Nevado del Ruíz

This day trip is available within the coffee zone

Until further notice it is not possible to offer this destination or activity.

About

Parque de los Nevados is located deep within the coffee zone and belongs to all three of the area’s departments, Risaralda, Caldas and Quindío. It is also possible to access the park from Ibagué, the capital of the Tolima Department.

This huge park is a true treat for trekking fanatics as it boasts a range of differing landscapes and the snowy capped peaks of active volcanoes. The most famous being the Nevado del Ruíz, Nevado el Cisne, Santa Isabel and the Nevado del Tolima.

It is not just snowy peaks that this national park has to offer, the páramo landscapes and the lagunas are populated by abundant alpine like frailejón plants which are endemic to the páramo.

The park is the perfect place to take spectacular photos, especially during the morning before the fog and clouds descend.

A trip to Nevado del Ruíz takes you through various climatic zones and ecosystems. First you enter woodland, then the páramo, then the superpáramo. Finally you reach the snowy peaks after which the Los Nevados park is named.

For 5 years this tour was impossible because Parque de los Nevados was closed at the Nevado del Ruíz entrance due to volcanic activity. It’s undoubtedly seismic activity and volcanic hazards for which Nevado del Ruíz is most famous, or rather infamous. On 13 November 1985, Nevado del Ruíz erupted, pyroclastic flows caused snow and ice on the summit to melt, deadly lahars swept into the valley below destroying the town of Armero and causing over 20,000 deaths.

Nevado del Ruíz is available as a day trip for those staying in family-owned fincas in the coffee zone, hotels in Salento or at Hacienda Venecia.

The tour

Bank on an early start, this is a full day tour with 10 hours of activities. You will be picked up at 7am if you are in the city of Manizales or Hacienda Venecia or earlier if you are in Risaralda or Quindío

Your day includes transport and you will be take initially to El Refugio at 4800 metres above sea level. From there you commence your walk taking in various ecosystems and high-mountain landscapes. Your tour will take in such sights as Laguna Negra, Aguacerales, Arenales, Valle de Luna, Valle del Silencio, Volcán de la Olleta and finally back to El Refugio.

Bring your swimming costume because at the end of all that walking you will have a chance to relax in volcanic thermal baths.

Transport

The Colombian Way will organise your private transport to pick you up from your hotel or finca and take you to the Nevado del Ruíz, afterwards we will return you to your accommodation.

Groups and private tours

Nevado del Ruíz is a private guided tour ideally suited for 2 to 8 people, larger groups available on request.

We say

• Subject to local conditions and accessibility, this day trip may vary slightly from the description
• Bring your trekking A-game. This is a full day of high-altitude, medium-difficulty trekking. A good level of fitness is required
• It’s going to be cold up there, wear layers, bring a lightweight rain jacket and gloves, and ensure you have good walking boots for the challenging variety of terrains that you are going to encounter
• Despite being cold it is also sunny, wear a hat and apply a high SPF sunblock
• You burn more calories when exerting yourself at altitude. Don’t skimp on the carbohydrates the previous evening and drink plenty of fluids