Nevado Santa Isabel Summit Attempt Expedition
Alta Montaña Responsable
2 Días / 1 Noche – 16 km aprox.
General description
“We don’t operate mass mountain tours; we design responsible expeditions where the summit is the goal and returning home safely is the priority.”
Our approach combines:
- Real technical safety.
- Applied environmental education.
- Low-impact operations.
- Integration with the rural economy.
Nevado Santa Isabel is one of the most accessible glacial mountains in Colombia, ideal for those new to high-altitude mountaineering. This expedition is designed with a technical focus, acclimatization progression, and safety protocols.
The route begins from Santa Rosa de Cabal or Manizales, ascending in a 4×4 vehicle to Potosí for registration with the National Natural Parks (PNNN). From there, the expedition continues to the El Cisne sector (approximately 4,000 meters above sea level), where the acclimatization phase begins.
The first day involves an acclimatization hike to Laguna Verde, traversing high Andean páramo ecosystems. The hike culminates at the El Cisne refuge for technical preparation, meals, and strategic rest before the summit attempt.
The ascent takes place at night, traversing high-altitude terrain with low oxygen pressure, sub-zero temperatures, and glacier travel.
Reaching the summit is not guaranteed. Safety is always the priority. This operation is conducted under principles of minimal impact within Los Nevados National Natural Park.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Acclimatization and technical preparation
Santa Rosa / Manizales – Laguna Verde – El Cisne
- Early departure from Manizales / Santa Rosa de Cabal or agreed-upon meeting point.
- Ascent by 4×4 vehicle to the Potosí sector for registration with the PNNN (National Natural Park).
- Acclimatization hike on the Laguna Verde trail.
Distance: 5 km
Duration: 3–4 hours
Altitude: 4,000 m → 4,400 m above sea level
- Return to the El Cisne refuge
- Lunch
- Technical briefing:
- Use of crampons
- Use of ice axes
- Glacier safety
- Mandatory hydration
- Strategic rest
Rest time: approx. 6:00 pm
Wake up: 12:30 am
Objective: altitude acclimatization and technical preparation for summit.
Day 2 – Ascent to the Summit
Departure: 1:30 am
We head towards the Conejeras sector to begin the nighttime ascent to the Santa Isabel Glacier.
Route:
- High-altitude moorland and moraine terrain
- Glacier access
- Progression with technical equipment
Total distance: 11 km (round trip)
Duration: 7-10 hours
Maximum altitude: 4,950 m (14,300 ft)
ASCENT CONDITIONS
- Low oxygen concentration
- Sub-zero temperatures
- Exposure to strong winds
- High UV radiation at dawn
- Glacial terrain
MANDATORY EQUIPMENT
- Crampons
- Harness
- Helmet
- Ice axe
SUMMIT
Estimated time: 6:00-8:00 am
Immediate descent to Conejeras
Return by vehicle to Santa Rosa / Manizales
IMPORTANT NOTE
The summit is subject to a technical evaluation by the guide based on:
- Weather conditions
- Glacier conditions
- Group’s physical condition
Include
4x4 Transportation (Santa Rosa / Manizales – Park – return)
Professional guide certified by PNNN (National Natural Parks)
Technical equipment (crampons, helmet, harness, ice axe)
Accommodation
2 lunches
1 dinner
1 breakfast
Trail snacks
Assistance insurance
Park entrance fee management
Not Include
Tips
Personal expenses
Porters
Dinner (Day 2)
Cancellation insurance
Risks
Acute mountain sickness
Hypothermia
Falls
Cracks in glaciers
Mandatory Clothing
Hiking boots (compatible with crampons)
Waterproof jacket
Thermal jacket
Thermal base layer
Thermal and waterproof gloves
Thermal hat
Buff
Category 4 UV sunglasses
Sunscreen and lip balm
Headlamp and batteries
30–40 L backpack
Minimum hydration: 2 liters
Safety Considerations
Reaching the summit is NOT guaranteed.
The weather changes rapidly.
Guides may stop the ascent at any time.
Safety takes priority over the objective.
Important
The summit is subject to the guide’s technical evaluation based on:
Weather conditions Glacier conditions Group’s physical condition
DIFFICULTY LEVEL – CHALLENGING (4/5)
This expedition:
Takes place near 5,000 m Requires the use of basic glacier technical equipment Requires sustained physical effort Includes a night ascent
Requires:
Good physical condition Previous trekking experience (recommended) Ability to hike for 6–10 hours
ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS – 5TH ELEMENT
This program is developed under low-impact principles:
Small groups Full waste return policy Exclusive use of established trails Respect for flora and fauna Compliance with Los Nevados National Natural Park regulations
Removal of natural materials and alteration of the ecosystem are prohibited
TOUR INFORMATION REQUEST
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