Crossing the Andes Trek | 4-Day from Ibagué to Salento

Price depends on group size

Starting at COP 1.900.000

For safety and quality, we maintain a low guide-to-client ratio. Typically, one guide is assigned for every 5 participants. As group size increases, an additional guide may be required, which can slightly affect the per-person price.

Final Pricing (per person)

Group Size | Price (COP) | Notes

1 person      $0.000.00       Private expedition

2 people      $0.000.00      Private expedition

3 people      $2.200.000     Best value ⭐

4 people      $0.000.000     Guide x 2

5+ people    On request    Bespoke

Book your spot with just a 30% deposit | Secure international card payments accepted 

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This trekking expedition is a Lvl 3 – Active Adventure suitable for travelers who enjoy movement, nature, local life, and a moderate physical challenge.

No technical skills or previous experience are required, but participants should be comfortable hiking several hours per day on uneven mountain trails with elevation changes.

Most travelers adapt well to the altitude on this expedition because the route gradually progresses through the mountains rather than starting at high elevation. The highest point reached by vehicle is La Línea mountain pass at approximately 3,300 m (10,800 ft) on Day 4, while the highest elevation reached on foot is around 3,000 m (9,840 ft) in the Wax Palm Sanctuary.

Our guides monitor conditions throughout the journey and provide recommendations before departure to help you prepare and enjoy the trek safely.

Yes. Volcán Machín is continuously monitored by the Colombian Geological Service and is currently under Yellow Alert, indicating changes in volcanic activity that require observation but pose no imminent risk and do not restrict visits. The hiking route follows established trails and areas considered safe for visitors. The volcano’s geothermal activity—including steaming fumaroles and natural hot springs—is one of the features that makes this landscape so unique.

The trek can be enjoyed year-round thanks to Colombia’s equatorial climate. The drier months generally offer better trail conditions and clearer mountain views, but the changing weather is part of what creates the spectacular cloud forest landscapes.

No. You only need to carry a comfortable daypack with essentials such as water, snacks, rain gear, and personal items. The rest may be left with our trusted driver in the vehicle. Mules are used to transport luggage between the vehicle and accommodations not reached by road when necessary.

No problem. One of the advantages of this expedition is that a dedicated 4×4 support vehicle accompanies the route throughout the journey.

If you’re feeling tired, unwell, have a minor injury, or simply prefer to skip a day’s hike, we can usually arrange for you to travel by vehicle to the next accommodation while the rest of the group continues on foot. You’ll still be able to enjoy the meals, accommodation, and the overall experience without holding back the group.

Our priority is for everyone to enjoy the expedition safely and comfortably, and we’ll always recommend the best option based on your condition.

Your safety is our highest priority. While the Crossing the Andes expedition takes place in remote mountain terrain, the route has been carefully designed to minimize risks through proper planning, experienced guides, and comprehensive safety procedures.

Unlike high-altitude mountaineering expeditions, this trek reaches a maximum hiking elevation of around 3,000 m (9,840 ft), with the highest point of the journey—La Línea Pass (3,300 m / 10,827 ft)—crossed by vehicle. Most travelers adapt well to these elevations, and our guides monitor participants throughout the expedition for any signs of altitude-related discomfort.

All our guides are trained in Wilderness First Response (WFR), CPR/AED, and mountain emergency management. We carry a comprehensive first aid kit, pulse oximeters, emergency communication equipment, and maintain direct contact with local emergency services when required.

A dedicated 4×4 support vehicle accompanies the expedition throughout the route, transporting luggage between accommodations and providing rapid access in the unlikely event of an emergency. In more remote sections, we also work closely with local farmers and arrieros (mule drivers), whose knowledge of the terrain forms an important part of our emergency response network.

All expeditions include travel insurance covering medical assistance, giving you added peace of mind throughout your adventure.

Our goal is simple: to provide a safe, well-organized, and enjoyable expedition, allowing you to focus on experiencing the incredible landscapes of Colombia’s Central Andes.

Charging and WIFI are available in all accommodations. Keep in mind that connectivity may be limited. Some locations may have phone signal (Claro network), but travelers should expect periods without internet access and enjoy the opportunity to disconnect.

Cocora Valley is one of Colombia’s most famous day-trip destinations, while the Crossing the Andes Trek is a multi-day expedition through remote landscapes, including a larger and much less visited wax palm sanctuary, rural communities, volcanic landscapes, and historic mountain trails. Cocora is mainly grassland, toche has real palm forests.

Absolutely. As a private expedition, we can tailor the itinerary to suit your interests, fitness level, schedule, and travel plans.

Whether you’d like to spend more time exploring the region, add extra experiences, or adjust the pace, we’ll be happy to help you create the perfect adventure.

We can also arrange the trek in the opposite direction, starting in Salento and finishing in Ibagué, or organize round-trip itineraries that return to the meeting point for travelers who wish to leave their own vehicle or continue exploring the region.

If you’re short on time, we also offer 2-day and 3-day versions of the Crossing the Andes expedition.

👉 Explore the 2-Day Crossing the Andes Trek
👉 Explore the 3-Day Crossing the Andes Trek

Ibagué is centrally located in the Colombian Andes, making it easily accessible from both Bogotá and the Coffee Region, and within driving distance of major cities like Cali and Medellin (approx. 6–8 hours).

From Bogotá, you can travel to Ibagué by:

• Private transfer (recommended) — around 4 hours door-to-door
• Domestic flight to Perales Airport (IBE) — approx. 20-minute flight
• Bus — regular departures from Bogotá’s main terminal (approx. 5 hours)

If you are coming from the Coffee Region (Armenia, Salento, Pereira, Manizales, etc.), Ibagué can also be reached by:

• Private transfer — approximately 3–5 hours, depending on your location
• Bus — regular departures (travel times vary)

We can assist with arranging private transfers or advise on the best option based on your itinerary.

The Andes are one of Colombia’s richest biodiversity regions. Possible sightings include hummingbirds, tanagers, mountain birds, crystal-winged butterflies, orchids, and, with luck, larger species such as the Andean Condor. Wildlife sightings are always natural and cannot be guaranteed.