Fire, Ice and Lost Cities of Colombia

Fire, Ice and Lost Cities of Colombia


From £3,850
Altitude 5,200m Grade: 2A

Discover the incredible contrasts of Colombia on this 22-day adventure, travelling from the high Andes to the tropical Caribbean coast. Trek through the spectacular landscapes of Los Nevados National Park, climb to the 5,200m summit of Nevado del Tolima, explore the lush Coffee Region and finish in Santa Marta.

Colombia is a country of extraordinary contrasts, and this 22-day adventure takes you right into the heart of them. From the high-altitude landscapes of the Colombian Andes to the lush Coffee Region and tropical Caribbean coast, this is a journey combining challenging trekking, spectacular scenery, culture and exploration.

Starting in Bogotá, we travel into the Central Andes and the Los Nevados National Park, where a series of high-altitude hikes introduce us to Colombia's remarkable páramo landscapes, volcanic terrain and snow-capped peaks. The adventure then builds towards Nevado del Tolima, one of Colombia's great mountain challenges, culminating in a summit at 5,200m and an ascent onto its glacier.

From the mountains, the route descends into the famous Coffee Region, where we explore the beautiful Cocora Valley, home to Colombia's iconic wax palms, as well as the vibrant town of Salento. We then fly north to Santa Marta and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where the mountains meet the Caribbean.

Dates & Prices

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All prices in Euros are guide rates, not live rates
All prices in US Dollars are guide rates, not live rates

Availability

Dates
Flight Inclusive
AvailabilityDays
With Flight
Price
Land Only
Price
With Flight **
Select
16th Jan 2027 - 6th Feb 2027
£100 Early Booking Discount for 2 Places
Guaranteed22 £3,850
£3,750
£4,850
£4,750
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3rd Jul 2027 - 24th Jul 2027
£150 Early Booking Discount for 2 Places
Spaces22 £3,950
£3,800
£4,950
£4,800
Book Now
15th Jan 2028 - 5th Feb 2028
£150 Early Booking Discount for 2 Places
Spaces22 £3,950
£3,800
£4,950
£4,800
Book Now

* A deposit of £400 will be required at checkout.

** Flight prices are estimated and will be confirmed prior to final payment.

Payment Schedule:
Initial Deposit as quoted above upon booking
Interim Deposit £400, due 4 months before departure
Final Balance due 10 weeks before departure

What's Included

  • Hotel accommodation in DBL basis
  • Domestic flights
  • Meals as mentioned
  • Excursions mentioned with English-speaking guides
  • Entrance fees
  • Private transfers
  • Contribution to reforestation
  • Travel assistance

What's Excluded

  • International airfare
  • Excursions and meals not mentioned
  • Personal purchases
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Visas and departure and arrival taxes if apply

Itinerary

Day 1

International flights to Bogota

Day 2

Transfer in from Bogota airport to hotel

Day 3

Flight from Bogota to Manizales

Day 4

Cerro Bravo Volcano Hike
Cerro Bravo volcano is located on the outskirts of the city of Manizales at an altitude of 4000 meters above sea level, on the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes. Its páramo ecosystem is unique due to its plant associations, characterized by the presence of high-altitude orchids and other plants with a high degree of endemism; its crater is bordered by very steep walls covered in forest, and the view from its summit is composed of an imposing panorama of the Nevado del Ruiz, the Magdalena Valley, and the Páramo de Letras.

Day 5

Green Lagoon Hike
Our adventure in Los Nevados National Natural Park begins with a visit to the breathtaking Laguna Verde. Nestled between the majestic Ruiz and Santa Isabel snowcapped mountains, this emerald-green lagoon owes its striking color to the high sulfur content and other minerals from the surrounding volcanic activity. At over 4,000 meters above sea level, this excursion offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Colombia's most important ecosystems, the páramo. Adorned with countless frailejones, mountains, waterfalls, and lagoons, this high-altitude environment is home to incredible and unique vegetation.

Day 6

Hill of the Eagles
The Los Nevados National Natural Park, located in the Central Range of the Andes and shared by the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, and Tolima, is one of the most impressive natural settings in Colombia. This park hosts various thermal floors ranging from Andean forests to páramos, super-páramos, and snow zones, resulting in unique ecosystems, abundant biodiversity, and the birth of important rivers in the region. Today we will embark on an exciting adventure to this natural sanctuary, making cooling stops during the ascent to adapt to the altitude while enjoying the changing landscape. On the way, we will have breakfast at a typical regional stop before continuing to the Black Lagoon, a place surrounded by the imposing beauty of the Colombian páramo.

Day 7

Excursion to Nevado Santa Isabel
Starting at an altitude of 4,100 meters above sea level in the middle of the vast páramo, this excursion takes you through an impressive alpine landscape. As you ascend and leave behind the iconic frailejón plants, the terrain gradually transforms into a rocky environment dotted with glacial lagoons, hinting at the proximity of one of the last tropical glaciers on Earth. At about 4,700 meters above sea level, the majestic Nevado Santa Isabel appears on the horizon, with its summit adorned by the pristine white of its perpetual snow.

Day 8

Otun Lagoon
Our journey begins on an ancient road leading to the Otun Lagoon viewpoint. With a bit of luck, we'll not only be captivated by the grandeur of the park's largest lagoon but also catch a glimpse of the majestic Nevado de Santa Isabel before descending. Surrounded by the vast paramo and its countless frailejones, we'll venture into the magical "Eden" forest, renowned for its vibrant colors and diverse vegetation. As we continue our descent, the landscape transforms, leading us into the transition zone between the high Andean forest and the paramo. We'll then ascend the challenging Alto de El Agrado, rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the El Berlín paramo valley, where we'll spend our first night.

Day 9

La Playa
Our day begins with an exciting ascent to the páramo, starting at an altitude of 3,800 meters. As we ascend, we will be surrounded by the fresh mountain air and enveloped in the peaceful beauty of the native forest. As we go higher, the landscape transforms, with the distinctive páramo vegetation, including the iconic frailejones, gradually taking center stage. Imagine walking through fields of these giant rosettes, their velvety leaves shining under the sunlight. Our destination, Finca La Playa, is a serene refuge located at 3,700 meters, offering stunning views and the opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form. As the sun sets, we will gather around a campfire, sharing stories and contemplating the vast starry sky, feeling truly connected with the universe.

Day 10

Nevado del Tolima Base Camp
Today, we embark on a challenging yet rewarding ascent, gaining approximately 1,000 meters of elevation in just 8 kilometers. As we climb higher, the majestic Nevado del Tolima will gradually reveal itself, with its snow-capped peak dominating the horizon. With each step, the landscape transforms into a breathtaking panoramic view of alpine meadows, imposing peaks, and pristine forests. Upon reaching the base camp, we will have enough time to enjoy the stunning views, capture unforgettable photos, and appreciate the unique beauty of this high-altitude ecosystem. The sense of achievement and the breathtaking vistas make this ascent an unforgettable experience. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure as we camp amidst the majestic snow-capped mountains. Imagine yourself surrounded by an impressive landscape and the fresh mountain air.

Day 11

Nevado del Tolima
Our adventure begins at dawn as we embark on a hike through the desert and snowy landscape. After 30 minutes of walking, we will reach the edge of the glacier and prepare for our ascent. The journey across the ice is both exciting and challenging, as we navigate between cracks and ice formations. After approximately an hour and a half, we will reach the summit at 5,200 meters above sea level, where we will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Standing at the top of the world, we will have enough time to enjoy the breathtaking scenery before descending back to Finca La Playa for our last night.

Day 12

Today we continue our descent towards the charming Cocora Valley. As we descend, we will be surrounded by lush forests kissed by the clouds of the high Andes, teeming with an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. In the distance, we will get our first glimpse of the iconic Ceroxylon Palm, with its towering stature dominating the landscape. We will cross the crystal-clear waters of the Quindío River several times as we move through this stunning valley. Once we reach the bottom of the valley, we will have the opportunity to explore the charming town of Salento, a typical town of the coffee region known for its colorful architecture and vibrant culture.

Day 13

Immerse yourself in a unique experience at the Acaime Natural Reserve, a hidden treasure in the heart of the Cocora Valley, in the charming municipality of Salento, Quindío. This destination, located within the renowned Coffee Cultural Landscape, captivates visitors with its lush biodiversity and its atmosphere of deep connection with nature. Acaime is especially famous for being the home of the hummingbird, the emblematic bird of the region, which delights with its flight and colors those who explore this magical natural environment.

Day 14

Time at leisure in the Salento

Day 15

Flight from the Coffee Region to Santa Marta

Day 16

Your experience starts with pickup at your hotel and transfer to Machete Pelao (approximately 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic), where your adventure in the Lost City begins; after lunch in Machete Pelao, we start our trek, where the first part of the route will be quite steep and will take 4 hours to complete, until reaching the indigenous cabin 1. In the evening, we will enjoy a delicious dinner at the local farmer's finca. Here, we will sleep in hammocks, with mosquito nets provided.

Day 17

Mutanzi and Valley of the Buritaca River
After an early breakfast, we will embark on a two-hour hike, crossing a trail filled with lush vegetation and stunning views. Along the way, we will encounter indigenous dwellings, including the small settlement of Mutanzi, home to the Kogui people. Continuing our journey, a 40-minute walk will lead us to a settlement where we will recharge with a delicious lunch.

Day 18

After an early breakfast, prepare for a 1-hour hike to the captivating archaeological site of Teyuna; you will undertake a memorable ascent of 1,200 stone steps to reach this ancient wonder, a sacred site for the indigenous communities of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Upon arriving at Teyuna, you will have time to explore the ruins of this once prosperous city, where you will marvel at the archaeological excavations and immerse yourself in its unique architecture

Day 19

After breakfast at the camp, we will embark on a invigorating 4-hour hike through the breathtaking landscape, which will lead us to Native Cabin 1, our comfortable home for the night; upon arrival, we will enjoy a well-deserved lunch, and then, the afternoon is yours to delight in the magnificent and unique landscapes and the stunning waterfalls that define this important region.

Day 20

After breakfast, we will walk approximately 3 hours to Machete Pelao, where we will enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to Santa Marta.

Day 21

Transfer out from hotel to Santa Marta airport. Return international flight.

Day 22

Arrive home

Photos

Insurance

It is essential for a trip of this type that you are adequately insured. When researching insurance options, please ensure the policy covers you for the following:

  • Cancellation or curtailment
  • Helicopter rescue (most insurance companies will no longer cover for ‘search and rescue’ but providing you stay with the group, they will assist with ‘rescue’)
  • Repatriation
  • The altitude that you are expected to attain
  • The location especially when travelling to Antarctica
  • Grade of trek/climb/expedition
  • Medical cover

We are aware the following provide insurance:

For UK based clients:

Treks under 7000m - Campbell Irvine Direct : http://www.campbellirvine.com/AdventurePeaks Tel: 0207 938 1734
For Trekking Peaks under 7000m (such as Mera & Island Peak) ensure to contact them directly prior to purchasing a policy, including your trip itinerary to ensure your trip is covered

True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 020 3822 0200 for treks, some Nepali trekking peaks and low technicality higher peaks like Peak Lenin or Aconcagua
The B.M.C.: www.thebmc.co.uk Tel: 0161 445 6111

World Trips: www.worldtrips.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) https://www.alpenverein.at/britannia/ Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
Rothwell & Towler: www.world-first.co.uk Tel: 0345 908 0161 (under 6400m)
J S Insurance: www.jsinsurance.co.uk Tel: 0800 043 0020
Snowcard: www.snowcard.co.uk (Online Only)
Dogtag: www.dogtag.co.uk Tel: 0333 005 1085 (Check excess etc)

For non-UK based clients:

World Trips: www.worldtrips.com Tel: 1-800-605-2282
Travelex Ins. Services: www.travelexinsurance.com Tel: 1-800 228 9792
True Traveller Ins: www.truetraveller.com Tel: 020 3822 0200
Austrian Alpine Club (UK) https://www.alpenverein.at/britannia/ Tel: +44 (0)1929 556870
AXA Worldwide Travel Ins: www.axainsurance.com Tel: (0) 330 678 3394
Ingle International: www.ingleinternational.com Tel: (USA) +1 833-362-0692
Insure for Less: www.insure4less.com.au (Australian clients) Tel: +61 (0) 2 9312 5168

Insurance for Technical Peaks and High/Extreme altitude (7000m+) – you will find obtaining insurance for these peaks quite difficult, however Global Rescue is used by many clients and our expedition leaders

Adventure Peaks partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading travel protection services. Medical and security emergencies happen. When they do, we rely on Global Rescue to provide our clients with medical, security, travel risk and crisis response services. Without a membership, an emergency evacuation could cost over $100,000. More than one million members trust Global Rescue to get them home safely when the unexpected happens:
https://partner.globalrescue.com/adventurepeaks/


You do not have to use any of the above, but if you make your own insurance arrangements documentary evidence of your own policy is required.

Please forward the details of your Insurance as soon as you have it: we need the insurance company’s name, their 24 hour emergency telephone number and your insurance policy number – info@adventurepeaks.com

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