ASCENT TO EL NEVADO DE SANTA ISABEL: A HIGH-ALTITUDE ADVENTURE

Official Restrictions (National Parks Authority)

• Daily capacity limit: Only 25 people are allowed to enter the summit area of Los Nevados National Natural Park per day.
• Recommendation: Book at least 4 months in advance, especially if you plan to go during high season or weekends.
• Access is subject to availability and authorization by the National Park.

What to bring

• Thermal clothing (base layer): shirt and leggings or shorts
• Second layer: fleece or sweatshirt
• Third waterproof layer: windbreaker, rain jacket, or shell
• Comfortable pants (ideally waterproof or hiking type)
• Hiking boots or waterproof footwear with good grip
• Hat, gloves, and neck gaiter or buff for cold weather
• Extra shirt and spare socks
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Reusable water bottle or camelback (minimum 1 liter)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Personal hygiene items (toothbrush, toothpaste, small towel)
• Personal snacks (nuts, energy bars, etc.)
• Backpack and small daypack. Do not bring wheeled suitcases.
• Personal ID and international travel insurance (or EPS if you're Colombian)
• If you're a minor not traveling with parents, bring a notarized travel authorization.

General Recommendations

• Acclimatization: If you're coming from low altitude (coastal cities or sea level), try to spend at least one day in Manizales, Salento, or another mid-altitude location beforehand
• Physical condition: This is a moderate trek, suitable for active individuals. No previous mountain experience is required
• Always follow park rules and your guide’s instructions
• Do not bring single-use plastics (they are prohibited in the park)

Important

• The weather can change rapidly: sun, rain, wind, and cold in the same day
• Altitude may exceed 4,000 meters (13,000 ft) — stay hydrated and rest as needed
• Not recommended for people with serious heart or respiratory conditions

This itinerary is designed not only to offer the thrill of trekking but also the safety and comfort of traveling with professionals.

Day 1: Exploration and preparation

5:00 am: We’ll pick you up from your hotel in Manizales and head to the Main Square of Villamaría to meet our guides and officially begin the journey.

5:45 am: Time to jump into our 4x4 vehicles! We’ll head toward the mountains, and the adventure begins.

7:00 am: We’ll stop for a hearty breakfast to fuel up for the day.

8:20 am: Back in the vehicles, we head toward the entrance of the Los Nevados National Natural Park, where we’ll have an informative session led by the park’s staff.

11:00 am: The trek begins, heading toward either the Laguna Verde Encantada or the Laguna del Otún (depending on the group and conditions).

1:00 pm: Arrival at the lagoon viewpoint, where we’ll take in the stunning scenery.

2:30 pm: Arrival at Hotel El Cisne or Hotel Potosí for accommodation and some rest.

4:30 pm: Lunch time, because we’ve earned a good meal after the hike.

After lunch, we’ll have a technical briefing about the equipment for the next day’s climb.

7:30 pm: Dinner and a good night’s rest to prepare for the summit attempt.

Distance: 5 km to Laguna Verde / 12 km to Laguna del Otún
Estimated duration: 4 hours / 7 hours
Minimum altitude: 4,000 / 4,100 meters
Maximum altitude: 4,450 meters / 4,100 meters

Day 2: Summit attempt

This is summit day, so get ready for an incredible challenge.

1:30 am: We’ll wake up early and have something warm to drink before heading out.

2:30 am: We’ll leave in 4x4 vehicles toward the trailhead.

3:00 am: We’ll do some warm-up exercises and receive final instructions from the guides.

3:30 am: The trek to the summit begins! Step by step, we’ll get closer to the top.

8:00 am: We’ll reach the summit, celebrating our victory and taking in the unforgettable views.

Immediate descent back to the parking area.

12:00 pm: Arrival at the parking lot and return of the technical equipment.

12:45 pm: We’ll head to Hostal La Laguna in 4x4 vehicles for the trip’s closing event.

2:30 pm: Lunch and time to share the experiences of the journey. It’s time to celebrate this incredible achievement!

What's Included in This Experience

🟤 4×4 vehicle transportation
🟤 Entrance to Los Nevados National Natural Park
🟤 2 breakfasts
🟤 2 lunches
🟤 1 dinner
🟤 High-mountain lodge accommodation
🟤 Medical and rescue insurance
🟤 Trekking poles
🟤 Ice gear: harness, carabiner, helmet, ice axe, and crampons
🟤 Certified high-mountain guide (endorsed by Los Nevados Park, with WFR and ITLS certifications)
🟤 Potable water available to refill your bottle or hydration pack

🚫 Not Included

⚪ Transportation from or to other cities
⚪ Headlamp
⚪ Any other items not specified above