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Los Nevados O Circuit

 

We are a local tourism operator with more than 10 years of experience in the coffee region.

  • Embark on an exciting 3-day tour to Los Nevados National Natural Park. This journey will take you to discover some of the most beautiful mountains in the country, where the land is dressed in a vibrant palette of colors. Your adventure will be an exciting ascent through panoramic trails and lush valleys, while you marvel at the beauty of Andean flora and fauna.

    • You will get to know the páramo, one of the most important ecosystems in the world.
    • You will enjoy one of the most privileged views of Los Nevados National Natural Park, Paramillo del Quindío, and Nevado del Tolima.
    • You will hike through ascents and descents in native forests.
  • ❌ Transfers from other cities to the tour starting point.
    ❌ Tips for our staff.
    ❌ Additional drinks and meals.
    ❌ Expenses not specified above.
    ❌ Trekking clothing and equipment.

    ✅ Introductory briefing one day before the trek starts.
    ✅ Local mountain guide in English or Spanish.
    ✅ Entrance fee to Los Nevados National Natural Park.
    ✅ Entrance fee to the private El Portón trail.
    ✅ 2 nights of accommodation in local countryside farms.
    ✅ Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
    ✅ Daily snacks.
    ✅ Filtered water every day.
    ✅ Private transportation from Salento to Cocora.
    ✅ Private transportation from Cocora to Salento.
    ✅ First aid kit.
    ✅ Medical assistance insurance.
    ✅ Tour photos.

    ⚠️ If you need transportation from another city to the tour starting point, please contact us and we will help you.

  • Day 0 - Acclimatization and Virtual Briefing
    You must arrive in the town of Salento one day before your booking date to acclimatize and attend a mandatory briefing with our team. This meeting can be held in person or virtually.

    During this briefing session, we will check that you have the appropriate equipment for the activity and provide key recommendations to help you successfully complete the O Circuit in Los Nevados without any issues.

    Day 1 - Acclimatization Hike to La Argentina
    Our adventure begins at 6:00 a.m. in Salento at El Brunch restaurant, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before taking a vehicle that will drive us to the Cocora Valley in approximately 25 minutes.

    Once in the Cocora Valley, we will start our ascent at an altitude of 2.400 m.a.s.l. During this first section, we will cross pastures, grasslands, and suspension bridges until we reach the humid forest, where the guide will choose the best spot for lunch.

    After an 11 km uphill hike that takes approximately 5 hours, we will arrive at La Argentina, a farm located at 3.400 m.a.s.l., where we will rest and have dinner.

    Day 2 - Ascent to the Páramo
    We will start our second day with a delicious traditional countryside breakfast and a challenging ascent into the páramo ecosystem. This area offers privileged views of Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado del Tolima, one of the most spectacular panoramas in Los Nevados National Natural Park.

    We will respectfully approach the base of the impressive Paramillo del Quindío to see the remnants of snow that once covered this mountain. From there, we will admire volcanic rock formations that make the landscape feel like another planet.

    Finally, the guide will choose the best spot for lunch, and after finishing, we will continue our route along a different trail. We will arrive at La Playa farm around 4:00 p.m., have dinner, and rest after completing 14 kilometers of hiking.

    Day 3 - Descent Back to Salento
    We will start our third and final day with a traditional breakfast at 6:00 a.m., followed by a 1.5 kilometers uphill hike to “Alto de la Virgen,” a viewpoint that rewards us with an incredible panoramic view of Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado del Tolima, weather permitting.

    Afterwards, we will begin the descent to Estrella de Agua farm, where we will take a break and enjoy some snacks to regain energy.

    Then, after a short ascent, we will continue descending until we reach the Cocora Valley, where a vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Salento for lunch.

    This day’s trek ends in Salento around 3:00 p.m. after hiking just over 19 kilometers in total.

  • What physical condition do I need?:
    To complete this hike, it is necessary to have very good physical fitness. If you want to fully enjoy your trip, you must be able to walk distances of 18 km for several consecutive days. A large part of the hike will take place at high altitude, so it is recommended to spend a few nights before the hike at altitudes above 2.000 meters above sea level, especially if you live at sea level.

    Briefing meeting:
    All briefing meetings take place one day before the trip at your hotel if it is a private tour, or virtually if it is a group trekking. The meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and we will check that you have everything you need, answer your questions about the trekking, and additionally you will be able to pay the remaining 50%.

    Where can I store my main luggage?:
    During the trip, you can store your main luggage free of charge in our storage room. You can also safely store any equipment you will not need for the trek at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service.

    Pick-up:
    All pick-ups will take place at El Brunch restaurant, which will be our meeting point on Day 1. If you stay in an area far from the center of Salento, you will need to pay an additional pick-up fee. Our staff will confirm the meeting time at El Brunch restaurant one day before the tour.

    Return to Salento:
    The return to Salento from the Cocora Valley is included in a private transfer from Los Orillos restaurant; however, on holidays there may be limited availability of these transfers, and it may be necessary to return by public transportation (Jeep Willys).

    Group tours:
    Group tours are made up of different people with different physical conditions and ages. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you acknowledge that some people may be faster or slower than you. In some cases, the group may wish to modify the tour; however, it is the guide’s responsibility to decide, after consulting all participants, whether such changes are possible.

    Reservations and advance payment:
    To book this adventure, you only need to choose your desired date. If there are available spots, you can reserve your place with 50% of the total price; the other 50% is usually paid one day before the trek starts during the briefing meeting. If you want to do the tour privately, you can choose any date you want.

    Accepted payment methods:
    For the first and final payment, we accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.

    Important!
    Days before the hike, pay attention to your diet; do not consume alcohol or drugs and do not smoke.
    Do not consume alcoholic beverages or hallucinogenic drugs before and during the trek.
    Do not extract any plant or animal species from the ecosystem.
    Bring all your trash back to the city.

    • Backpack of at least 25 L
    • Quick-dry base layer
    • Trekking pants
    • Warm jacket or fleece
    • Waterproof jacket
    • Rain poncho or raincoat (available for rent)
    • Sun hat
    • Warm wool hat
    • Buff
    • Lightweight gloves
    • Trekking socks
    • Spare clothes
    • Waterproof trekking boots or plastic boots in case of heavy mud
    • Gaiters (available for rent)
    • Headlamp (available for rent)
    • Trekking poles (available for rent)
    • Water bottle or 2 L Camelback
    • Personal medications
    • Sunscreen
    • Personal care products
    • Towel
    • Valid ID document or passport
    • Extra money (recommended in COP)

Price per person:

$ 1.220.000 COP

​*We accept credit card and cash payments

Choose the number of participants to know the price.

  • Embark on an exciting 3-day tour to Los Nevados National Natural Park. This journey will take you to discover some of the most beautiful mountains in the country, where the land is dressed in a vibrant palette of colors. Your adventure will be an exciting ascent through panoramic trails and lush valleys, while you marvel at the beauty of Andean flora and fauna.

    • You will get to know the páramo, one of the most important ecosystems in the world.
    • You will enjoy one of the most privileged views of Los Nevados National Natural Park, Paramillo del Quindío, and Nevado del Tolima.
    • You will hike through ascents and descents in native forests.
  • ❌ Transfers from other cities to the tour starting point.
    ❌ Tips for our staff.
    ❌ Additional drinks and meals.
    ❌ Expenses not specified above.
    ❌ Trekking clothing and equipment.

    ✅ Introductory briefing one day before the trek starts.
    ✅ Local mountain guide in English or Spanish.
    ✅ Entrance fee to Los Nevados National Natural Park.
    ✅ Entrance fee to the private El Portón trail.
    ✅ 2 nights of accommodation in local countryside farms.
    ✅ Meals: 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners.
    ✅ Daily snacks.
    ✅ Filtered water every day.
    ✅ Private transportation from Salento to Cocora.
    ✅ Private transportation from Cocora to Salento.
    ✅ First aid kit.
    ✅ Medical assistance insurance.
    ✅ Tour photos.

    ⚠️ If you need transportation from another city to the tour starting point, please contact us and we will help you.

  • Day 0 - Acclimatization and Virtual Briefing
    You must arrive in the town of Salento one day before your booking date to acclimatize and attend a mandatory briefing with our team. This meeting can be held in person or virtually.

    During this briefing session, we will check that you have the appropriate equipment for the activity and provide key recommendations to help you successfully complete the O Circuit in Los Nevados without any issues.

    Day 1 - Acclimatization Hike to La Argentina
    Our adventure begins at 6:00 a.m. in Salento at El Brunch restaurant, where we will enjoy a delicious breakfast before taking a vehicle that will drive us to the Cocora Valley in approximately 25 minutes.

    Once in the Cocora Valley, we will start our ascent at an altitude of 2.400 m.a.s.l. During this first section, we will cross pastures, grasslands, and suspension bridges until we reach the humid forest, where the guide will choose the best spot for lunch.

    After an 11 km uphill hike that takes approximately 5 hours, we will arrive at La Argentina, a farm located at 3.400 m.a.s.l., where we will rest and have dinner.

    Day 2 - Ascent to the Páramo
    We will start our second day with a delicious traditional countryside breakfast and a challenging ascent into the páramo ecosystem. This area offers privileged views of Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado del Tolima, one of the most spectacular panoramas in Los Nevados National Natural Park.

    We will respectfully approach the base of the impressive Paramillo del Quindío to see the remnants of snow that once covered this mountain. From there, we will admire volcanic rock formations that make the landscape feel like another planet.

    Finally, the guide will choose the best spot for lunch, and after finishing, we will continue our route along a different trail. We will arrive at La Playa farm around 4:00 p.m., have dinner, and rest after completing 14 kilometers of hiking.

    Day 3 - Descent Back to Salento
    We will start our third and final day with a traditional breakfast at 6:00 a.m., followed by a 1.5 kilometers uphill hike to “Alto de la Virgen,” a viewpoint that rewards us with an incredible panoramic view of Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado del Tolima, weather permitting.

    Afterwards, we will begin the descent to Estrella de Agua farm, where we will take a break and enjoy some snacks to regain energy.

    Then, after a short ascent, we will continue descending until we reach the Cocora Valley, where a vehicle will be waiting to take us back to Salento for lunch.

    This day’s trek ends in Salento around 3:00 p.m. after hiking just over 19 kilometers in total.

  • What physical condition do I need?:
    To complete this hike, it is necessary to have very good physical fitness. If you want to fully enjoy your trip, you must be able to walk distances of 18 km for several consecutive days. A large part of the hike will take place at high altitude, so it is recommended to spend a few nights before the hike at altitudes above 2.000 meters above sea level, especially if you live at sea level.

    Briefing meeting:
    All briefing meetings take place one day before the trip at your hotel if it is a private tour, or virtually if it is a group trekking. The meetings last approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and we will check that you have everything you need, answer your questions about the trekking, and additionally you will be able to pay the remaining 50%.

    Where can I store my main luggage?:
    During the trip, you can store your main luggage free of charge in our storage room. You can also safely store any equipment you will not need for the trek at your hotel. Almost all hotels offer this service.

    Pick-up:
    All pick-ups will take place at El Brunch restaurant, which will be our meeting point on Day 1. If you stay in an area far from the center of Salento, you will need to pay an additional pick-up fee. Our staff will confirm the meeting time at El Brunch restaurant one day before the tour.

    Return to Salento:
    The return to Salento from the Cocora Valley is included in a private transfer from Los Orillos restaurant; however, on holidays there may be limited availability of these transfers, and it may be necessary to return by public transportation (Jeep Willys).

    Group tours:
    Group tours are made up of different people with different physical conditions and ages. By agreeing to be part of a group tour, you acknowledge that some people may be faster or slower than you. In some cases, the group may wish to modify the tour; however, it is the guide’s responsibility to decide, after consulting all participants, whether such changes are possible.

    Reservations and advance payment:
    To book this adventure, you only need to choose your desired date. If there are available spots, you can reserve your place with 50% of the total price; the other 50% is usually paid one day before the trek starts during the briefing meeting. If you want to do the tour privately, you can choose any date you want.

    Accepted payment methods:
    For the first and final payment, we accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.

    Important!
    Days before the hike, pay attention to your diet; do not consume alcohol or drugs and do not smoke.
    Do not consume alcoholic beverages or hallucinogenic drugs before and during the trek.
    Do not extract any plant or animal species from the ecosystem.
    Bring all your trash back to the city.

    • Backpack of at least 25 L
    • Quick-dry base layer
    • Trekking pants
    • Warm jacket or fleece
    • Waterproof jacket
    • Rain poncho or raincoat (available for rent)
    • Sun hat
    • Warm wool hat
    • Buff
    • Lightweight gloves
    • Trekking socks
    • Spare clothes
    • Waterproof trekking boots or plastic boots in case of heavy mud
    • Gaiters (available for rent)
    • Headlamp (available for rent)
    • Trekking poles (available for rent)
    • Water bottle or 2 L Camelback
    • Personal medications
    • Sunscreen
    • Personal care products
    • Towel
    • Valid ID document or passport
    • Extra money (recommended in COP)

Los Nevados O Circuit

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Download the brochure of this Trek in PDF

This brochure includes general trek information, location, itinerary, what's included, how to prepare, conditions and much more.

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What is the tour like?

GALLERY

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Safety standards

Professional local guides certified in Wilderness First Aid.

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Our Experience 

A team with 10+ years of experience and passionate about nature.

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Our ECO Purpose

We promote the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity.

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Hidden Gems

The largest selection of incredible off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Why do travelers choose El Sendero?

WHY CHOOSE US

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