Nevado del Huila Ruta Norte

First, it’s important to reach the starting point 1 day before the expedition begins, in addition to the 5 days considered in this itinerary. To do so, you must reach the City of Santander de Quilichao, located in southwestern Colombia, right in the middle of the Central Mountain Range. Best option is traveling from Cali (air or land options) because is the closest city to the meeting point.

A la llegada se les recomienda los siguientes puntos de alojamiento:

-Hotel los Samanes

-Hotel Tierra de Oro

-Hotel Quilichao

TEMPERATURE

15 °C to 0°C

ECOSYSTEM

Paramo and Superparamo

ELEVATION

5,200 m.s.n.m.

Humidity

76%

DAY 1: SANTANDER DE QUILICHAO - CABAÑAS DE PÁEZ

We are excited to begin our first day of expedition. Early in the morning we take our transportation towards “Cabañas de Páez” lodge. Here, an indigenous Nasa family welcomes the group by sharing and pointing out important aspects of the community. Then, we take a short hike in the magical settings of the Colombian high mountains, where crowned by sacred “PAEZ LAGOON” , you will appreciate the magic of a “natural water mattress” , a very special natural feature to explore. It’s a 3 hour round trip hike!

DAY 2: CABAÑAS DE PÁEZ - CAMPAMENTO COLOMBIANO

We leave the lodge very early because we have a goal to achieve. This trail is basically a complex high mountain ascent so wake-up call will be at 05:00 am. We enjoy a restoring breakfast and get ready to begin a second day of ascent. As the trail advances we quickly start to gain elevation, so always be well hydrated, especially in this rough and challenging trail. It’s really important to always keep enough water.

DÍA 3: COLOMBIAN CAMP ADAPTATION

We get up very early and enjoy the great views of Nevado del HUILA´ s famous peaks: North, Crest and Central. Today’s goal is to recover and rest, necessary conditions to properly adapt and get use to the elevation. During the day we ´ll be having a brief talk about correct use of climbing equipment, we get a tasty dinner to finish the day and get ready for a good rest. We want to get up early to attempt North Peak summit.

DAY 4: SUMMIT ATTEMPT

A reinvigorating herbal drink starts our day, followed by the perfect breakfast for today ´ s hiking challenge. Early in the morning we head towards “Borde de Nieve” (edge of snow) at 4800 meters. If you want to climb and attempt the summit make sure you know we leave base camp at 03:00 am in the morning, and that you must carry necessary climbing equipment such as: ice axes, crampons, harness and other elements.

Those who do not want to attempt the summit will stay on “Borde de Nieve” (edge of snow) with the other team and enjoy the glacier. You will live unique experiences in territories that offer the most impressive scenery. In the afternoon both teams return to base camp and share a delicious fruit cocktail after having dinner. We spend one more night here.

DÍA 5: DESCENSO

Starting from Camp Colombiano we down climb towards Cabañas de Paez. Our driver takes us back to Santander de Quilichao on our way back home.

Guide during all the expedition.
Private transportation in Santander de Quilichao (40 km away from Cali)
Entry and registration Fee to Nevado del Huila Natural
Park and contribution for indigenous communities.
Lodging in Cabañas de Páez
Porterage service (person in charge of carrying all your equipment to base camp, keep in mind this is one of the most challenging mountains of Colombia).
Climbing equipment for the summit attempt (crampons, ice axes, harness, rope, carabiners, helmet).
Meals for 5 days – 4 nights (Breakfast, lunch and dinner).
Personalized photographic record throughout the expedition.
High mountain tent.

RECOMENDATIONS

Rainboots and plastic bags to pack clothes so it doesn ´t get wet.
Enough Snacks like energy bars, sandwiches, chocolate bar, dry fruits, seeds, etc.
Small size toiletries: toilet paper, sunscreen, lip balm, bug spray, toothbrush, etc.
Cash for extra purchases during the excursion.
Thermal insulation, thermal blanket.
Bring high mountain protection gear suitable for the camp site and for the summit attempt: coats, gloves, socks, hats, balaclavas, goggles or glasses with dark UV protection, high snow boots, headlamp with extra battery
Hiking backpack (50 - 70 Liters)
Hiking backpack (50 - 70 Liters).
Winter clothing such as: quick-drying clothes (shirts and pants), fleece jacket and down jacket, raincoat, thermal pants, thermal socks and leggings..
Tener buen estado de salud .
Bring plate, spoon and glass.
Have a good health
Be in good shape - frequent hiker .
No ankle, knee or hip problems .