×

Colombia🇨🇴 | national parksLos Nevados National ParkNevado del Ruiz, Otún lake, thermal springs, condor ridges | things to do and best time to go

Explore El Cocuy National ParkExplore Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park

Backpacking in Los Nevados
🏆 Top picknational park ranked #3
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

The crunch of volcanic gravel under my boots was drowned out by a hissing, whistling sound, steam venting from a crack near the crater rim of Nevado del Ruiz, with a faint rotten-egg tang of sulfur riding the wind. Los Nevados National Park sits in Colombia’s central Andes, in the coffee region between Manizales, Pereira and Ibagué. Skip the idea of a quick summit: Ruiz’s crater rim is closed to hikers because of volcanic activity, and the glacier is off-limits too. Go instead for the páramo, where frailejón plants, Andean condors and thermal pools reward real walking. Park entry is tightly controlled, so book through licensed operators in Manizales rather than turning up. Crowds stay thin, the roads are rough, and the Laguna del Otún trail runs past frozen-looking lakes at over 3,900 meters.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Colombia Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #3 national park in ColombiaThe unique appeal for travelers

Los Nevados National Park gives backpackers something rare in Colombia: a high-altitude wilderness you can cross on foot over several days. The big draw is the multi-day trek along the Laguna del Otún route, which links the páramo, cold lakes and forest edges without a single resort in sight. Altitude does the sorting for you. Most visitors turn back after a few hours at the Ruiz access road, so the farther trails feel remote and quiet.

It also suits the self-reliant. Weather shifts fast, the trails are loosely marked, and the terrain between 4,000 and 4,800 meters demands proper acclimatization, but that is exactly why independent travelers with a tent and a map find it so satisfying. Nearby towns like Manizales and Salento offer cheap bases and hostel life before and after, so you can keep … read more 👉
Los Nevados National Park gives backpackers something rare in Colombia: a high-altitude wilderness you can cross on foot over several days. The big draw is the multi-day trek along the Laguna del Otún route, which links the páramo, cold lakes and forest edges without a single resort in sight. Altitude does the sorting for you. Most visitors turn back after a few hours at the Ruiz access road, so the farther trails feel remote and quiet.

It also suits the self-reliant. Weather shifts fast, the trails are loosely marked, and the terrain between 4,000 and 4,800 meters demands proper acclimatization, but that is exactly why independent travelers with a tent and a map find it so satisfying. Nearby towns like Manizales and Salento offer cheap bases and hostel life before and after, so you can keep one foot in the café culture while the other is in the clouds. Guides are required for many sectors, yet a hired guide is often just a local who knows which ridge gets fog.

💡 HighlightsPlaces and moments you shouldn't skip

  1. Nevado del Ruiz: The park’s best-known peak, an active volcano above 5,300 meters. Visitors can walk from the Brisas sector across gray ash slopes to Valle de las Tumbas, at about 4,450 meters, but the summit and the glacier are off-limits.
  2. Laguna del Otún: A glacial lake at around 3,950 meters surrounded by páramo, with trout, quiet shores and basic camping nearby. It is the focus of the park’s classic trek.
  3. Nevado Santa Isabel: A glaciated peak reached by a long, cold trek from the páramo. The views over open tussock grass and small ponds are the draw, not a technical summit.
  4. Valle de las Tumbas: A broad glacial valley where frailejón plants stand like hairy sentinels across the slopes. It is a good place to see the páramo up close.
  5. Termales del Otoño: Hot springs on the edge of the park, with
… read more 👉
  1. Nevado del Ruiz: The park’s best-known peak, an active volcano above 5,300 meters. Visitors can walk from the Brisas sector across gray ash slopes to Valle de las Tumbas, at about 4,450 meters, but the summit and the glacier are off-limits.
  2. Laguna del Otún: A glacial lake at around 3,950 meters surrounded by páramo, with trout, quiet shores and basic camping nearby. It is the focus of the park’s classic trek.
  3. Nevado Santa Isabel: A glaciated peak reached by a long, cold trek from the páramo. The views over open tussock grass and small ponds are the draw, not a technical summit.
  4. Valle de las Tumbas: A broad glacial valley where frailejón plants stand like hairy sentinels across the slopes. It is a good place to see the páramo up close.
  5. Termales del Otoño: Hot springs on the edge of the park, with volcanic-heated pools tucked into cloud forest. Soaking here eases sore legs after high-altitude days.
  6. Laguna Negra: A dark, cold lake high in the páramo, reached by a short walk and popular for stillness and reflections of surrounding ridges.
  7. Andean condor viewing: The park has a reintroduced population, and ridgelines near Ruiz offer a decent chance of seeing these huge birds riding thermals.
Do Nevado del Ruiz first, since its road access lets you test your body at altitude before committing to longer treks.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Los Nevados National Park

Snowy Ruiz + Hot Springs from Manizales

Snowy Ruiz + Hot Springs from Manizales

4.7(43) 10h
From €136
per personViator
Manizales City Tour with Cable Car and Chipre Viewpoint

Manizales City Tour with Cable Car and Chipre Viewpoint

5.0(4) 6h
From €79
per personViator
Tour coffee cultural landscape

Tour coffee cultural landscape

5.0(4) 96h
From €1,172
per personViator
Manizales Arrival or Departure Transfer La Nubia Airport

Manizales Arrival or Departure Transfer La Nubia Airport

5.0(1) 30m
From €18.15
per personViator
Transfer Premium Manizales Pereira All Inclusive in luxury SUV

Transfer Premium Manizales Pereira All Inclusive in luxury SUV

0.0(0)
From €204
per personViator
Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Manizales

Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Manizales

0.0(0) 30m
From €250
per personViator
Eco-Park Recinto del Pensamiento Tour

Eco-Park Recinto del Pensamiento Tour

0.0(0) 4h
From €76
per personViator
Manizales Arrival or Departure Transfer: Matecaña Intl Airport

Manizales Arrival or Departure Transfer: Matecaña Intl Airport

0.0(0)
From €37
per personViator
Manizales Hidden Waterfalls

Manizales Hidden Waterfalls

0.0(0)
From €82
per personViator
Vacation Photographer in Manizales

Vacation Photographer in Manizales

0.0(0) 30m
From €250
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • December to March: Drier and the most reliable window for the high routes around Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado Santa Isabel and Laguna del Otún. Days at the park gate (about 4,000 m) run roughly 5 to 12°C (41 to 54°F), nights drop to around 0°C (32°F) or below. Expect more Colombian holiday crowds in late December and early January, and higher rates for jeeps and guides.
  • April to May: Wetter, with afternoon cloud rolling in by midday. Trails get muddy and the páramo stays green. Quieter and a little cheaper.
  • June to August: A second drier spell, with clearer mornings, strong wind on exposed ridges and mid-year school holidays that fill hostels in Manizales and Salento.
  • September to November: The wettest months. Fog hides the glaciers, rain is frequent and some routes get closed, but prices are lowest
… read more 👉
  • December to March: Drier and the most reliable window for the high routes around Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado Santa Isabel and Laguna del Otún. Days at the park gate (about 4,000 m) run roughly 5 to 12°C (41 to 54°F), nights drop to around 0°C (32°F) or below. Expect more Colombian holiday crowds in late December and early January, and higher rates for jeeps and guides.
  • April to May: Wetter, with afternoon cloud rolling in by midday. Trails get muddy and the páramo stays green. Quieter and a little cheaper.
  • June to August: A second drier spell, with clearer mornings, strong wind on exposed ridges and mid-year school holidays that fill hostels in Manizales and Salento.
  • September to November: The wettest months. Fog hides the glaciers, rain is frequent and some routes get closed, but prices are lowest and trails nearly empty.
Daylight stays close to 12 hours all year, so start hiking by 6 or 7 a.m. to finish before the clouds build.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: highly recommended for traveling
colombia-national-park-los-nevados-national-park
© Google | Paula Andrea Rodriguez Alvarado

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutColombia Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Colombia
The digital guide (349 pages) contains:
✅ 115 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

Manizales is the best base for most backpackers, with hostels in the Chipre and centro areas and the main access road to Nevado del Ruiz about an hour and a half away. Dorm beds run around US$10 to 16, and private rooms US$25 to 40. Agencies here arrange jeeps and guided trips to the park gate and the Valle de las Tumbas.

Salento and Pereira work well for the southern side. Salento has a lively hostel scene, dorms from US$9 to 15, and is the usual starting point for the multi-day trek toward Laguna del Otún and the Santa Isabel area. Pereira is a practical stop for buses and the road to Santa … read more 👉
Manizales is the best base for most backpackers, with hostels in the Chipre and centro areas and the main access road to Nevado del Ruiz about an hour and a half away. Dorm beds run around US$10 to 16, and private rooms US$25 to 40. Agencies here arrange jeeps and guided trips to the park gate and the Valle de las Tumbas.

Salento and Pereira work well for the southern side. Salento has a lively hostel scene, dorms from US$9 to 15, and is the usual starting point for the multi-day trek toward Laguna del Otún and the Santa Isabel area. Pereira is a practical stop for buses and the road to Santa Rosa de Cabal.

Inside the park, options are limited and basic. Refugios and simple campsites sit near Laguna del Otún, and a few rustic lodges and farms near El Cisne and the Termales del Otoño area offer beds and meals. Rooms there cost about US$20 to 50 including breakfast. Camping at the Laguna del Otún site is cheaper but bitterly cold, so bring a four-season sleeping bag. Book mountain lodging ahead in high season.
Best hostels in Colombia


Best quality hotels in Colombia

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Travel costs and budget guide for Los Nevados

A realistic backpacker budget for Los Nevados National Park is about US$70 to 100 per day, with a high-season total of US$85 including a guided jeep trip. Prices are paid in Colombian pesos, and park access is cheaper for Colombian residents than for foreigners.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$10 to 18Foreigners pay more than nationals, and fees vary by sector and are paid at the gate.
Accommodation (high season)US$10 to 25Dorm beds in Manizales or Salento; park refugios and lodges cost more, around US$20 to 50.
Local transportUS$15 to 35Shared jeeps and tour transfers to the gate; private jeeps from Manizales are costlier but split well between passengers.
Guides and toursUS$20 to 45Guided day trips to Nevado del Ruiz or Santa Isabel; multi-day treks cost more per day and need
… read more 👉
A realistic backpacker budget for Los Nevados National Park is about US$70 to 100 per day, with a high-season total of US$85 including a guided jeep trip. Prices are paid in Colombian pesos, and park access is cheaper for Colombian residents than for foreigners.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$10 to 18Foreigners pay more than nationals, and fees vary by sector and are paid at the gate.
Accommodation (high season)US$10 to 25Dorm beds in Manizales or Salento; park refugios and lodges cost more, around US$20 to 50.
Local transportUS$15 to 35Shared jeeps and tour transfers to the gate; private jeeps from Manizales are costlier but split well between passengers.
Guides and toursUS$20 to 45Guided day trips to Nevado del Ruiz or Santa Isabel; multi-day treks cost more per day and need a guide.
Food and suppliesUS$10 to 18Set lunches (almuerzo) in town cost US$3 to 5; bring snacks and a hot drink as the park has almost no shops.
Gear rentalUS$5 to 12Gloves, boots, jackets or sleeping bags can be rented from agencies.
Total Daily BudgetUS$85Based on a mid-range backpacker day with entry, dorm bed, transport, guide, food and gear.


source: parquesnacionales.gov.co
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsDiscover Los Nevados's top trails and natural wonders

Los Nevados National Park offers walking on high páramo, with terrain ranging from ash slopes to boggy lake basins, and most routes sit between 3,500 and 4,800 meters. Altitude is the real difficulty, more than distance.
  • Brisas to Valle de las Tumbas: The only authorized walk on Nevado del Ruiz, from the Brisas sector to about 4,450 meters across loose volcanic gravel. Moderate, with thin air and strong wind.
  • Laguna del Otún trek: A multi-day route of roughly 2 to 4 days depending on the variant, covering páramo, lakes and river valleys. Challenging, with cold nights, muddy trails and fog.
  • Laguna
… read more 👉
Los Nevados National Park offers walking on high páramo, with terrain ranging from ash slopes to boggy lake basins, and most routes sit between 3,500 and 4,800 meters. Altitude is the real difficulty, more than distance.
  • Brisas to Valle de las Tumbas: The only authorized walk on Nevado del Ruiz, from the Brisas sector to about 4,450 meters across loose volcanic gravel. Moderate, with thin air and strong wind.
  • Laguna del Otún trek: A multi-day route of roughly 2 to 4 days depending on the variant, covering páramo, lakes and river valleys. Challenging, with cold nights, muddy trails and fog.
  • Laguna Negra walk: A half-day hike through frailejón fields to a dark lake. Easy to moderate, mostly gentle gradients but cold and exposed.
  • Nevado Santa Isabel route: A long day or overnight trip across open páramo toward the glacier edge. Hard going, with wet ground, strong winds and little shelter.
  • Termales del Otoño trails: Short forest walks around the hot springs, easy, with warm pools at the end.
Wildlife includes Andean condors, spectacled bears (rarely seen), mountain tapirs, páramo ducks and hummingbirds that feed on frailejón flowers.
Getting there is easiest from Manizales, where most tour operators run to the Ruiz sector by road. Public transport reaches only the edge of the park, so travelers usually combine a shared ride or hired jeep with walking. Access is limited in volcanic alerts, and some sectors need an authorized guide. The park charges an entrance fee, higher for foreigners, payable at the gate, and visitor numbers stay modest outside holiday weekends.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Altitude is the main issue at Los Nevados National Park, since the trails run from about 3,500 to over 5,000 m and headaches are common on the first day. Spend a night or two in Manizales or Salento first, drink plenty of water, and walk slowly. Weather turns fast: sun, hail and freezing wind can arrive within an hour, so carry a waterproof shell, warm layers, gloves, a hat and sunscreen, because UV at this height burns quickly. Fog can wipe out visibility on open páramo, so a downloaded offline map is useful. The summit zone of Nevado del Ruiz is an active volcano, and access is controlled by authorities according to volcanic activity, so check the current status and follow closures. Guides are required on glacier routes and strongly advised on multi-day treks. Wildlife is minimal and low … read more 👉
Altitude is the main issue at Los Nevados National Park, since the trails run from about 3,500 to over 5,000 m and headaches are common on the first day. Spend a night or two in Manizales or Salento first, drink plenty of water, and walk slowly. Weather turns fast: sun, hail and freezing wind can arrive within an hour, so carry a waterproof shell, warm layers, gloves, a hat and sunscreen, because UV at this height burns quickly. Fog can wipe out visibility on open páramo, so a downloaded offline map is useful. The summit zone of Nevado del Ruiz is an active volcano, and access is controlled by authorities according to volcanic activity, so check the current status and follow closures. Guides are required on glacier routes and strongly advised on multi-day treks. Wildlife is minimal and low risk, though you may see spectacled bears rarely. Keep your distance from any animals and pack out all trash.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Los Nevados

Plan on 2 to 3 days for Los Nevados National Park if you want one high-altitude day trip and time to acclimatize. A single day from Manizales covers the Nevado del Ruiz road and Valle de las Tumbas, while the trek to Laguna del Otún and Nevado Santa Isabel takes 3 to 5 days.
Yes, though you will rely on tours or shared jeeps for Los Nevados National Park. Agencies in Manizales and Salento run day trips for roughly US$40 to 80, and the ride from Manizales to the park gate takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Hitchhiking and public buses reach only the lower edges of the park.
Yes, Los Nevados National Park charges an entrance fee, and foreigners pay more than Colombian residents, usually about US$10 to 18 depending on the sector. Permits and guides are required for glacier ascents and some multi-day routes, and you should check current access rules because volcanic activity at Nevado del Ruiz can close areas. Bring your passport for registration at the gate.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Colombian national parks near Los Nevados

Explore more nearby:


💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Colombia including Los Nevados and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all national parks

Or checkout all Colombia has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Colombia
Country photo of Colombia
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Los Nevados National Park works best as the high-altitude chapter in a Coffee Region loop, bookended by Manizales for a first acclimatization day and Salento for the Cocora Valley once your lungs have adapted. I would bring a waterproof shell, warm gloves and a spare day for fog, and I would skip any plan that rushes the climb.

✈️ When did I visit Colombia?
Did a good 3-week trip around Colombia in August 2014.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Colombia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story