The Nevado del Ruiz is the largest of the 5 ice-capped volcanoes in the Andes mountain range which make up Los Nevados de Colombia. As it is a stratovolcano, it has a conical shape consisting of many layers of volcanic ash and hardened lava, You'll start your day early with a 4:30 AM pickup from your Salento accommodation for the first stage of this mammoth journey to the magnificent Nevado del Ruiz.
Your first stop will be around 8 am for some traditional Colombian breakfast of hot aguapanela or a hot chocolate with cheese. Following this, you'll start your ascent passing many eco-systems and beautiful transitional landscapes such as primary and secondary forest, semi-paramo, paramo, and super-paramo. The Nevado del Ruiz is home to 27 endemic bird species, along with threatened animals such as the Mountain Tapir and Spectacled Bear.
During your ascent, you'll be making a number of photo stops including at the Laguna Negra for a hot cup of Coca Tea to warm you up and help with the adjustment to the altitude. Once you have reached the Valle de las Tumbas, you'll enjoy a wonderful crisp stroll around this surreal location before heading back down the mountainside with a new perspective on nature and life.
Duration: 10 hours