Nevado del Tolima (Summit Attempt)

Contract signing
Mandatory technical equipment check
Explanation of the ascent plan
Basic physical assessment
Hydration and acclimatization recommendations
Altitude: 1,900 – 2,000 m

Cocora Valley – La Argentina Farm

10 km | 2,300 m → 3,500 m

Duration: 6–8 hours
A physically demanding but manageable day.
Entrance into the park and gradual ascent through high Andean forest and cloud forest. Crossings of the Quindío River. Group fitness assessment.
Objective: acclimatization and pace control.

La Argentina Farm – La Playa or Primavera Farm

4 km | Highest point 4,400 m
Transition to páramo ecosystem. Ascent to La Cuchilla (4,200 m) and descent to base camp.
Objective: to promote acclimatization without overexertion.

Morning:
Short acclimatization hike to higher elevations (approx. 4,100–4,300 m).
Technical equipment check (harness, crampons, helmet, ice axe). Mandatory hydration. Strategic rest.

Objective:
To stimulate altitude acclimatization before the night attempt.
Summit Departure (approx. 11:00 pm – 12:00 am).
Technical ascent over rocky terrain and steep slopes to the glacier’s edge. Use of specialized ice climbing equipment (depending on conditions).

Conditions:
Low oxygen concentration.
Sub-zero temperatures.
High sun exposure and wind.
Summit (5,260 m) if weather and group physical conditions permit. Descent via the same route to Finca La Playa or Primavera.
Objective: Safe ascent using technical criteria. Route:
Romerales Valley
High-altitude volcanic terrain
El Calvito (4,200 m) – treeline
Steep slopes on mixed terrain
Glacial zone

Required equipment:
Crampons
Harness
Helmet
Ice axe

Conditions:
Low oxygen levels
Sub-zero temperatures
Exposure to strong winds
Intense UV radiation at dawn
Unstable terrain on volcanic rock
Estimated summit time: 6:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Immediate descent to camp
Total distance: 10 – 14 km
Total duration: 10 – 14 hours
Maximum altitude: 5,260 m
Difficulty level: Very demanding – High-altitude technical climbing
Objective of the day: Responsible summit attempt under constant evaluation of weather and group condition; Ascent to 5,260 m if physical and weather conditions permit.

Descent via the same route to Finca La Playa or Primavera.

NOTE: Summit subject to the guide’s technical assessment.

Finca La Playa / Primavera – Cocora Valley – Salento
Approximate distance: 14-16 km
Duration: 6-8 hours
High accumulated physical exertion
Lunch at the farm.
Extended descent via:
Mountain ridge
Cloud forest
River crossings
Trails back to Cocora
Return to Salento by land.

Objective:
Expedition completion and safe exit from the park.