Day 1.
Total Distance: 14km Approx.
Estimate time: 7-8 hours
Altitud gain: 2400m – 3600m – 3300m
Hike from Cocora Valley through the “San jose” creek to “Estrella de agua”, biological station located at 3,170m (10,400ft); home of 96 species of Birds and mammals as the uncommon Spectacled Bear, Mountain tapir, and much more; enjoy lunch on a traditional wood stove with Doña Ludivia, Don Carlos and their son “Juancho”, whom are doing what they love for this place, maintain the tracks and have them in perfect conditions.
Then continue for another 2km inside the humid high Andean forest, this will be the toughest, steepest and muddiest part, until páramo ecosystem at 3.600m (11.811 ft); Across the line step back in the cloud forest and sleep in humble farm for one night at the Toche valley 3.200m (10,827 ft). Arrive to finca “EL BERGEL”
Day 2.
Total Distance: 13km
Estimated time 8 hours
Altitud gain: 3300m – 4000m – 3400m
From the Toche canyon hike across the Line, into “La virgen” peak 4000m (13,123 ft), with the astonishing views of Tolima volcano and Quindio Volcano. Get back down into the high Andean forest, and across the ruins of el Bosque farm. Once the Cardenas creek is crossed, steep hike for the last push, 4km ahead full of bird life, The black-chested buzzard-eagle, The grey breasted mountain toucan, The scarlet-bellied mountain tanager, The golden-plumed parakeet among many others that you will discover during the hike. In the farm people will enjoy the welcoming of this traditional potato cultivar family at “LA ARGENTINA” farm.
Day 3.
Distance: 10 km
Estimated time: 6-7 horas
Altitud gain: 3400m – 4300m – 3800m
On the way to “BERLIN” farm where the team will spend the night, We will try to peak one of the Highest summits of the surroundings. (4,300m – 14,107ft ). Across the pass located at 4200m (13,779 ft) down into the Berlin canyon, tall Frailejones (Speletia artuegiana) will make the hike enjoyable, endemic hummingbird – Buffy Helmetcrest (Oxypogon stubelii) will show during mornings and rainy season.
Day 4.
Distance: 11 km
Estimated time: 6 – 8 horas
Altitud gain: 3700m – 4250 – 3800m
Across the skyline of the volcano basin step into one of the well preserved places of the park with many endemism, get through the deep and ancient paths of the colonist, and again into the next humble farm “BAGASECA”.
Optional (Hard)
Distance to summit 4750m: 10km
Distance to the Farm: 11km
Day 5.
Distance: 16km
Estimate time: 8 hours
Altitud gain: 3800m – 4100m – 1700m
Early morning start the day to hike into the Otún wetland complex included in the RAMSAR convention; followed by the Otún lagoon, biggest lagoon in the National park, full of birdlife; great views of Paramillo of Santa Rosa and Santa Isabel glacier.
After a quick lunch we will descend besides “el valle de los condores” a complex systems of wetlands which will draw the natural features of the Paramo ecosystem.
After the descent You will have a 4×4 ride across “Cortaderal” road, following the steps of the great explorer Thomas Van Der Hammen and finally enjoy Santa Rosa and the cozy thermal springs (not included in the price, but a great opportunity to enjoy Risaralda department).
Includes:
• Private transfer from your hostel to Cocora valley
• 4×4 ride on private transport to Santa Rosa de Cabal
• 4 Dinners
• 5 Lunches
• 4 Breakfast
• Snacks for the hike
• Bilingual guide
• Water treatment (When necessary)
• Insurance
• Entrance to PNN Los Nevados
• Mules
Not Included:
• Camping gear
• Rain Gear
• Hot springs entrance
• Transfer from Santa Rosa To Salento
• Luggage transport from Salento to Santa Rosa de Cabal
• Packs
EASY: No experience needed
MEDIUM: Little experience needed
HARD: Experience is needed
Trekking grades
It is very hard to precise the difficulty of the Hike or the Climb; overall it depends on the grade fitness of the client, the altitud, the number of days of the expedition and the time involved during the trip; both fiscally and mental preparation are fundamental. Therefore We have decided to rate the hikes/Expeditions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Even more the climbs and the hikes are therefore likely to change the grade of difficulty depending on the weather season (Raining/Dry). However please have in mind that this are factors that change with every client and affects different especially the altitud, and thus the ratings are not definitive. This should be use as a guide through out the decision of your trip.
1: Well marked paths; Needed little or none experience. Time of duration 4-6 hrs, Hikes below 4000m. Health and fitness is beneficial.
2: Muddy terrain, uneven paths – Hikes above 4000m – Duration of the hike 6 – 8hrs minimum – Need some hiking gear and especial clothes requirements. Health and fitness is necessary.
3: Uneven paths with rocks and mud – Hikes above 4000m – Duration 8 – 10hrs – Duration of the expedition 3 – 5 days. Health and fitness is necessary.
4: Paths that can get lost during the hike – Some bushwhacking needed in some of the cases – Need some skills with specialised gear – Might need the use of your hand for balance. Fitness and endurance necessary.
5: Hikes below 5000m – May need to rope up, use harness and climbing gear – 4 to 6 days of hiking – 8 to 10hrs or more needed – Experience is required at altitud – Fitness and endurance required.
6: Expeditions +7 days – Climbing skills needed – Experience on remote places is required – Objetives of more that +5000m – Duration of the hikes between 10 to +12hrs – Level of fitness and endurance need to be very high.
