Los Nevados National Park Travel Guide
Discover the natural wonders, cultural attractions, outdoor activities, food, and travel logistics of Los Nevados National Park in Andino, Colombia.
- Introduction to Los Nevados National Park
- List of Places to Visit in Los Nevados National Park
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Los Nevados National Park
- Best Things to Do in Los Nevados National Park: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Los Nevados National Park
- Food and Drink Scene of Los Nevados National Park
- Where to Stay in Los Nevados National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Los Nevados National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Los Nevados National Park
- Best Time to Visit Los Nevados National Park
- Do’s and Don’ts of Los Nevados National Park
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Los Nevados National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Los Nevados National Park
- Where to Go Next from Los Nevados National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Los Nevados National Park
Los Nevados National Park is a natural treasure located in the heart of the Andino region of Colombia. Established in 1974, this sprawling 225,000-acre park is home to numerous snow-capped peaks, pristine lakes, deep valleys, and lush forests. It is a perfect destination for adventure lovers, nature enthusiasts, hikers, bikers, wildlife watchers, and cultural travelers.
List of Places to Visit in Los Nevados National Park
If you plan to visit Los Nevados National Park, here are some must-see places to add to your itinerary.
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Cocora Valley
- Salento town
- Filandia town
- Parque del Cafe
Natural Attractions of Los Nevados National Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Nevado del Ruiz
- Nevado Santa Isabel
- Nevado Tolima
- Otun Lake
- Los Nevados Hot Springs
- Paramillo del Quindio
Hiking/Biking Routes of Los Nevados National Park
Los Nevados National Park has a vast network of hiking and biking trails ranging from easy to advanced difficulty. You can explore the park solo or with a professional guide. Here are some popular routes:
- The Cocora Valley Trail
- The Valle del Cauca Trail
- The Santa Isabel Trail
- The Los Nevados Trail
- The Otun Lake Trail
- The Paramillo del Quindio Trail
Best Things to Do in Los Nevados National Park: Activities and Tours
If you’re planning a trip to Los Nevados National Park, here are some activities and tours that you should not miss:
- Wildlife Watching
- Birdwatching
- Trekking
- Mountain Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Canoeing and Kayaking
- Hot Springs Soaking
- Coffee Tours
Week-Long Itinerary for Los Nevados National Park
If you’re planning a week-long trip to Los Nevados National Park, here’s a sample itinerary to help you get the most out of your visit:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore Salento and Cocora Valley |
| 2 | Hiking to Otun Lake and Hot Springs |
| 3 | Trekking to Santa Isabel Peak |
| 4 | Visit to Parque del Cafe |
| 5 | Horseback Riding and Coffee Tour |
| 6 | Mountain Biking to Filandia Town |
| 7 | Relaxation Day at Los Nevados Hot Springs |
Food and Drink Scene of Los Nevados National Park
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of Los Nevados National Park is through its food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
- Bandeja Paisa
- Arepas
- Tamales
- Lechona
Local Beverages
- Colombian Coffee
- Guanabana Juice
- Aguardiente Antioqueño
Where to Stay in Los Nevados National Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There are plenty of options for accommodation in and around Los Nevados National Park, depending on your budget and preferences. Here are some recommended choices:
- Hotel Termales del Ruiz
- Finca Hotel El Rosario
- Salento Pequeño Hotel
- Las Camelias Inn
- La Floresta Hostel
What to Buy in Los Nevados National Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you want to take home some souvenirs and local products from Los Nevados National Park, here are some suggestions:
- Colombian Coffee
- Local Handicrafts
- Aguardiente Antioqueño
- Traditional Clothing
Local Culture and Customs of Los Nevados National Park
The locals of Los Nevados National Park are friendly and welcoming. It is essential to respect their culture and customs, such as greeting people in a polite manner, asking before taking photos, and dressing appropriately in religious and cultural venues.
Best Time to Visit Los Nevados National Park
The best time to visit Los Nevados National Park is during the dry season, which lasts from December to February and July to September. It is advisable to avoid the rainy season as the trails can be muddy and slippery.
Do’s and Don’ts of Los Nevados National Park
Do:
- Respect the nature and wildlife of the park
- Carry enough water and snacks for the trip
- Wear proper hiking shoes and clothes
- Take a guided tour if you’re not an experienced hiker
Don’t:
- Litter the trails
- Take plants, rocks, or flowers from the park
- Approach wildlife too closely
- Go off-trail
Safety and Health
When visiting Los Nevados National Park, it is essential to take certain safety and health precautions.
Safety in Los Nevados National Park
- Do not venture into areas that are marked as restricted or off-limits
- Be aware of the altitude sickness, as some parts of the park are located at high altitudes
- Follow the park rangers’ instructions and advice
Health in Los Nevados National Park
- Drink only bottled or purified water
- Apply sunscreen and insect repellent
- Carry a basic first-aid kit and any prescription medication you need
Getting to Los Nevados National Park: Transportation Options and Logistics
Los Nevados National Park is located in the Andino region of Colombia, and there are several ways to get there.
Airports Near Los Nevados National Park
- Matecaña International Airport in Pereira
- El Edén International Airport in Armenia
Bus Stations Near Los Nevados National Park
- Pereira Bus Terminal
- Armenia Bus Terminal
Other Options
- Private Car Hire
- Shared Taxi Service
How to Get Around in Los Nevados National Park
The best way to get around Los Nevados National Park is by foot or mountain bike. If you prefer a guided tour, several companies offer transportation services and guided tours.
Where to Go Next from Los Nevados National Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you have more time to explore the Andino region, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:
- Tayrona National Park
- Cartagena
- Medellin
- Hacienda Nápoles
Conclusion
Located in the heart of the Andino region, Los Nevados National Park is a natural wonderland full of adventure, culture, and awe-inspiring vistas. With this comprehensive guide, you can now plan the perfect trip to explore its natural wonders, cultural attractions, food, and travel logistics. Whether you want to hike to the snow-capped peaks, soak in the natural hot springs, or wander around the quaint towns, Los Nevados National Park has something to offer for everyone.
