Nevado del Tolima, 6-day Expedition to the summit via the Shimmer Glacier (Easy route)

Join a UIAGM certified guide from Ascenso Andino for this unforgettable 6-day hike and summit of Nevado del Tolima. A 5,220m volcano in Los Nevados National Natural Park in the Colombian Andes!

Private

Andes

6 Days

Jan - Mar, Dec

High

Intermediate

Highlights

* Discover the wild, stunning beauty of Nevado del Tolima and the Colombian Andes

* Summit a stratovolcano over 5200 metres above sea level with its panoramic views

* Join a local and very enthusiastic guide who's passion is sharing this landscape

Description

Welcome to Nevado del Tolima, a spectacular stratovolcano in the Los Nevados National Natural Park in the Andes of Colombia. Here’s your chance to summit this amazing geological treasure!

Tolima’s most recent volcanic activity was in 1943 but the last major eruption was back 3,600 years ago. From atop its peak at 5,220m there are panoramic views of epic proportions!

Our trip will see us ascend via the ‘Shimmer’ glacier which is an easier option than others and doesn’t require great technical skill or experience.

We will begin the trip by heading to Salento, about 25km southeast of the large city of Pereira, this town has a rich and interesting history. We will also use this day to finalise all our plans for the upcoming trek and summit.

The next morning we set off at 06:30 and head to the valley of Cócora where the horses that will transport our possessions to the camp are waiting. Then we will hike to our camp site at 3,600m, this route provides absolutley breathtaking views over the forested landscape.

On day three we will have a rest day to regroup and replenish our energy levels. We will further acclimatise to the altitude with some short walks before we ascend higher.

Day four will begin at 06:30 as we head towards our mountain Camp on Nevado del Tolina. Again the views will leave you speachless and we will arrive after about 6 hours, to then prepare for the summit the next day.

The next morning at 2am we begin our summit hike, we will advance up the slopes until we reach ‘Shimmer’ glacier. Here we will get out all the neccessary equipment to continue. The summit is truly remarkable and we will spend some good time here taking in the beauty!

The whole days trekking, including the descent back to the camp, will take about 12 hours in total. Then our last day will see us return to Cócora in one journey and end the trip with a meal in a special local restaurant.

This trip is as amazing as it sounds, sign up now if you want to summit this monumental volcano and discover the wild beauty of the Colombian Andes!

Price includes

- Accommodation included

- Guiding fee

- Breakfast

- Lunch

- Dinner

- Personal insurance

- Porters

Itinerary

Day 1: Salento

We will meet in the town of Salento where we will spend the night and can finalise our trip plans.

We will explore the beautiful and historic town and acclimatise ourselves to the altitude.

Our hostel is called “Paisaje Andino”

Day 2: Cócora

Today we will rise at 06:30 and take a jeep towards the valley of Cócora.

Here there will be horses waiting to take our heavier possession up to the camp ‘La Playa’ (The beach).

We will make the stunning 8 hour alpine hike to the camp at 4300m.

Day 3: Rest Day

Today we will have a rest day to revitalise and restore our energy levels for the coming ascent.

We will take a short hike to maintain our acclimitisation.

Day 4: Moor Camp

We will set off at 6:30am to our final camp on the moor of Vevado del Tolima.

About a 6 hour hike we will then have rest time before the summit in the morning.

Day 5: Summit

Todays 12 hours of hiking will begin at 2am.

We will hike until the Shimmer glacier and the apply the neccessary equipment to ensure safe passage.

We will return to base in one journey.

Day 6: Return

In one Journey we will decsend to base camp where we will enjoy a special meal at a local restaurant to celebrate a successful expedition!

Details

More info

Personal Equipment list:

Head:

Hat for the cold
Hat for the sun
Good quality Sun glasses

Body:

Waterproof Jacket (Goretex or similar)
Waterproof Trousers (Goretex or similar)
Winter Coat (Polar)
Base layer thermals
Walking Trousers (Windproof, softshell or similar)
Warm winter Jumper
Waterproof Poncho (optional)

Hands and Feet:

Thermal and/or Waterproof Gloves
Hiking Boots, warm and waterproof
Walking Cane
Walking Socks x 2 pairs -Thermal socks

Backpack:

Backpack of 30/40 litres
Seperate backpack to be exported by the horses

Hydration:

Camelback o bottle – 2 litres minimum

Miscellaneous:

Sun Cream Protection
Lip Balm

Camping Equipment:

Bed Liner insulator
Sleeping Bag (mín. -5oC)
Plastic plate, glass, and cutlery
Torch

Meeting point

About the guide

Ascenso Andino Colombia

5.0

(7)

Aspirant Guide

Ascenso Andino is a rock climbing and high mountain agency based in Suesca, Colombia. Our staff of guides is professional, with more than 10 years of experience climbing and in expeditions in different mountains around the world.

Certificates

ASEGUIM | UIAGM

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