Trekking in the Colombian Andes

Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá
Day 2: Breaking Borders Tour
Day 3: Sumapaz Páramo
Day 4: Travel to Colombia’s Coffee Region
Day 5: Los Nevados National Park & Santa Isabel Glacier Hike
Day 6: Trek to Otún Lake
Day 7: Paramillo of Quindío & Cocora Valley
Day 8: Hike to Salento via Cocora Valley
Day 9: Free Day in Salento
Day 10: Departure from Colombia

Day 1: Arrival in Bogotá

Welcome to Bogotá, the vibrant capital of Colombia! Nestled high in the Andean mountains, this dynamic city is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and lively energy. Upon arrival at El Dorado International Airport, you will be greeted by your English-speaking guide, who will assist with your transfer to your hotel.

Take the evening to settle in and relax after your flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore Bogotá at your own pace—perhaps a short walk through the charming streets of La Candelaria, the city's historic center, or a visit to a nearby café to enjoy Colombia’s world-famous coffee.

Accommodation: Hotel La Opera

Day 2: Breaking Borders Tour – A Story of Transformation

Today, embark on an inspiring community-led tour in Bogotá’s Egipto neighborhood, where former gang members have transformed their lives through tourism. The Breaking Borders initiative offers visitors a unique cultural and historical perspective, showing how tourism has helped reshape the area.

Your tour begins with a visit to Chorro de Quevedo, Bogotá’s historic founding site, where you’ll enjoy a warm cup of coffee or aguapanela, a traditional Colombian drink. From there, your guide will lead you through the Nuestra Señora de Egipto church and along Calle Real, once a dangerous passage but now a canvas of striking street art.

As you explore, you will meet local families, artists, and community leaders who share their personal stories of resilience and change. You’ll see landmarks such as El Cuadrado, a former gang stronghold now filled with colorful murals, and a new football field, symbolizing the neighborhood’s renewal.

This experience offers a rare and personal insight into Bogotá’s past, present, and hopeful future.

Duration: 6 hours
Accommodation: Hotel La Opera
Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Sumapaz Páramo – The World’s Largest Páramo Ecosystem

Today, set out on an adventurous trek to Sumapaz Páramo, a unique high-altitude ecosystem found only in Colombia and a few neighboring countries. Sumapaz, meaning “Supreme Peace”, is a vast, untouched wilderness that plays a crucial role in water conservation for the region.

At an elevation of 3,600 meters above sea level, the páramo is a mystical landscape of rolling hills, wetlands, and frailejón plants—a species found only in these rare environments. As you hike 6 kilometers through this breathtaking terrain, you will learn about its biodiversity, endemic flora, and the historical connection to the FARC guerrilla movement, which once controlled the area.

This experience also supports local farming families, who have dedicated themselves to protecting this delicate ecosystem through sustainable tourism and conservation efforts.

Duration: 9-10 hours
Accommodation: Hotel La Opera
Meals: Not included

Day 4: Travel to Colombia’s Coffee Region

After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your flight from Bogotá to Pereira (not included, app. USD 100 per person). Upon arrival, you will be welcomed to the famous Coffee Triangle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its lush landscapes and high-quality coffee production.

A private transfer will take you to your accommodation at Hotel Santa Clara Hacienda, a charming retreat surrounded by rolling coffee plantations. Before settling in, you will immerse yourself in a cacao experience, learning about the history and production of Colombian chocolate.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the coffee region as you prepare for the exciting trekking days ahead.

Accommodation: Hotel Santa Clara Hacienda
Meals: Breakfast

Day 5: Los Nevados National Park & Santa Isabel Glacier Hike

An early morning 4WD transfer will take you on a scenic drive (approx. 2.5 hours) through Andean landscapes, deep canyons, and lush valleys. You’ll enjoy a traditional mountain breakfast before arriving at Los Nevados National Park, a protected volcanic region home to glaciers, páramos, cloud forests, and wetlands.

After registering with the park rangers, begin your trek at 4,100 meters above sea level. The route leads 3.7 km up to the Conejeras Glacier (4,700m), where you will have time to rest, take in the views, and capture incredible photographs.

Following your descent, return to a traditional mountain farm, where you’ll enjoy a hearty Colombian meal and experience rural life.

Trekking time: 5 hours
Distance: 7 km
Accommodation: Mountain Farm
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 6: Trek to Otún Lake – A Journey Through the Páramo

Today, set out on an 8-hour trek to Otún Lake, the largest and most stunning lake in Los Nevados National Park. The trail takes you through Colombia’s unique páramo ecosystem, an otherworldly landscape found in only four countries worldwide.

This 18.6 km journey provides breathtaking views and opportunities to spot unique high-altitude wildlife. The lake itself is a sacred natural landmark, providing water for communities throughout the Coffee Region.

Trekking time: 8 hours
Distance: 18.6 km
Accommodation: Mountain Farm
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 7: Paramillo of Quindío & Cocora Valley

Your journey continues as you trek to the Paramillo of Quindío, a mountain known for its sandy-colored terrain, vibrant wetlands, and breathtaking views. Along the way, visit the source of the Cárdenas River and, if weather permits, catch a glimpse of the towering Tolima Volcano.

After a scenic 9.6 km trek, arrive at a mountain farm overlooking the Cocora Valley, where you will enjoy a relaxing evening with local mountain dwellers.

Trekking time: 7 hours
Distance: 9.6 km
Accommodation: Mountain Farm
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 8: Hike to Salento via Cocora Valley

Begin the final stretch of your trek through Colombia’s stunning cloud forest, home to diverse wildlife and vibrant flora. Arrive at the Cocora Valley, a landscape famous for its towering wax palms, the tallest palm trees in the world and Colombia’s national tree.

After ample time for photography and exploration, continue to Salento, a picturesque colonial town known for its colorful architecture, lively plazas, and deep coffee traditions.

Trekking time: 5 hours
Distance: 10 km
Accommodation: Hotel Coclí
Meals: Breakfast / Lunch

Day 9: Free Day in Salento – Rest & Relaxation

After an intense four-day trek, today is dedicated to rest and recovery. You can relax at your hotel, explore Salento’s charming streets, or visit a local coffee farm for an additional experience.

Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and take in the beauty of Colombia’s Coffee Region.

Accommodation: Hotel Coclí
Meals: Breakfast

Day 10: Departure from Colombia

After an unforgettable journey through Colombia’s stunning landscapes, your driver will transfer you to the airport for your return flight.

We hope you leave with amazing memories and perhaps a desire to return to discover even more of this beautiful country!

Meals: Breakfast

Option 1: Monserrate Summit Hike

Available on Day 2 (Bogotá, optional morning or afternoon activity)
Duration: 6 hours

Monserrate is one of Bogotá’s most iconic landmarks, offering a rewarding hike to 3,152 meters above sea level with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The trail winds through lush forests and rocky paths, providing a moderate physical challenge.

At the summit, you can visit the Sanctuary of Monserrate, a historic 17th-century church that attracts both pilgrims and tourists. The top also features local handicraft shops, cafés, and viewing platforms.

Included:
English-speaking guide
Private transportation

Option 2: La Carbonera Wax Palm Forest Excursion

Available on Day 9 (Salento, full-day activity)
Duration: 6-8 hours

This excursion takes you to La Carbonera, a hidden wax palm forest that boasts one of the highest concentrations of wax palms in Colombia. Unlike the more touristy Cocora Valley, La Carbonera offers a remote and untouched landscape, allowing for a more authentic experience in the Andean cloud forests.

The journey begins with a scenic Jeep Willys ride through the breathtaking landscapes of the Cordillera Central and Los Nevados National Park, climbing to 3,340 meters above sea level. Upon arrival, take a short hike through the wax palm forest, learning about local conservation efforts and indigenous myths.

A picnic lunch will be enjoyed at a traditional finca, where you can choose to either return via Jeep Willys or extend the adventure by hiking back. For thrill-seekers, an optional downhill mountain biking tour is also available.

Included:
English-speaking guide
Private transportation in a Jeep Willys
Scenic stops for Cordillera Central & Nevados National Park views
Guided hike through the La Carbonera Wax Palm Forest
Local snack and picnic lunch at a traditional Finca
Option to hike back or return via Jeep Willys
Guided stories and myths of the region