High Mountains Journey
Los Nevados National Park - Laguna del Otún & Nevado Santa Isabel
3 Days journey - Hiking - Difficulty: 6 of 10 (Medium / high)
Day 1: Acclimatization and physical conditioning
Distance walked: Approx. 6 Km. (3 hours)
Altitude: Between 3.500 and 3.900 m.a.s.l.
We travel from Pereira to Hacienda El Bosque by Willys jeep or all-terrain 4x4 vehicle, leaving at 8:00 a.m. and arriving at approximately 11:00 p.m. During this trip we will observe how the landscape and climate change drastically as we ascend from 1,400 to 3,550 metres above sea level. On this day we will focus on acclimatization and physical conditioning, and in the afternoon we will go on a gentle walk and complete some warm-up, stretching and breathing exercises to prepare our bodies gradually and thereby have a successful ascent the following day.
Day 2: Nevado Santa Isabel
Distance walked: Approx. 7 Km. (5 hours) Altitude: Between 4.100 and 4.750 m.a.s.l.
At 6:00 a.m. we leave in a Willys jeep or all-terrain vehicle to the start of the “Conejeras” path. This trip takes approximately one hour as we drive over the mountainous slopes of Parque de los Nevados. We continue our adventure at 4,100 m.a.s.l. with a good stretch and warm-up and we get our trekking equipment ready. We then begin the ascent through a beautiful landscape full of Frailejones (an Andean type of shrub), small pools of water, water wells and endemic vegetation unique to a moorland ecosystem. With luck we will be able to see some wild rabbits and small deer, as well as beautiful birds. During the trip we will make a few technical stops to monitor the physical and emotional state of the adventurers, and to drink some water and eat something for energy.
We can take plenty of photos and really take our time to contemplate our surroundings, as we are in no rush, and our only goal is to have a good time. After three hours immersed in the beautiful moorland landscape, we arrive at the snow-covered part of the mountain (4.730 m.a.s.l.) If the weather, safety conditions and Mother Earth allow it, we will walk along the glaciar, relishing every moment of this gratifying achievement. Around midday we make our way back down to the point where we began our adventure, from which the Willys jeep/all-terrain vehicle will take us back to our humble accommodation so we can have a well-earned rest.
Day 3: Laguna del Otún
Distance walked: Approx. 11 Km. (or 20k if you want more)
Altitude: Between 3.800 and 4.100 m.a.s.l.
Today our adventure starts at 6:00 a.m. We will go by Willys jeep or all-terrain vehicle (30 min.) to the start of the “Asomadera” path where we are surrounded by great mountains on all sides and are treated to an incomparable view of a large part of the Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados. Weather permitting, we will be able to make out the Nevado del Ruiz, Paramillo de Santa Rosa, Nevado de Santa Isabel and Paramillo del Quindío in the distance, and well as having a closer view of the magnificent Laguna del Otún. In the afternoon, after a good lunch, we will begin our descent back down in our Willys jeep/all-terrain vehicle, arriving in the city of Pereira around 5:00 p.m.
Rates:
Price per person
Note: If you would like to take a longer tour, with specific activities, we can personalize your tour. Send us your wishes at info@retrociclas.com, and we’ll get back to you with our best proposal.
Includes:
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Accommodation in rural farm (we sleep on the floor in room which protects us from wind and rain – basic services)
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Private transport from Pereira by Willys Jeep or all-terrain vehicle.
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We pick up and drop off the participants at the hotel or airport of Pereira.
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Breakfast on days 2 and 3; lunch on days 1, 2 and 3; dinner on days 1 and 2.
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Hydration (water).
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Rental of sleeping bag and insulation.
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Waterproof layer in case of rain.
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Entrance fee to Parque de los Nevados.
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Technical and safety instruction.
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Trekking pole.
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Digital photos of the activity.
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Insurance for adventure activities/medical assistance card.
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Authorised mountain guide. (Spanish). If you need a guidance in English, supplement to the value of the plan $120.000 COP
Not included:
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Air transportation to Pereira City.
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Expenses and services not specified in the plan.
Recommendations:
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Wear clothes for cold weather, rain jacket, gloves and balaclava.
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Wear suitable shoes for trekking, preferably hiking boots.
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Bring a small backpack.
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Other optional items to bring: a hat, sunglasses, sunblock, insect repellent.
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Avoid excessive drinking the day before.
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Avoid staying up too late the night before.
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Do not take or buy alcoholic beverages or hallucinogenic substances on the trip.
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Do not drop litter or take flora and fauna home.
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Follow the requests and recommendations of the guides who accompany you on the tour.
