Day 1
Pick-up at your hotel in Pereira or at the specified location. Along the way, we will make a short stop in town to buy snacks and any last minute missing items, that participants may need. Then we drive for about 2 hours along the banks of the Otun River, passing the rural areas of "La Florida" and "La Suiza", to the beginning of the trail known as "El Cedral" (2105 m). From this point on, the group will follow a very beautiful trail with a moderate ascent rate for 2.5 - 3 hours to the refuge "La Pastora" located in the cloudy rain forest.
Night in a tent.
Ascent: 355 m / Maximum height: 2460 m / Distance: 5.9 km / Duration: 2.5-3 hours
Included meals: Picnic, Dinner
Day 2
After breakfast, the team will again go further along the trail, which will pass through the cloudy rainforest. The steepness will increase gradually, reaching a maximum near the “El Jordan” farm. This farm is located in an idyllic location between volcanic hills covered with dense vegetation and adorned with waterfalls of crystal clear water. This is one of the most beautiful days of the program, thanks to the changeable nature and weather.
Night in a tent.
Ascent: 735 m / Maximum altitude: 3195 m / Distance: 7.7 km / Duration: 4 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 3
Today’s hike continues up the same river valley, ascending as the landscape changes in to dramatic volcanic eroded terrain. After 2 hours, “El Bosque” crater valley opens up with its colorful crops and meadows surrounded with high basalt walls in a semi-circular shape. Here the group will take a short break to enjoy such scenery and grab a quick bite. The trail will keep on ascending by the valley, following a series of ridges that lead up to “El Mosquito “ lake. On the way, it is possible to get a first view of the distant volcanoes like: El Paramillo del Quindío and Nevado Santa Isabel. Once at the Mosquito Lake, the terrain will be much gentler until the Otun Lake’s drain. The Otun Lake is the biggest water mass in the national park and one of most beautiful too. From the drain, the hike will take about 35 min. to Otun’s camping spot (3933 m), which is located by the National Park’s huts.The rest of the day is to enjoy the place, walk by the lake’s shores and get lost in the extent gardens of Frailejones, an endemic plant from the northern Andes.
Night in tents.
Ascent: 738 m / Highest altitude: 3933 m / Distance: 9 Km / Activity duration: 5-6 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 4
Today’s itinerary can be done by one of the two trails that depart from the Otun Lake’s camping place. The guide will decide which trail to take according to the physical and weather conditions.
- By the Western lake’s trail: Morning hike back to the lake’s drain and then walk on a trail/dirt road that follows the Western margin of the lake up to the “La Asomadera” mountain pass (4139 m), the border between the states of Caldas and Risaralda and the best place to see the Otun lake, then following the same old road/trail descending along pasture fields, losing gently altitude until reaching the Northern park entrance known as Potosi, a few minutes later the final destination: “Campo Alegre” farm (3970 m). There will be a transport waiting to take the group down (3-4 h) to a coffee farm in the Manizales area. Night at coffee farm. Ascent: 206 m / Descend: 169 m / Highest altitude: 4139 m / Distance: 9,5 Km / Activity duration: 4-5 h
- By the Eastern lake’s trail: This trail follows the Eastern shore of the lake and ascents towards a higher point at the Asomadera ridge, passing through well-preserved native vegetation and scenic waterfalls. Once on the ridge (4237 m), the trail descends by a series of small lakes down to the lower Asonadera pass (4139 m), joining the Western trail, as described above, following an old road (only used bu the National Park authorities) down to the Northern park entrance known as Potosi and on to “Campo Alegre” farm (3970 m). There will be a transport waiting to take the group down (3-4 h) to a coffee farm in the Manizales area. This trail is more demanding than the other one, in time and physical effort, not that much in distance. Night at coffee farm. Ascent: 304 m / Descend: 267 m / Highest altitude: 4237 m / Distance: 10,5 Km / Activity duration: 5-6 h
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 5
Relaxing morning in the beautiful Hacienda Venecia, a real coffee farm with exclusive coffee production. The farmhouses have now been converted into hostels and hotels with charming paisa architecture.
Venecia Coffee Farm has won several awards for its excellent coffee. Today you will have a special coffee tour to see how coffee is made and processed, and how to make a really good espresso!
Night at the coffee farm.
Activity duration: 3-4 hours
Included meals: Breakfast, Picnic, Dinner
Day 6
After breakfast, fees, transfer to Manizales airport, bus terminal or designated location.
Included meals: breakfast