevado del Tolima, an experience that stays with you for life.
Stand above the clouds, take in the silence of the peaks, and feel the power of the Andes all around you. This is more than a hike, it’s a moment of clarity, strength, and awe.
As you ascend, you’ll journey through a stunning range of ecosystems that showcase the raw beauty and diversity of Los Nevados National Park. It’s a challenge, a reward, and a memory waiting to be made.
What You Can Expect!
Welcome to an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Andes.
We’ll venture deep into Los Nevados National Park, ascending to the summit of Nevado del Tolima at 5,220 meters—a place where the sunrise feels like a gift from the mountains themselves.
Along the way, you’ll traverse a stunning variety of ecosystems: lush valleys, cloud forests, high-altitude páramo, and fields of perpetual snow. Every step brings new sights, new sensations, and a deeper connection with the powerful energy of these sacred landscapes.
This journey isn’t just physically demanding—it’s a chance to reconnect with nature on a profound level. The majesty of the Andes will accompany you, offering panoramic views and silent moments that leave a lasting mark on your memory.
More than a hike, this is an experience to challenge your body, awaken your spirit, and reconnect with the essence of the wild. Get ready to feel the magic, beauty, and strength of the mountains like never before.
Tour Summary & Itinerary
Day 0
- 5:30 p.m. – Meet the team at our Salento office
- 5:40 p.m. – Review the full itinerary and daily plan
- 6:00 p.m. – Go over safety protocols
- 6:20 p.m. – Check your gear and equipment
- 6:40 p.m. – Ask questions and clear up any doubts
- 7:00 p.m. – Connect with your guides and fellow hikers
- Note: Attendance is mandatory
- Final itinerary overview and Q&A
- Equipment check and packing guidance
- Contract review and signing
- Full tour payment
- Acclimatization in Salento
- Luggage drop-off for mule transport
- Time to connect with your guides and group
- Duration: 45 mins (approximately)
- Salento altitude: 2.000 meters
Day 1
- 5:30 a.m. – Meet at Brunch de Salento for breakfast
- 6:00 a.m. – Depart by vehicle to the Cocora Valley
- 6:40 a.m. – Begin the hike at 2,400 mts at Cocora Valley
- 12:30 p.m. – Lunch break amid the high Andean landscape
- 5:00 p.m. – Arrive at La Playa farmhouse (3,750 meters)
- Distance: 19 Km
- Max. altitude: 3.800 m
- Difficulty level: 5 (demanding)
Day 2
- 7:30 a.m. – Breakfast at the farmhouse
- 8:10 a.m. – Hike to Laguna Escondida
- 12:30 p.m. – Return to the farmhouse for rest
- 1:00 p.m. – Lunch at the farmhouse
- 2:00 p.m. – Technical briefing (glacier gear introduction)
- 3:00 p.m. – Rest and recovery time in the dormitories
- 6:30 p.m. – Dinner at the farmhouse
- 8:00 p.m. – Early bedtime before the summit day ahead
- Distance: 10 Km
- Max. altitude: 4.400 m
- Difficulty level: 2 (low)
Day 3
- 12:00 a.m. – Quick breakfast and gear up
- 12:30 a.m. – Start the ascent toward the glacier
- 2:00 a.m. – Arrive at the sandbanks (base camp)
- 2:30 a.m. – Continue ascent toward the glacier
- 4:00 a.m. – Reach the glacier's edge
- Distance: 19 Km
- Max. altitude: 5.220 m
- Difficulty level: 5 (demanding)
Day 4
- 7:00 a.m. – Breakfast at the farmhouse
- 7:40 a.m. – Start the descent hike back to Cocora Valley
- 2:00 p.m. – Arrival at Cocora Valley, trek officially ends
- Distance: 20 Km
- Max. altitude: 3.800 m
- Difficulty level: 3 (medium)
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).