OPTION 1
Day 1.
Total Distance: 17km
Estimate time: 7-8 hours
Altitud gain: 2400m – 3800m – 3700m
Distance to Estrella de agua: 7km. / Time: 4 hours
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); at this point you will be stock with awe for the quick changes in vegetation; 15min for a quick rest and to get ready for the final push, another 200m (656 ft) to get the highest point for the first day, 3,800m (12,467 ft). Along the ridge of “la virgen ridge” we will hike 5km more, with the views of the two sides of the inter andean valleys; the towering Tolima volcano and the massive Quindio volcano.
Day 2
Total distance: 7km
Distance to High camp: 7km
Estimated time: 5 – 6hrs
Altitud gain: 3700m – 4300m
Early, continue for a short day inside páramo ecosystem, slightly hilly terrain will conduct us through the first slopes of the Tolima volcano. Hike besides “Toche” river; the hike will spot some of the unseen scenarios, like the vast peatlands and extensive marshes. Get the best view of the Toche valley, Cauca valley and the mountain massif complex (Ruiz-Tolima) with all the glaciers in the park; home of the Andean Condor, the Black Chested Buzzard Eagle, the Buffy Helmetcrest hummingbird among others.
Camp on the upper slopes of the Tolima Volcano and get ready for the Summit day.
Day 3
Total distance: 3km to the Summit and Back to camp / 8km to Next farm
Estimated time: 5hrs to Summit / 4-5hrs to Next Camp
Altitud gain: 4300m – 5220m – 3700m
Over the 5,000m (16.404ft) after the sketchy and exposed scrambling the ice appears, the Team ropes up and push upwards for the final try. summit, located at 5.220m (17.126ft).
The climb on the ice is 200m, at the last bit it is a crevasses field and once cross it, We climb a small cornice and walk till the summit.
Even though the Tolima volcano, is not the most difficult climb you ever achieved, the approach is very demanding and one of the most difficult task of the climb, gaining 1.500m (3.281ft) in a one day.
Back at the farm the day ends with warm dinner,welcoming laughs, and great stories to tell.
Day 4.
Total Distance: 17km
Estimate time: 7 – 8 hours
Altitud gain: 3700m – 4000m – 2400m
From the farm (3,700m / 12,139ft) the hike starts towards “La linea” pass at 4,000m (13,123ft) and next to La Argentina farm, whit the astonishing views of Paramillo del Quindo or Quindio Volcano, an old structure, big caldera with about 2km in diameter.
We will descent trough the canyon of the “Cardenas” creek, which is the main flowing of the Quindio River; here, the presence of the “Black chested – buzzard eagle” many bird life and the rare and endemic “Rufous fronted parakeet”, having crossed the valley, hiked over Páramo and Sub – Páramo, We will descend in direction of the Argentina farm and later Cocora Valley one of the most visited places in Salento; the corner of biodiversity with over more than 1000 wax palms; home of the Black-and chestnut eagle, hunting and breeding area.
Picked up By the traditional Willys and drop back in your Hostel.
OPCION 2
Day 1.
Total distance: 10km
Estimated time: 6-7 hr
Altitud gain: 2400 – 3400m
Begin the trip from Cocora valley 2,400m (7,874ft), a very well known place in Salento; Stay at “la Argentina” Farm located close to the borders of Los Nevados National Park 3.400m (11.154ft).
Day 2.
Total distance: 13km
Estimated time: 7- 8hrs
Altitud gain: 3400m – 4000m – 4300m
Early, continue for a long day inside páramo ecosystem, slightly hilly terrain will conduct us through the first slopes of the Tolima volcano. Hike besides “Toche” river and spot some of the unseen scenarios, like the vast peatlands and extensive marshes. Get the best view of the Toche valley, Cauca valley and the mountain massif complex (Ruiz-Tolima) with all the glaciers in the park; home of the Andean Condor, the Black Chested Buzzard Eagle, the Buffy Helmetcrest hummingbird among others.
Camp on the upper slopes of the Tolima Volcano and get ready for the Summit day.
Day 3
Total distance: 3km to the Summit and Back to camp / 12km to Next camp
Estimated time: 5hrs to Summit / 4-5hrs to Next Camp
Altitud gain: 4000m -5220m – 3750m
Over the 5,000m (16.404ft) after the sketchy and exposed scrambling the ice appears, the Team ropes up and push upwards to the top. summit, located at 5.220m (17.126ft).
The climb on the ice is 200m, at the last bit it is a crevasses field and once cross it, We climb a small cornice and walk till the summit.
Back at the farm the day ends with warm dinner,welcoming laughs, and great stories to tell.
Day 4.
Total Distance: 17km
Estimate time: 7 – 8 hours
Altitud gain: 3700m – 4000m – 2400m
From the Farm (3,700m / 12,139ft) the hike starts towards “La linea” pass at 4,000m (13,123ft) and next to La Argentina farm, whit the astonishing views of Paramillo del Quindo or Quindio Volcano, an old structure, big caldera with about 2km in diameter.
We will descent trough the canyon of the “Cardenas” creek, which is the main flowing of the Quindio River; here, the presence of the “Black chested – buzzard eagle” many bird life and the rare and endemic “Rufous fronted parakeet”, having crossed the valley, hiked over Páramo and Sub – Páramo, We will descend in direction of the Argentina farm and later Cocora Valley one of the most visited places in Salento; the corner of biodiversity with over more than 1000 wax palms; home of the Black-and chestnut eagle, hunting and breeding area.
Picked up By the traditional Willys and drop back in your Hostel.
Includes:
• Private transfer from your hostel to Cocora valley and back to town
• two dinners and two breakfast at one of the closest farms of Tolima volcano
• Dinner for the pre summit day
• One Picnic after summit and light breakfast for the summit day
• Snacks for the hike
• Bilingual guide
• Water treatment (When necessary)
• Insurance
• Mules
• Mountain gear
Not Included:
• Packs
• Rain Gear
HARD: Experience is needed
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
International French Adjectival System (IFAS)
F: facile (easy). Straightforward, possibly a glacial approach, snow and ice will often be at an easy angle.
