Los Nevados in Colombian Andes – Colombia

The Los Nevados National Natural Park is the most prominent feature at the Cordillera Central of the Colombian Andes. Its biodiversity and distinct features have made it one of the most visited parks in South America.

Location and How to Get to This Specific Site

The park is situated at the Cordillera Central of the Colombian Andes. The best way to reach it is through Manizales. You can get there via a travel tour or by just riding a taxi. The buses at the intersection also go to the park. The last option is to hike up the site. This is time consuming, but it gives you the chance to acclimatize yourself.

What to See There

The most dominant feature is the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, rising to a height of 5,300 meters. Other volcanoes in the Los Nevados National Natural Park are Nevado El Cisne, Cerro Machín, Cerro Bravo, Paramo de Santa Rosa, Nevado del Quindio and Santa Isabel. There are 180 macroscopic fungi, 300 lichens, 200 bryophytes and 1250 species of vascular plants in the park.

There are several species of birds in the area. Some of them are the Bearded Helmetcrest hummingbird, Ruddy Duck, Brown-banded Antpitta, Andean Condor and Rufous-fronted Parakeet. Fuertes’s Parrot, Yellow-eared Parrot and Blue-crowned Motmot are also prevalent.

History

Glacial activity has played a prominent role in shaping the area. That is the reason why it is 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) above sea level.

That also explains why there are moraines and valleys in it. Above 3,500 m (11,500 ft) are igneous rocks at the eastern slope. These can also be found at the western slope some 2,200 m (7,200 ft) high. The Green Lake and Otun Lake are nearby.

Cost

The entrance fee is 3,000 COP for non-Colombians. The fee is 33,000 COP for Colombians. For Colombian students, it is 6,000 COP. That is also the fee for kids ages 5 to 12.

Other Info

The hydrographic networks provide water to over 2 million coffee growers. It also serves cotton crops and rice to the Tolima Department. The upper Andean forest features trees almost 100 ft high.

There are a couple of campsites, the Chalet and El Cisne. If you are gong to sleep at the campsites, a tent will be required. The temperatures can go down to -17 C in the evening.

Those going on a trip to the Los Nevados National Natural Park can stay at Hotel Los Termales and El Cisne. However, the reservations have to be done at Manizales.