Day 1: Welcome to Colombia
Your private transfer will whisk you off to your hotel in Medellin, located in an area of the city surrounded by parkland. If you’ve got time and energy, there’s the option to join your guide on a walk up to a lookout point to take in the mountainous valley and shake some jet lag.
Join the group and your guide later for dinner at a local restaurant where you can sample local Colombian cuisine and get to know your fellow adventurers.
Day 2: Journey to the Coffee Zone
Get ready for a drastic change in landscape. You’ll travel by comfortable public bus (approx. 7 hours) to the colonial Andean town of Salento situated in the UNESCO-listed coffee zone, west of Bogotá.
Passing through rolling hills and agricultural settlements, you’ll get a real insight into rural Colombia, before arriving at your beautiful country ranch for the night, just outside of town.
Day 3: Trek to Valle de Cocora
Trekking boots at the ready as you start your ascent into one of Colombia’s crown jewels, Los Nevados National Natural Park.
Setting off at 2400m, you’ll discover snow-dipped peaks, elevated lagoons and towering volcanoes, as you emerge from the wispy cloud forests beneath. Keep your eyes out for the alien-like frailejones that sprout from the paramo, parrots and marmots. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a spectacled bear!
Whilst the way is testing, the paths are well marked, and dotted with iconic wax palms, the tallest palm trees in the world.
You’ll arrive at your overnight mountain lodge late afternoon, time to grab a quick ‘tinto’ or ‘aromatica’ before settling in for the evening and taking in the stunning views of La Tolima volcano.
Approx. 6 hours hiking / 1090m elevation gain
Day 4: Paramillo del Quindio (4750m) Ascent
Today is a tough long day as you’ll set out to bag the glacier-looking peak, Paramillo del Quindio (4750m), one of the highest mountains in the national park.
You’ll start hiking as a group until you reach a high-altitude lagoon (3980m). For those feeling the altitude, there is the option to turn around and do a much shorter loop. Peak-baggers will carry on through the different ecosystems, past endemic plants, whilst condors circle above the trail.
Once at the top of this stunning multi-coloured sand mountain, you’ll have time to enjoy the views from the top before heading down to a different mountain lodge for the evening. Be sure to look up at night to marvel at the blanket of stars above.
Approx. 10 hours hiking / 1250m elevation gain
Day 5: Cloud Forest Descent
Setting off early today, you’ll take an alternative route through the humid Cocora Valley to the one you started the trek on.
You’ll walk through misty cloud forest, listening out for woodpeckers, before you finally catch sight of the vibrant green valley ahead of you.
After making a quick stop at a hummingbird sanctuary to learn a little more about these teeny birds you’ll hop into a Willys Jeep to make your way back to the ranch via a bumpy dirt track.
Approx. 6 hours hiking. Total descent: 1,300m
Day 6: Introduction to the Heart of the World
After a traditional Colombian hearty breakfast, of arepas (cornbread) with cheese and fruit, you’ll head to Periera for a short flight to Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast.
Your home for the night is a super eco-friendly lodge is set in the jungle of a nature reserve. Once there you’ll receive a warm welcome from the local Arhuaco indigenous community, where you’ll learn about, and perhaps even get involved in their traditional ceremonies and customs.
Day 7: Jungle Time!
After an early start, you’ll be picked up by 4x4 and taken to the start of the trail.
You’ll begin the trek with an ascent to Camp 1, following the small winding paths that connect the farming regions to the jungle. If the weather is calm you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the river to charge your batteries.
You’ll arrive at camp mid-afternoon with time to relax before dinner, served to the jungle chorus - your soundtrack for the next few nights to come.
Approx. 7.6km. 6 hours hiking. Elevation Gain 300m
Day 8: Discover Ancient Civilisations
You’ll begin today’s challenging trek through close and sweaty jungle, alive with native bird species and wildlife, wading through waist-high rivers and washing under waterfalls before reaching stunning peaks with panoramic views over the coastal mountain range.
You’ll continue your journey towards the Lost City. Learn about the sacred traditions of the local indigenous people, listen to the myths and legends, and hear the stories of the graverobbers who once combed the land for gold and ancient artefacts, before settling in for the night at Camp 3.
Approx. 14.7km. 10 hours hiking. Elevation Gain 400m
Day 9: Enter the Lost City
Today, you’ll discover a sacred land shrouded in mystique and ancient traditions. Led by your guides, you’ll ascend the gruelling 1200 steps to Ciudad Perdida, better known as the Lost City.
As well as having time to explore, the group will take part in a ceremony to pay tribute to the surrounding natural environment. Keep your eyes peeled for snakes hanging from the vines that have taken over.
You’ll return to Camp 3 to have lunch before packing for your next leg of the journey and arriving at Camp 2 before sunset for a traditional meal as the sun goes down.
Approx. 9.6km. 6 hours hiking, Elevation Gain 350. Total descent 750m
Day 10: Jungle depart and Caribbean Coast
After another wholesome breakfast, you’ll begin the hike back to Machete. The descent includes various spots for bathing under waterfalls and in rivers, a welcome relief after days of humidity.
Heading back to the eco-hotel, located near the Don Diego River, you’ll have the choice of a final dinner here or you can head to the small beachside village of Palomino.
The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains are located right behind Palomino, and on a clear day you can swim in the Caribbean sea and see snow-capped mountains at the same time.
There’s nowhere on earth with higher mountains closer to the sea, and it’s a unique experience and fitting end to your adventure! There are plenty of places to stay for those who would like an extra couple of days at the end to relax, just talk to your host who can advise you.
Approx. 12.7km. 6 hours hiking. Total ascent 250m. Total descent 550m.
Day 11: Goodbye Colombia!
You’ll be picked up today and taken by private transfer to the airport for your return flight.
