Discover The Los Nevados Natural Park In Colombia

Los Nevados Natural Park is located in the Colombian Central Mountain Range. Its highest point is the Nevado del Huila, with 5000 meters high. From there a group of volcanoes and peaks descend. Among them, the snow-capped mountains of Tolima, Quindío, Santa Isabel, del Cisne and del Ruiz stand out, as well as the Paramillo de Santa Rosa.

Los Nevados Natural Park: great attractions

This nature reserve covers an area of ​​8000 hectares. There is the Nevado del Tolima, which is an active volcano. It has a vent called Machín, located near the town of Cajamarca. This is a great tourist attraction, especially for its hot springs. Meanwhile, the Combeima River falls from the south side of the glacier.

For its part, the Quindío volcano presents a set of peaks that border its fractured crater. This, together with the tones of its floor, between reds, yellows and ocher, hypnotize the view and generate an impressive beauty.

In the Los Nevados Natural Park there is also the Paramillo de Santa Rosa. It rises lonely, in the middle of a vast territory populated by frailejones. Likewise, the park is home to the Santa Isabel snow-capped mountain and its three snow-capped peaks. These provide hiking enthusiasts with an unforgettable ascent.

Also here is the Nevado del Ruiz, a gigantic volcano that has starred in huge eruptions. On one occasion his ashes reached Panama. The ‘Armero tragedy’ also took place there in 1985, in which 24,000 of the 29,000 inhabitants of that town died. For this reason, its access, generally prohibited, depends on the volcanic activity.

Nature in Los Nevados Natural Park

The predominant ecosystems of the Los Nevados Natural Park are Andean forest , moorland and glacier. As for the fauna, there are many species of birds, such as toucans, hawks and hummingbirds. There are also mammals such as the moor tapir, the spectacled bear, the weasel, and the dwarf squirrel. The list is completed by more than 20 species of bats, toads and frogs.

In the lower part of Los Nevados grows the wax palm , which can reach 60 meters in height and is the national tree of Colombia. In the Andean forest, the encenillo, the romerón and the Colombian pine stand out. There is also presence of oaks and shrubs. In the upper part there are puyas, fingers and frailejones.

The visit to Los Nevados Natural Park

One of the access roads to the Los Nevados Natural Park is Manizales. Take the road that connects that city with Murillo and at 52 kilometers you will find the Las Brisas refuge, at the foot of Nevado del Ruiz. If you want to extend this route, you can go to the Otún lagoon, 39 kilometers away.

The other access road is Pereira. From this city you have to take the road that leads to El Cedral. From there, you must go to the Otún lagoon along a gravel road. The journey lasts between 7 and 9 hours on foot. You can also access this lagoon starting from the town of Santa Rosa de Cabal.

Comfort is not an option

For accommodation and food, the park has the El Cisne visitor center, which has capacity for 30 people. It also has a cafeteria and camping areas. Another option is the La Pastora cabin, owned by the Risaralda Autonomous Corporation, which depends on the Ministry of the Environment.

At this point, it should be clarified that the services provided by the park will only be available if volcanic activity allows it. For this reason, it is essential that you contact the park before traveling so that you are not disappointed.

Ecotourism in Los Nevados Natural Park

Los Nevados Natural Park is a protected high mountain natural area. Therefore, the activities that can be carried out involve risks that, if not taken into account, can easily lead to loss or accidents.

Of course, among the most frequent activities are hiking and mountaineering. It is also worth observing wildlife and taking photography and video in its different modalities.

Planning is the first key

To access the Los Nevados National Natural Park, it is necessary to request permission well in advance from the Ministry of the Environment. It is necessary to pay the entrance fee (5 dollars for nationals and 15 for foreigners) and have accident insurance that includes rescue.

It is essential to have the services of a guide to do the tours, since it is very easy to get lost in Los Nevados. This is mandatory if you are going to climb. The park has bilingual and high mountain specialists.

Similarly, it is important to be in good health and not suffer from diseases associated with the heart or lungs. As far as possible, avoid overreaching physical effort and move slowly to avoid altitude sickness or risky situations.

Confirm what was planned the second key

In Los Nevados the solar radiation is higher, which makes it necessary to use a high-end sunscreen. Similarly, the light intensity requires the use of glasses. Finally, you should take all the necessary equipment to be in extreme cold conditions, both for camping and if you want to practice mountaineering on the ascents.

Therefore, it is essential to bring suitable clothing, food, equipment, maps, hydrating liquids, energizers, flashlight, sunglasses, sunscreen, a first-aid kit, etc. Nor can something essential be missing: the desire to live an adventure responsibly.