Nevado del Tolima Summit 4-Day Trek

Price depends on group size

Starting at COP 2.500.000

For safety and quality, we maintain a low guide-to-client ratio. Typically, one guide is assigned for every 3 participants. As group size increases, an additional guide may be required — which can slightly affect the price per person.

You can choose to book a private expedition on your preferred dates, or join a group with like-minded travellers on fixed group dates.

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      $2.500.000     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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Limited spots available due to National Parks daily capacity restrictions. We recommend booking in advance to secure your preferred dates.

No prior mountaineering or technical experience is required. A basic introduction to glacier travel and the use of technical equipment is included during the expedition.

However, this is a physically demanding, high-altitude trek. You should be in good physical condition and comfortable hiking for multiple days (6–10 hours per day) with significant altitude gain.

Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered so you can travel light and avoid complex logistics. We provide all technical equipment, as well as camping gear.

You only need to bring your personal clothing, trekking boots, accessories, toiletries and backpack.

👉 Download the full gear checklist

If you’re missing anything, we can assist with gear rental.

👉 Explore our blog for practical tips, insights, and stories from the field

Summit success depends on many variables, including weather conditions, acclimatization, and individual physical and mental condition. While we can’t guarantee a summit, our expeditions are designed to maximize your chances through proper acclimatization, pacing, logistics, and decision-making in the field.

Based on our experience, the average summit success rate is around 85%, depending on conditions and participant preparation.

Safety is always the priority. If weather or mountain conditions are not suitable for a safe summit attempt, the guide will make the decision to adjust the plan.

This may include delaying the summit push, modifying the route, or turning back if necessary. While this can be disappointing, these decisions are essential to ensure the safety of the group.

Temperatures at high altitude can drop significantly, especially during summit attempts. Having the correct clothing is essential for your safety and comfort.

As mountain conditions are outside of our control, changes to the itinerary or summit outcome do not qualify for refunds.

At high altitude, it’s normal for some participants to experience fatigue or altitude-related symptoms — even very fit individuals.

For safety reasons, the group typically moves together, especially when there is a single guide. In some cases, a participant may remain at camp with support staff or descend with assistance, depending on conditions and the team setup.

Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of each participant, and the plan will be adapted accordingly by the guide. We always aim to give everyone the best possible chance of reaching the summit, and guides will remain flexible when conditions allow — without taking unnecessary risks.

If you are joining an open group, it’s important to keep this in mind when planning your expedition. As with any high-altitude expedition, unforeseen situations can occur, and summit outcomes or itinerary changes do not qualify for refunds.

Mountain environments come with natural risks, but with the right approach they can be managed safely.

Altitude affects everyone differently, and mild symptoms are common at higher elevations. Our approach is built around prevention first — with carefully designed acclimatization, steady pacing, and constant monitoring throughout the expedition.

All our guides are trained in Wilderness First Response (WFR), CPR/AED, incident command systems, and technical rescue. We actively monitor participants, including the use of pulse oximeters, and respond early to any signs of altitude-related issues. If symptoms appear, we stop, rest, and manage them immediately to prevent progression.

If symptoms worsen, the priority is always to descend to a lower altitude, which is the most effective treatment. In more serious cases, our guides are trained to administer emergency medication and activate evacuation protocols.

We carry a comprehensive high-altitude medical kit, maintain direct VHF communication with official emergency services (SAGER Tolima), and coordinate in the field via UHF radios with arrieros (mule drivers), porters, and other guides on the mountain. These networks provide critical support in remote terrain.

Evacuation is managed progressively — starting with local support (mules, arrieros, nearby farms), and escalating to coordinated rescue teams if required. In extreme cases, medical evacuation (medevac) can be requested through the Colombian Air Force, although weather and altitude can limit availability.

All expeditions are covered by insurance that includes medical assistance and search and rescue (SAR).

Our goal is simple: to keep you safe, well-supported, and confident throughout the expedition.

A porter is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended.

Carrying less weight allows you to conserve energy, recover better, and improve acclimatization — all of which increase your chances of reaching the summit.

Without a porter, you will need to carry your full pack, including personal gear, part of the expedition equipment, food, and water between Termales del Cañón and Campamento Arenales.

Many participants choose a porter to reduce physical strain and focus more on the experience — especially on this section of the route, where most of the altitude is gained just before the summit push.

For the rest of the route, mules carry your gear, so you only need to hike with a daypack. (Mules are not permitted beyond Termales del Cañón, which is where porter support becomes most valuable).

On the first night in the hostel, you will have access to electricity and Wi-Fi.

At Casa del Oso farmhouse, power is supplied by solar panels. Charging is usually available during the day, but more limited at night depending on battery capacity. The farmhouse also has satellite Wi-Fi, which generally works well but can be affected by weather and energy availability. We encourage leaving a small tip for the farmers if you use the Wi-Fi.

Beyond Casa del Oso, there is no access to charging or internet connection.

Mobile phone signal is lost shortly after leaving town (Anzoategui).

The expedition can run year-round, but conditions vary depending on rainfall.

Historically, the drier seasons (December–March and June–August) tend to offer more stable weather, clearer views, and better chances of a summit. However, in recent years, conditions have become less predictable due to changing climate patterns. The high Andes also have microclimates, which can differ significantly from regional forecasts.

That said, mountain conditions are never guaranteed, and flexibility is key. We monitor conditions closely and can advise on the best dates based on current conditions and our experience in the field.

The Cocora route is the most popular way to approach Nevado del Tolima — but it’s also busier, less authentic, and not optimized for acclimatization.

Our route, starting in Palomar (Anzoátegui), is designed differently. You begin at a higher altitude (3,000m vs 2,000m) and follow a more progressive ascent, giving your body time to adapt before the hardest days. This significantly improves your chances of reaching the summit.

It’s also a quieter, more remote experience, away from the crowds of the commercial route. Instead of a heavily trafficked trail and often crowded mountain refuges, you move through open páramo landscapes and experience unique highlights such as Laguna Bombona, El Salto Waterfall, and natural hot springs — features not found on the Cocora route.

In practical terms, this means:

• Better acclimatization → higher summit success
• Less physical shock → more energy for summit day
• Fewer tourists → a more authentic mountain experience
• More sustainable → supports local communities and reduces pressure on overused trails

If your goal is not just to reach the summit, but to fully experience the mountain along the way, this route offers a clear advantage.

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.