Trekking in the Colombian Andes
Colombia Hiking + Walking Tours
Hiking in South America’s Rugged Coffee Paradise
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length10 days
- Prices from$1989 Rates
Overview
Colombia is full of hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. Spectacular vistas, snow-capped mountains, historical cities, and exciting cultural experiences are just a part of this incredible guided hiking tour. Starting in Bogotá, you will explore interesting neighborhoods and even have a chance to dine with a local family and hear their stories. You will visit the world's largest Páramo to discover Colombia's most important water source. The Andes await as you are transported to the Coffee Region where you will visit a traditional farm and learn all about the cultivation of coffee.
Los Nevados National Park is a highlight of this trekking tour: you will hike to glaciers, bathe in natural hot springs, and stay in rustic mountain dwellings. The unique flora and fauna of the area will astound you as the stark beauty of the Upper Andes is truly breathtaking.
Highlights
- Bogotá, Colombia's capital and historic center
- Sumapaz Páramo
- A guided coffee tour in Santa Rosa de Cabal
- Los Nevados National Park and hike to Conejeras Glacier
- Otún Laguna, an incredible high-altitude lake
- Paramillo of Quindío
- Wax palm trees in Cocora Valley
- Salento, the oldest and most traditional town in the department of Quindío
Take a look at our other tours in Columbia here.
Itinerary
Bienvenidos a Colombia - Welcome to Colombia!
A transfer is included from El Dorado International Airport, your English-speaking guide will greet you before accompanying you to your first hotel.
Overnight: Bogotá
Accommodation: Hotel La Opera (private room with bathroom)Day 2: Bogotá and its neighborhoods
Experience first-hand how the community in Bogotá's Egipto neighborhood set an end to violence and opened the doors to a prosperous future.
The leaders of the Breaking Borders project wanted to change the neighborhood's narrative of violence and give a positive example to the youth in the area by creating an urban tourism project.
Guided by former gang members, you can explore Bogotá's second oldest neighborhood which was once off-limits due to its dangerous reputation. As you wander the cobblestoned Calle Real (Royal Street) lined with colorful colonial homes, you will experience first-hand how tourism transforms neighborhoods and generates new economic opportunities.
After the visit to the neighborhood, you will go for a steep hike to Guadalupe where you will find a 49 ft high statue of the Virgen. Please be aware that the path is not marked and the terrain is quite difficult to walk, but at the top, you will be greeted with a spectacular view of Bogotá. Here, you will also be accompanied by the locals of the community to enjoy this breathtaking view of the capital city.
Once you arrive to Guadalupe, a vehicle awaits you to bring you back to your hotel. The tour takes about 6 hours (not available on Sundays).
Overnight: Bogotá
Accommodation: Hotel La Opera (private room with bathroom)
Meals: BreakfastDay 3: Bogotá - Sumapaz Páramo - Bogotá
Today you will be personally introduced to the largest Páramo in the world: Sumapaz.
What exactly is a Páramo? People often describe it as a moorland, wetland, or high plateau; it is all of these things in addition to being an incredibly unique kind of ecosystem only found in Colombia, Perú, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Costa Rica. Sumapaz is one of the most important water sources in all of Colombia, as well as being an essential habitat for species such as spectacled bears, deer, eagles, condors, and more! You will hike through 6 kilometers of endemic vegetation and learn all about this special environment, as well as the historical importance it has played in the creation of the oldest guerilla movement in the country: The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The FARC has long since left this area, making it a safe haven for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Bogotá. You can also rest assured that your visit here supports local farming families who have protected this fragile ecosystem for decades.
Today you will also enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner with a local family to learn about their history, share stories, and discover the traditions and culture of Colombia. This unique cultural experience is not only an opportunity to taste the local cuisine, but it will give you an insight into the day-to-day life of a typical family and you will see how mealtime becomes a special social event.
Overnight: Bogotá
Accommodation: Hotel La Opera (private room with bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast, lunch or dinner
Hike: 6 kmDay 4: Bogotá - Santa Rosa de Cabal and Coffee Tour
You will be transported to the airport for an early flight to Pereira (flight time approx. 1 hour). Your local guide will greet you before taking you to Santa Rosa de Cabal. The breathtaking mountainous green landscapes will surround you, lush with coffee plants, banana and citrus plantations, and bamboo forests.
You are now in the heart of the famous Coffee Triangle of Colombia, which was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011. You will have your fill of delicious coffee which is harvested, roasted, and brewed within miles of your hotel. Of course, you cannot be in the coffee capital without a tour of a traditional finca (farm). On a guided tour, an expert will explain the entire process from picking the right coffee bean to the different methods of preparing an exquisite high-quality Colombian coffee. Through a hands-on experience, you will understand the daily tasks of a coffee farmer, allowing you to discover the traditions of generations past. The tour will not be complete without tasting the best coffee in the world.
Overnight: Santa Rosa de Cabal
Accommodation: Santa Clara Hacienda (private room with bathroom)
Meals: BreakfastDay 5: Santa Rosa de Cabal - Los Nevados National Park, Conejeras Glacier
Located in the heart of the picturesque coffee region, the Los Nevados National Park is a volcanic area enclosed by 3 majestic snow-capped summits: The Ruiz (5,321m), Santa Isabel (4,965m), and Tolima (5,220m) mountains. In addition, the park is home to the rare Andean ecosystems, Paramillos, of El Cisne (4,636m), Santa Rosa (4,600m), and Quindío (4,750m). Without a shadow of a doubt, the main draw of this stunning location is the sheer variety of environments - you will find wetlands, upper Andean forest, cloud forest, páramos, and tropical glaciers. The multiple rivers that flow down the mountains make the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, and Tolima strongholds of agricultural life and provide a permanent water supply for the towns and cities of the area.
The guided hiking tour today starts at 6 am with a pick-up from your hotel. The transfer of 2.5 hours will take you through Andean canyons and stunning valleys. You will enjoy a delicious mountain breakfast at a traditional farm, before making your way to the park entrance, where you'll register in the park book and receive a welcome meeting from the park rangers.
You'll have one last 30-minute car ride to the starting point of the trek, at an altitude of 4,100m. From here, you will walk 3.7km to the beautiful Conejeras Glacier (4,700m). You will have time to rest, enjoy the surroundings, and take pictures before beginning the descent to where the vehicle will be waiting to take you back to the farm where you will have lunch. The rest of the day can be spent chatting with the local farmers and resting up for tomorrow.
Overnight: Los Nevados Park
Accommodation: Traditional finca (farm), bunk beds, shared bathrooms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hike: 7 km (+- 5hours)
Elevation: start 4,100 m / max 4,700 m / end 4,100 m
Car Transfer: 3 hoursDay 6: Los Nevados National Park, Otún Laguna
Starting at 7 am, you will hike from the farm towards Otún Laguna, considered the biggest and most beautiful lake in the national park. You will enjoy first-hand the stark beauty of the upper reaches of the Andes. In the páramo, frailejones dominate the landscape, and a range of mosses, lichens can be observed. The black and white Andean condor, with its wingspan of up to 10 feet, can sometimes be spotted gliding along the cliffs here. Other fauna include the spectacled bear (oso de anteojos), tapirs, weasels, squirrels, bats, and many species of birds.
Overnight: Los Nevados Park
Accommodation: Traditional finca (farm), bunk beds, shared bathrooms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hike: 18.6 km (+- 8 hours)
Elevation: start 3,950 m / max 4,150 m / end 3,850 mDay 7: Los Nevados National Park, Paramillo of Quindío and Cocora Valley
After an energizing breakfast, you'll prepare your pack for the next adventure to the Paramillo of Quindío, the highest peak in the entire park. This awe-inspiring mountain is rife with sandy, earthy tones, complemented by magical wetlands that dot the terrain with bright colors. En route, you will have lunch and then visit the source of the Cardenas River, with a little bit of luck you will be able to catch a glimpse of the Tolima volcano in the distance.
The hike will take you to another traditional farm where you will spend the night. This accommodation offers magnificent views of the whole Cocora Valley. "Cocora" comes from the name of an indigenous Quimbayan princess and means, "Star of Water." The mysterious and beautiful cloud forest in the valley makes that name especially appropriate.
Overnight: Los Nevados Park
Accommodation: Traditional finca (farm), bunk beds, shared bathrooms
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hike: 9.6 km (+- 7 hours)
Elevation: start 3,850 m / max 4,250 m / end 3,450 mDay 8: Los Nevados National Park - Salento
You'll hit the trail once again and make your way into the cloud forest. This forest is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna; a number of tree-dwelling sloths call this area home as do various species of hummingbirds. You will eventually enter the Cocora Valley, with its stunning views of Colombia's national tree the Wax Palm. This endangered tree, once close to extinction but now protected, was frequently harvested for its wax and wood, and the palm fronds were popularly used as part of religious celebrations. Reaching an average height of 45 m (148 ft), and some reaching as much as 60 m (200 ft), these slender giants dot the valley and make for a perfect photo opportunity.
After a short break in the valley, you will continue on to Salento, the oldest and most traditional town in the department of Quindío.
Overnight: Salento
Accommodation: Hotel Salento Real (private room with bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hike: 10 km (+- 5 hours)
Elevation: start 3,450 m / max 3,450 m / end 2,400 mDay 9: Salento - La Carbonera - Salento
We meet in the morning at 7.30 a.m. in Salento to drive with the typical Jeep Willys along the old road that connects Salento with Ibagué and Bogotá to the wax palm forest La Carbonera - still a very well-kept secret. This is a gravel road used by mountain bikers and farmers in the area. The route offers one of the most beautiful views of Cordillera Central and the Nevados National Park.
The highest point of today's tour is at 3,340m and of course, we will make several stops along the way to enjoy the beautiful views. After about 2 hours we reach the breathtaking wax palm forests of La Carbonera and take a short hike. In a typical Finca we enjoy a local snack and a small picnic in the middle of these beautiful landscapes.
We will then hike the whole way back to Salento through these breathtaking landscapes and listen to the myths & stories of your guide.
Overnight: Salento
Accommodation: Hotel Salento Real (private room with bathroom)
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Hike: 18 km (+-6 hours)
Elevation: start 1,950 m / max 3,350 m / end 1,950 mIt is time to say goodbye!
You will be transported to the airport in Pereira for your onward travels. Transfer time is approx. 1 hour.
Meals: Breakfast
Interested in seeing more than our hiking and walking tours? Check out our list of birding and birdwatching tours or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.
Map
Accommodation
This guided hiking tour in Colombia will have you staying in very simple and rustic mountain dwellings, traditional fincas (farms), and comfortable city hotels. While in the mountains, you will be in shared rooms with bunk beds and the bathrooms are communal. Pictures can be provided of each place so please ask us! These accommodations will allow you to meet and interact with locals and give you a taste of Colombian culture like never before.
Please review the daily itinerary for further information on the accommodations.Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 9 nights in traditional fincas or hotels
- 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
- Local English speaking tour guides
- Airport transfers
- All other transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
- Visit to a coffee farm with English speaking guide
What’s Not Included
- Flight from Bogotá to Pereira (approx. US$100 per person)
- Remaining meals
- Drinks
- Gratuities
- Airfare
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2024
This tour is possible any day, all year round!
Groups: 1-12 people
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Number of people Prices 1 person $ 5181 £ 2675 $ 4,814 € 3194 Ft 1282479 kr 477666 ₪ 13142 ¥ 521377 Mex$ 67387 NZ$ 5723 kr 37387 zł 13710 S$ 4562 kr 36273 CHF 2996 $ 3,427 2 people $ 3007 £ 1552 $ 2,794 € 1854 Ft 744339 kr 277233 ₪ 7627 ¥ 302603 Mex$ 39111 NZ$ 3322 kr 21699 zł 7957 S$ 2648 kr 21052 CHF 1739 $ 1,989 3 people $ 2649 £ 1367 $ 2,461 € 1633 Ft 655647 kr 244199 ₪ 6719 ¥ 266546 Mex$ 34451 NZ$ 2926 kr 19113 zł 7009 S$ 2332 kr 18544 CHF 1532 $ 1,752 4 people $ 2499 £ 1290 $ 2,322 € 1541 Ft 618599 kr 230400 ₪ 6339 ¥ 251484 Mex$ 32504 NZ$ 2761 kr 18033 zł 6613 S$ 2201 kr 17496 CHF 1445 $ 1,653 5 people $ 2423 £ 1251 $ 2,252 € 1494 Ft 599887 kr 223431 ₪ 6147 ¥ 243877 Mex$ 31521 NZ$ 2677 kr 17488 zł 6413 S$ 2134 kr 16967 CHF 1402 $ 1,603 6 people $ 2360 £ 1218 $ 2,193 € 1455 Ft 584170 kr 217577 ₪ 5986 ¥ 237488 Mex$ 30695 NZ$ 2607 kr 17030 zł 6245 S$ 2078 kr 16522 CHF 1365 $ 1,561 10 people $ 2154 £ 1112 $ 2,002 € 1328 Ft 533275 kr 198621 ₪ 5465 ¥ 216797 Mex$ 28021 NZ$ 2380 kr 15546 zł 5701 S$ 1897 kr 15083 CHF 1246 $ 1,425 12 people $ 2129 £ 1099 $ 1,978 € 1312 Ft 526913 kr 196251 ₪ 5399 ¥ 214210 Mex$ 27686 NZ$ 2351 kr 15361 zł 5633 S$ 1874 kr 14903 CHF 1231 $ 1,408 Single room supplement $ 922 £ 476 $ 857 € 569 Ft 228279 kr 85024 ₪ 2339 ¥ 92804 Mex$ 11995 NZ$ 1019 kr 6655 zł 2440 S$ 812 kr 6456 CHF 533 $ 610 * Please ask for pricing for other group numbres
Extra Options
Domestic flight (approx): $ 151 £ 78 $ 140 € 93 Ft 37423 kr 13938 ₪ 383 ¥ 15214 Mex$ 1966 NZ$ 167 kr 1091 zł 400 S$ 133 kr 1058 CHF 87 $ 100
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Prices do not include the Colombian VAT tax (19%), but foreignor travelers do not have to pay this.Tours can only be confirmed based on availability and if the guest(s) provides their passport upon booking, this is a requirement.
The mentioned rates might be modified due to currency devaluation.
Extra Info
Skill Level — Moderate–Difficult
This is a moderate to difficult guided hiking tour in Colombia. The terrain may be rough and uneven, especially after rainfall. Muddy paths can affect the hiking rhythm and dirty your clothes and shoes. The paths are constantly used by the farmers and their animals as they journey to the city to sell their crops, which worsens conditions. However, the rugged beauty of the surroundings will make it all worth it! Please refer to the daily itinerary for exact elevation details and further information on each route. Participants of this tour should have a high level of fitness.
Airport Info
Fly into El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá and out of Matecaña International Airport in Pereira.
Local Travel
Airport transfers are included.
Climate
In the Colombian mountains, in particular in Los Nevados, summer dryness and “good weather” extends from December to March. Outside of these months, because of the occurrence of Niño or Niña phenomenon, rainfalls could vary and at times are quite extreme. Please see below for average temperatures.
Recommended
A suggested packing list will be sent approx. 1 month before the booked departure date. Please consider bringing good sunglasses (with UV filter), a headlamp with spare battery, trekking poles, and a backpack between 20 and 50 liters.
Important to know
Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Colombia for stays shorter than 90 days. For any other nationality, Colombia's Foreign Affairs website has a useful tool to determine if you will need a visa (scroll towards the middle/end of the page to the dropdown menu and select your home country).
Tour Operator
This tour is run by WhereNext Travel.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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