Actually, it will be a crying disgrace to journey by means of Colombia and by no means enterprise out of city. The nation hosts about 10% of the planet’s biodiversity, rating second on the planet (after Brazil); even incomes the sexy-sounding adjective of ‘megadiverse’. It’s an actual treasure trove for nature lovers, wildlife lovers and hardcore hikers alike. So from the desert to the rainforest, down volcanoes and alongside the turquoise sea, let’s discover 11 Colombia hikes, that rank among the many most stunning mountaineering trails.
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Tayrona Nationwide Park Hike
Parque Nacional Pure Tayrona is a jewel of protected tropical forest stretched alongside the turquoise Caribbean sea. Sure, do anticipate golden seashores of wonderful sand, heat and delicate waves, and iconic palm timber.
However beside the cliché Caribbean seashore life, there’s loads of room within the park for some correct journey. A community of sandy trails and wood boardwalks comply with the coast and dive into the forest; going up and down boulders, as much as gorgeous viewpoints, and rising from the forest immediately onto empty seashores.
The doorway charge may be steep, however there are a number of low-cost campsites, the place you may keep so long as your meals reserve lasts. Most guests solely go there to benefit from the seashores for someday or two; so that you’ll have the paths primarily for your self. Beware although, some areas are thought-about sacred by the native folks, and are subsequently out of bounds. These are marked on the map you’ll be given once you get in.
➔ Observe this path on Wikiloc.
Hold planning: All you need to know before camping in Tayrona Park
Tip! Do not forget that Tayrona Park is closed throughout 2 weeks, thrice/yr, normally in February, June and October.
| Distance (time): | 8km (5 miles) a technique, 2 hours |
| Issue: | straightforward ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Closest city: | Santa Marta |
| Finest time to go: | July–September |
| Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or book a tour on Viator |
Ciudad Perdida Trek (Misplaced Metropolis Trek)
The Misplaced Metropolis Trek (Ciudad Perdida in Spanish), is a singular 4-5 day journey by means of the jungle, rivers and hills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. It results in the ruins of an historical metropolis that was deserted throughout the Spanish conquest. After being rediscovered in 1972, it’s now a singular and thrilling vacation spot for hikers who wish to really feel like trendy Indiana Joneses.
The trek can’t be finished independently however have to be organized by means of certainly one of a number of native corporations based mostly in Santa Marta. Select an indigenous information, to allow them to educate you about their historical past and traditions. You’ll get a deeper understanding of the centuries-old stone terraces and carvings you’ll go on the way in which.
It’s definitely difficult however rewarding, as you’ll dive into each the thick forest and the tradition of the continent’s early inhabitants. The spectacular view of town from the best level is actually an unforgettable sight.
| Distance (time): | 47 km / 29 mi (4 days) |
| Issue: | difficult ★★★★★ |
| Closest city: | Santa Marta |
| Finest time to go: | December–February or March–April |
| Self-guided possibility? | No, so book a tour on Viator |
The Misplaced Metropolis Trek is amongst our favourite treks in South America
In case your legs are rested and you’ve got yet one more day within the space, don’t miss the hippy haven of Minca. Apart from overseas vacationers and overpriced falafels, this little jungle village provides a incredible day hike adorned with cloud forest and waterfalls: the Los Pinos Trek.
The reasonably troublesome hike loops on 20 km / 13 mi (about 6 hours) by means of the vegetation. Its two refreshing pitstops are the very fairly Marinka waterfalls, and the cosy Pozo Azul, the place the river creates a pure bathtub.
El Púlpito del Diablo (Satan’s Pulpit) Path
This mountaineering path brings you to one of many remotest components of Colombia, close to the border with Venezuela. It’s a land of alpine tundra (“páramo“), charismatic Andean peaks and mountain glaciers and lakes. It’s chilly and wild and rugged, removed from the picture we normally have of Colombia.
The hike itself isn’t significantly demanding as a day trek, however you’d greatest be ready. With the well being dangers attributable to the altitude (as much as 4765m / 15,633ft right here) and the lingering presence of the armed guerrilla, this isn’t your common Sunday stroll. You’ll should rent a information within the close by city of El Cocuy. If that doesn’t sound like journey, I don’t know what does.
However then, when the path takes you to the sting of a shining glacier, with the spectacular Satan’s Pulpit monolith towering over you just like the warning of an historical god, you’ll overlook the headache and the sore legs.
Tip! The “soroche” (the altitude illness) hits everybody indiscriminately. Earlier than trying a trek at such heights, it’s essential to acclimatise for just a few days. In the course of the hike, transfer slowly, don’t bounce, and drink a number of water.
| Distance (time): | 22 km / 13.7 mi spherical journey (12 hours) |
| Issue: | average ★★★☆☆ |
| Closest city: | El Cocuy |
| Finest time to go: | December–February or June–August |
| Self-guided possibility? | No, so e book a tour on the town |
El Camino Actual: Barichara–Los Santos
The “Caminos reales” (Royal roads) of Colombia are a community of historic pathways of various origins. Some date from earlier than the Spanish conquest; as is the case with the Barichara–Los Santos part, in all probability the preferred amongst hikers.
You’ll wind your approach in historical footsteps, strolling from village to village, happening a canyon and up a mountain, crossing a footbridge. Elements of the highway are paved, others are grass or grime, however all in all fairness vast and well-marked.
It’s straightforward to plan your individual Camino Actual hike in response to the time at your disposal. Most individuals stroll solely from Barichara till the village of Guane, which takes a few hours. For a 1-day journey, push to the placid hamlet of Villanueva (15 km / 9.3 mi), the place you may spend the evening earlier than travelling additional within the nation. The total part till Los Santos takes 2 to three days. It’s additionally potential to do it within the different route.
➔ Observe this path on Wikiloc.
| Distance (time): | 30.5 km / 19 mi a technique (2 days) |
| Issue: | straightforward ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Start line: | Barichara |
| Finest time to go: | Dry seasons December–February and July–September |
| Self-guided possibility? | Sure, simply |
Hold planning: All our tips to go backpacking in Colombia
Cueva del Esplendor (Cave of Splendor) Path
A lined path alongside a small stream by means of the plush mountains of Colombia’s espresso area, anybody? A refreshing waterfall powering by means of a rock and forming a pool in a cave?
If all that sounds pleasant, you’re in the precise place. This pure surprise awaits on the finish of a reasonably troublesome hike, which is as enchanting as the positioning itself. When the mist opens up across the vegetation to disclose the cave’s opening in a tall rock face, it triggers a sense of primeval satisfaction.
Guided excursions can take you on a Jeep experience to the path’s head, which is positioned north from the small and vibrant city of Jardín. They supply arepas and occasional, so that you would possibly even begin speaking Colombian. But it’s additionally potential to get there by yourself, should you don’t thoughts climbing just a few extra miles up the mountain earlier than beginning top-of-the-line day hikes in Colombia.
➔ Observe this path on Wikiloc.
Tip! The cave is on non-public land, so there’s a 20,000-peso entrance charge, and solely 40 guests are allowed in per day. So should you don’t e book forward, be sure you go early to have the ability to get in.
The well-named Cave of Splendor is certainly one of our favourite South American waterfalls.
| Distance (time): | 23 km / 14 mi (7 hours) |
| Issue: | average ★★★☆☆ |
| Closest city: | Jardín |
| Finest time to go: | Dry seasons December–February and July–September |
| Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or e book a tour in Jardín |
Cocora Valley Hike
The Cocora Valley, inside Los Nevados Nationwide Park, is a well-liked mountaineering vacation spot for each nationwide and overseas guests, who wish to admire Colombia’s nationwide tree. Balancing overhead at 60 m / 200 ft, the Quindío wax palm is just the world’s tallest kind of palm tree.
It dominates a comfy panorama of farmlands and cloud forest, with horses and cows roaming about. Except you could have a automobile, you’ll get there with a 40-min experience on a Willy Jeep from Salento’s predominant sq..
Though the realm is touristy, it’s straightforward to do the hike independently and in relative solitude. The trail is well-marked and pretty undemanding, though rain typically makes the terrain muddy and far tougher to navigate. It may be greatest to keep away from the moist season.
The entire loop takes 5-to-6 hours and prices a complete of 7000 COP. In case you’re quick on time or cash, a fast dip within the valley will spare you 4000 COP and takes about an hour.
➔ Observe this path on Wikiloc.
| Distance (time): | 13 km / 8 mi (5 hours) |
| Issue: | straightforward ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Closest city: | Salento |
| Finest time to go: | Dry seasons December–February and July–September |
| Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or book a tour on Viator |
Not removed from right here, the Nevado del Tolima trek is a difficult, 58.5 km / 36.3 mi (three days) spherical journey that goes up one of many area’s highest summits (5200 m / 17,060 ft). The steep climb leaves a panorama of wax palms for certainly one of frailejones vegetation, typical of the Andean tundra.
Solely skilled climbers with correct gear are allowed previous the snowline, which lies at round 4600 m / 15,091 ft. That fortunate lot shall be rewarded with glaciers, mountain lakes, and the proper form of the Tolima crater.
La Chorrera Waterfall
We don’t should be hardcore hikers on a regular basis, so this one is a comfy half-a-day journey from Bogotá. Positioned a mere 2-hour drive from the chaos of the capital, it plunges right into a cloud forest, graced with bromeliads and the soothing tweeting of birds.
The trail is nicely marked, making for a stunning stroll within the forest. Households come right here to take refuge from the air pollution of Bogotá and the distant roar of the automobile horns.
But the ultimate sight on this mountaineering path is kind of the joys, since Cascada La Chorrera is nothing lower than Colombia’s highest waterfall, with 590 m (1935 ft) divided in seven steps.
➔ Observe this path on Wikiloc.
Tip! The doorway to the character protect prices 15.000 COP. Earlier than enterprise the hike, you’ll have to register on the vacationer workplace –conveniently positioned close to the trailhead– and watch a brief preservation video.
| Distance (time): | 6.4 km / 4 mi (3 hours) |
| Issue: | straightforward ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Closest city: | Bogotá |
| Finest time to go: | All yr spherical |
| Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or book a tour on Viator |
Fan of waterfalls? Uncover probably the most radiant waterfalls in South America
Tatacoa Desert Hike
Blazing solar, western-movie-style cacti and the blurry line of the horizon. That is some high-class desert for certain. Add to this some loopy rock formations in crimson and white and gray.
This desert, in reality, seems to be like one which has been put collectively for a movie screening; it’s comparatively small and actually stands out from the encircling space. Strolling contained in the rock formations and studying how they shaped is fairly neat. Some components of the path may be crowded with guests, whereas others shall be empty; in any case, it’s essential to keep on the path in order to not injury the panorama.
There are 2 distinct components within the desert they usually’re at a ways from each other: one with the crimson rock formations, and the gray half with a pure pool! Tuk-tuks can carry you to the furthest level and again for a flat price.
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Tip! Do not forget that you’re about to take a full day’s hike by means of the blistering warmth. It’s subsequently essential to be ready with sunscreen, headgear, a number of water and a few snacks.
| Distance (time): | Varied distances |
| Issue: | straightforward ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Closest city: | Neiva |
| Finest time to go: | June–August |
| Self-guided possibility? | Sure, or book a tour on Viator |
Hold planning: Tatacoa is a part of our recommended Colombia itinerary
Puracé Volcano Trek
Positioned about three hours from Popayán, Puracé Nationwide Park is a hidden gem for journey seekers, hikers and nature lovers. It’s certainly one of Colombia’s most essential ecosystems, providing a various panorama of trickling streams, waterfalls, mountains, plains and rocky formations; with a blended fauna and flora, together with the world’s largest hen, the mighty Condor.
Though it lies inside the community-managed Kokonuko Indigenous Reserve, you may discover the park with no information. It’s pretty distant, thoughts you, and reaching it may be a problem attributable to Colombia’s unpredictable bus schedules.
Climbers who wish to deal with the ascent to the crater of Volcan Puracé (4650 m / 15,255 ft) might want to rent an area information and be correctly ready. The reward is a misty surroundings of rocky outcrops and inexperienced shrubland surrounding the big crater. Plus it’s the one lively volcano that hikers are allowed to climb in Colombia, so add that to your CV.
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| Distance (time): | 14 km / 8.7 mi (7 hours) |
| Issue: | difficult ★★★★☆ |
| Closest city: | Puracé (Popayán) |
| Finest time to go: | Dry seasons December–February and July–September |
| Self-guided possibility? | Sure for the park. For the crater, book a tour on Viator |
Fan of volcanoes? Discover the Quilotoa crater lake, in Ecuador.
Fin del Mundo (Finish of the World) trek
Consider it or not, the thick Amazon jungle is filled with superb waterfalls. Close to the Southern city of Mocoa, the beautiful fall recognized fondly because the ‘Finish of the World’ splashes away like there’s no tomorrow.
This quick and simple hike doesn’t carry you to at least one however to 4 totally different waterfalls, scattered alongside the river. These 4 falls are among the most peaceable you’ll ever go to. They pleasantly splatter into deep inexperienced swimming holes warmed by the solar.
Then, upon reaching the 70-metre-tall ‘Finish of the World’ fall, intently surrounded by the plush vegetation, you shortly perceive the that means of its identify. It does really feel such as you’ve reached the tip of one thing, which is most certainly a brand new inside starting.
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Tip! For a distinct expertise, take the cable automobile that crosses the jungle on 500 metres. It leaves you nearer to your goal, so that you’ll solely want half-hour to achieve the waterfall.
| Distance (time): | 6 km / 3.7 mi (2 hours) |
| Issue: | straightforward ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Closest city: | Mocoa |
| Finest time to go: | All yr spherical |
| Self-guided possibility? | Completely |
Mavecure Hills
These three big rocks are located alongside the Inírida River, a few hours from Puerto Inírida, close to the Venezuelan border. The city is barely accessible by aircraft, then a ship should take you up river. Comparatively, the quick hike up the rocky slope is a stroll within the park.
Based on the legend, these three brothers are named Pajarito (the tallest, standing at 712 m / 2,366 ft), Mono (480 m / 1,570 ft), and Mavicure (the shortest at 170 m / 560 ft).
Pajarito is imposing, with a number of slopes and ridges, whereas Mono seems to be like a dome with carved strains down its sides. Mavicure appears to be the friendliest amongst them; comparatively straightforward to climb, a forest grows on its slopes like a leafy necklace adorning its monolithic summit.
This geological formation is a part of the Guiana Defend, and date to greater than a billion years earlier than the dinosaurs. Throughout, the thick Amazon jungle covers the horizon, whereas a brown river serpents in-between.
➔ Observe this path on Wikiloc.
| Distance (time): | 170 m / 560 ft (1 hour) |
| Issue: | Simple to average ★★☆☆☆ |
| Closest city: | (Puerto) Inírida |
| Finest time to go: | August–October |
| Self-guided possibility? | No, so book a tour on Viator |
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Which of those trails do you’re feeling like mountaineering in Colombia?
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