I had the opportunity to visit El Nevado del Tolima, also known as the "Dulima" mountain, since before the conquest by the indigenous natives, it is a volcano located in the Central Mountain Range of the Andes of Colombia, in the jurisdiction of the Tolima municipalities of Anzoátegui and Ibagué. . Together with the Nevado de Santa Isabel and Nevado del Ruiz volcanoes, it is part of the protected area of the Los Nevados National Natural Park.
Rural Adventure Nevado del Tolima Expedition
ITINERARY
Day 1. Cocora Valley and Fog Forest: Departure at 6:00 or 7:00 am from the Salento park towards the Cocora Valley, where we will pass through the cloud forest and La Reserva Acaime, continuing to Estrella de Agua (3,200 meters above sea level) Estimated time 3.5 hours. (approximately 9 km). At 12:30 m the tour continues from the Estrella de Agua farm heading towards Finca La Argentina where we will spend the night (3,750 meters above sea level). We crossed the paramo ecosystem. 3 hours. (approximately 9 km)
What does Day 1 include?
- Guide
- Jeep Transportation: Salento – Cocora Valley
- Cocora Valley Tolls
- Entrance to Acaime (Hummingbird Valley)
- Lunch and/or Finca Campesina Food
- Hydration and Snack
- Finca Campesina Accommodation (includes blankets and shower the next day with hot water)
Day 2. Arrival at Base Camp: Departure at 8:00 am from Finca La Argentina towards the “Finca La Playa” Base Camp (4,350 meters above sea level). Estimated time 5 hours. (8 km approx.). This day is calm and the aim is to reach the base camp at noon, where we will rest for much of the day for the attempt to the summit in the early hours of the morning. The glacier equipment will be organized and instructions for use will be given, and rest will continue.
What does Day 2 include?
- Guide
- Breakfast, Lunch and/or Finca Campesina Lunch
- Hydration and Snack
- Finca Campesina Accommodation (includes blankets and shower the next day with hot water)
Day 3. Summit Attempt: At 2:00 am we get up, have tea and eat something to head to the glacier and then try to ascend to the summit (5,220 meters above sea level). Estimated round trip time (approximately 7 hours. At 1:00 pm we break camp and descend towards Finca La Primavera. (approximately 2 hours)
What does Day 3 include?
- Guide
- Breakfast and/or lunch Finca Campesina La Argentina
- Jeep Transportation: Salento – Cocora Valley
Day 4: Return to Cocora Valley and Salento: At 8:00 am we descend towards the Cocora Valley, taking a different route down the Cárdenas River Canyon. (approximately 19 km)
What does Day 4 include?
- Guide
- Finca Campesina Breakfast
- Hydration and Snack
TOUR RECOMMENDATIONS AND OBSERVATIONS
It must be taken into account that the walk through the moors and the ascent to the snow peak demand a certain level of physical condition, it is best to have a minimum of training to prevent our journey from becoming somewhat traumatic. The path to the snow-capped mountain is very well marked and signposted, let's avoid going off it as well as walking at night. All the gates that we find must be left as they are. After Cocora (towards the mountain) all the water sources are clean, so we should be able to drink from them directly without having any problems. Due to the altitude, the sun hits quite hard so we must use sunscreen all the time as well as good sunglasses (preferably with a UV filter), we can quickly hurt our skin and eyes. Let's wear the right footwear (preferably leather boots), tennis shoes and boots made of absorbent materials can stay wet for several days. In the Páramo and Bosque it is prohibited to make bonfires. Although there is no telephone signal on much of the route, it is good to carry one, it is not known when it will be useful. If we are not in the habit and decide to climb the first day until spring or beyond, let us remember that there is a fairly large change in altitude in a single day and we will surely experience some symptoms of mountain sickness such as dizziness and vomiting, but these usually disappear. in a couple of hours.
Likewise, the Trek is a circuit, therefore the way back is different from the way up, so you will have the opportunity to enjoy different landscapes throughout the tour.
WHAT TO BRING?
Bring with you at least the following basic equipment or elements:
- Appropriate clothing for cold weather (It is recommended to wear clothing according to the "layers of the onion" theory. For more information, see:
- Glasses with UV filter
- Headlamp (Optional)
- Container for hydration and/or some energy drinks.
- Sun cap, hat or balaclava cap
- Sunscreen SPF (or FPS) equal to or greater than 30
- Walking sticks (Optional)
- Mountain or trek boots
- Change of clothes, socks and sandals for rest
- Backpack minimum 30L and maximum 50L
- Personal medications and toiletries
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MEETING POINT
- Salento main square or pick up from any hotel in the Urban area in the Municipality of Salento.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
- RESERVATIONS ARE MADE AT LEAST FORTY-EIGHT (48) HOURS IN ADVANCE.
- ASK ABOUT AVAILABILITY THROUGH OUR WHATSAPP CHAT BEFORE BOOKING.
NOT INCLUDED
- Transportation from other Municipalities other than those mentioned (If required we can provide it at an additional cost)
- Everything that is not expressly mentioned in the itinerary
VIDEO SUMMARY OF THE EXPERIENCE
- Not available
TRAVELERS' OPINIONS
