27/05/2022
Tourism at the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano
Colombia is a country that can boast an incredible variety of landscapes, ranging from the stunning beaches of the Caribbean Sea to the Amazon rainforest. But perhaps one of the most spectacular yet lesser-known places is the Los Nevados National Natural Park, which spans the departments of Risaralda, Caldas, Quindío, and Tolima.
Its lunar landscape, dotted with lakes and even glaciers, reaches up to 5,321 meters above sea level at the Nevado del Ruiz peak. This legendary volcano is located very close to Manizales and is definitely worth visiting during your next stay in the region.
VISIT TO THE NEVADO DEL RUIZ VOLCANO
Nevado del Ruiz is located very close to the city of Manizales, to the southeast, and is the main attraction of the National Park, making it an ideal excursion to explore the best of this majestic Andean landscape.
As visitors approach the volcano, the landscape gradually transforms into an incredible páramo. Trees become scarce as altitude increases and forests are replaced by lakes fed by the glaciers at the peaks. The nevados are peaks that remain snow-covered year-round, but due to global warming, they have been shrinking rapidly in recent decades.
The main activity to explore the National Park is hiking, with numerous trails that even include guide services. At 4,800 meters above sea level, you?ll find the permanent snow, but lower down there are many breathtaking and environmentally significant landscapes worth exploring. It is also a beautiful place for climbing, photography, birdwatching, trout fishing in lakes like Otún, and during the winter, snow-related sports.
FEES AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The recommended way to visit Nevado del Ruiz is by joining a guided group. For this reason, the entrance fee to Los Nevados National Park includes a guide. Here are the entry fees and applicable discounts:
- Adult or foreign resident in Colombia: 35,000 COP.
- Children aged six to eleven: 30,000 COP.
- Foreign visitors: 60,000 COP.
- Private vehicles: 7,500 COP; Minibuses/Colectivos: 20,000 COP.
As for recommendations, this is a completely natural high-altitude environment with no human alterations, so hiking can be challenging at some points. Therefore, it is not advisable for people with heart or respiratory conditions. Similarly, children under 6, adults over 70, and pregnant women are advised not to ascend Nevado del Ruiz.
Alcohol and cigarette consumption is prohibited in the park to preserve the environment and prevent littering. Visitors must also be respectful and mindful during meals and picnics.
It is strictly forbidden to extract any type of plant, animal, or geological material that could alter the state of the National Park. You can check the prices on the
.
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT NEVADO DEL RUIZ
It wasn?t until 1936 that the summit of this historic volcano was finally reached, long surrounded by legend. Also known as the Mesa de Herveo after the nearby town, it is known that in pre-Columbian times it was referred to as Cumanday, Tabuchía, or Tama. It is the northernmost active volcano in South America and the fifth highest peak in Colombia.
The volcano has been active for about two million years and has experienced several eruptions throughout history. The most recent and devastating one occurred in 1985, when lava and rock flows reached the town of Armero, causing massive destruction and nearly 25,000 deaths.
Today, although still active, it remains dormant and only emits water vapor and ash columns, which are monitored thanks to the Interpretation Center of the Ministry of Environment of Colombia.
WHERE IS NEVADO DEL RUIZ LOCATED?
There are several access points (North, Center, and South) to reach the National Park and ascend the volcano. From Manizales, the closest is the North Sector access (via the Brisas Visitor Center and up to the Valley of the Tombs). Unfortunately, from this point, you can only ascend up to 4,450 meters, since access beyond this has been restricted since 2010, when the volcano was placed under Yellow Alert Level (Level III), indicating changes in volcanic activity and limiting access to the glacier zone of Nevado del Ruiz from this sector.
To reach the North Sector, take the road to Bogotá, then turn right at the La Esperanza tourist stop (kilometer 23). About 14 kilometers later, turn left to Murillo (Tolima) or right to the entrance road to the Brisas Visitor Center. It takes approximately 1.5 hours.
If you choose the Central Sector, which leads to the summit, you?ll need to head south through the neighboring town of Villamaría (Caldas), then take the road to the village of Papayal (Ruta del Cóndor), La Laguna Hostel, La Cueva sector (National Parks cabin), and then proceed to Conejeras, where you can take the various Central Sector trails to Laguna del Otún or Nevado de Santa Isabel.
So now you know! Take advantage of your stay at Hotel Benidorm in Manizales to discover the natural treasures that surround us, and don?t miss the spectacular Los Nevados National Natural Park and its great emblem: the Nevado del Ruiz volcano. A place that will make you dream forever of the best views of the Andes. We?re waiting for you!
