Trekking in the Heart of Colombia
Bogota, Colombia
Itinerary
Arrive in Bogota
Arrive in the capital city of Colombia, a lively multicultural center filled with beautiful parks and fascinating museums. Settle into your hotel this evening then gather with your group for a welcome dinner.
Explore the Wonders of Bogota
Enjoy a walking tour of the city's colonial district before traveling by cable car up to Monserrate Sanctuary, an iconic church dating back to 1640. Visit two of the city's best museums. Botero Museum features the paintings and sculptures of Fernando Botero, as well as his collection of works by other artists, including Monet and Picasso. The Gold Museum contains a spectacular collection of 36,000 artifacts. You'll never forget standing in a darkened room when suddenly the lights turn on, revealing hundreds of illuminated gold pieces!
Journey to Pereira and El Bosque Farm
Fly to Pereira, a city in the lush green "Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia" and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, settle in for a 3-hour drive, with stops along to the way, to the mountain farm of El Bosque (11,811'). Relax and acclimate to the altitude this evening.
Hike to Nevado Santa Isabel Glacier
Begin hiking at La Conejera wetlands, home to 95 species of birds. Take a well-marked trail that steadily gains altitude up to the edge of Nevado Santa Isabel Glacier. Due to its location, the glacier has a great view over the northern area of the park, and the stillness at the summit is dramatic. Keep an eye out for the majestic Andean condor. The maximum altitude for this day is 15,354 feet. Return to El Bosque Farm for a well-deserved dinner.
Trek to Asomadera & Camp by Lake Otun
Set out early this morning for a hike to Asomadera's lower ridge (13,579') on the border between the states of Caldas and Risaralda. Ascend through a scenic gorge with pastoral scenes of farms and fields along the way, gaining altitude until reaching the ridge. After taking in the incredible view, descend through the Enchanted Forest, home to unique shrubs in the sunflower family called failejones. Reach the Lake Otun campsite at 13,300' and sleep under the stars on the southern shore of the lake.
Head to Quebrada Blanca & Berlin Mountain Farm
Leave Otun campsite and follow the trail downward, passing El Mosco Lake and descending the wide Cuenca del Rio Otun Valley to Quebrada Blanca, the lowest point of the day (11,830'). From the Quebrada, start a gentle ascent by one of the most colorful and beautiful crater valleys on the trek. Head up to a pass over 13,000 feet and then descend to our day's goal: the Berlin Mountain Farm located at the bottom of a deep valley (12,625').
Ascend to La Angustia & La Linea Passes
Hike up to La Angustia Pass (13,756') on the border between the states of Risaralda and Quindio. Then, descend to the Quebrada Cardenas Valley, followed by a short ascent on the northern flank of the valley to the beautiful Humedales wetland. After a relaxing break for lunch, head down the trail on the southern flank of the mountain to La Linea Pass (13,185'), which divides Quindio and Tolima states. Descend to the La Playa farms in the Tolima Valley (12,365').
Laguna del Encanto Trek or Relax at La Playa Farm
Relax at the farm, or hike through the paramo ecosystem up to Enchanted Lake (13,084'), a moderate ascent after several days of challenging hiking. Enjoy a picnic on the lake's shores before heading back down to La Playa farms.
Ascend La Linea Pass to Quebrada Cardenas
After a leisurely breakfast, begin the ascent over La Linea Pass and back to Quebrada Cardenas, this time to descend the valley following the northern side of the Quindio River. See the vegetation and landscape change as you descend, and stop for the night at La Argentina (11,427'), a rustic, historic farm offering beautiful views down to the valley below.
Trek to Cocora Valley & Transfer to Salento
Trek through a beautiful rainforest, making a semi-circular ascent that ends at the famous Cocora Valley (7,956'). This haunting valley is adorned with Colombia's signature national tree: the towering Wax Palm. After absorbing the spectacular scenery, transfer to the lovely town of Salento in the Willys Jeeps that are a symbol of the area´s coffee culture. Upon arrival in colorful Salento, settle into your hotel, which is located in the colonial part of town. Enjoy the town and indulge in some of Colombia's best coffee.
Explore Salento & Fly to Bogota
After a relaxing morning, tour a traditional coffee farm and learn about the process involved in producing some of the world's best coffee, which you'll have an opportunity to taste. Enjoy lunch at one of Salento's wonderful restaurants and then explore this easygoing town and its handicrafts. Optional activities include La Kasa botanical tour, horseback riding, and mountain biking. In the evening, fly to Bogota for a last night in Colombia's vibrant capital city and a farewell dinner with the group.
Bid Farewell to Colombia
Transfer to Bogota airport for your flight home.
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