Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados

Location:
Manizales, Colombia

Other Activity

By Brenda Yun

Nevado del Ruiz, Crater de la Olleta, Nevado de Santa Isabel, Laguna Verde and Valle del Silencio are just a few of the reasons to visit Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados.

The trip to Los Nevados, which literally means “The Snow-Capped Mountains,” starts in Manizales at 2,150 meters above sea level and covers almost 59,000 hectares of territory. In the midst of the Colombian central mountain chain, snow and sand live side by side, and small spouts of water surge to supply nearby towns. You can pass through desert landscapes with bright red rocks at Ruiz, photograph the wild flowers and evergreens of Santa Isabel or admire the glittering snow of Laguna Verde.

Lodging is available at El Cisne Visitors Center (a 35-person capacity) or camp at one of the park’s two designated camping areas. Lodging fees at El Cisne range between 80.000-170.000 pesos. Tours of the Park require a guide, which will start at about $30 a day. If you plan on walking up Nevado del Ruiz, be sure to drink a lot of water the day before --even so, you still may experience a little altitude sickness up top. Choose a sunny or clear day to visit, and bring cold weather gear as it can get quite chilly at this elevation.

Getting There
The park is located about 45 minutes from Manizales. Buses to the park lodge and entrance leave from the terminal every hour, but guides are required upon entrance of the park. The altitude increases quickly, so on the way up your windows should be open

Travel Tips: drink lots of water the day before your trip to the park

Price Description: Typical cost upon entry including a guide is $20

Relative price: Mid-Range

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: bring cold weather gear

Credit cards accepted
MasterCard/Eurocard, Visa

Currencies accepted
, Colombian Peso