Nevados National Natural Park (Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados) is in the Los Nevados Mountains, a stunning mountain range located in the central region of Colombia, near the city of Manizales.
The mountains are about an 1 1/2 from Manizales City. I took a private tour with a driver (cost COP 650,000 from 6:30am to 3;30 pm with breakfast and lunch). The driver/guide picked me up at 6:30am from my hotel and drove us out of the city. It was still cold in the morning so bring some warm clothes you can take off later in the afternoon when it warms up.
Breakfast
Breakfast at a small nice basic restaurant was eggs, coffee or hot chocolate, cheese, bread and an arepa. The staff was very friendly and informative.
Black Lake ("Laguna Negra")
Right across from the restaurant we ate at was the first tourist attraction, the Black Lake. There is als a small store here to buy a hat if you are cold or snacks and other items.
Los Nevados National Nature Park
The park covers a vast area of around 58,300 hectares (about 144,000 acres) and encompasses several volcanoes and high-altitude ecosystems.
The mountains are home to several active and dormant volcanoes, with the most prominent one being Nevado del Ruiz. The Nevado del Ruiz Volcano was yellow on the active volcano scale when I was there which meant we couldn’t go there. So if you want to go the volcano, make sure to check the status to see if you can get there.
The park’s varying altitudes and ecosystems support a diverse array of plant and animal species. From the snow-capped peaks to the sub-paramo and paramo zones, you can find a wide range of flora and fauna. The park is also a sanctuary for various bird species, including Andean condors, eagles, and hummingbirds, making it an ideal destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Asufrado Waterfall
The mountains are known for their glaciers, which are essential water sources for the surrounding regions. These glaciers contribute to the formation of rivers that supply water for agriculture and human consumption in the lower-altitude areas. We stopped at the Asufrado waterfall which supplies the area.
Lake of Colors
Near the Asufrado Waterfall is the lovely lake of colors with a number of different streams and landscapes making a beautiful kaleidoscope.
The Los Nevados also offer incredible opportunities for trekking and outdoor enthusiasts. There are numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, allowing visitors to explore the breathtaking landscapes, highland lakes, and cloud forests. However, trekking in this region requires preparation, as the high altitude and rugged terrain can present challenges.
Sifan Hot Springs
After the Lake of Colors we headed to Thermals Sifon, a beautiful hot spring, The top part is extremely hot so I could only dip my feet a little bit, but lower down the stream I could get in. You can go without a tour but just get your wrist band to get into the hot spring at the restaurant which is a the head of the trail leading down to it (COP 15,000).
The park is protected by the Colombian government to preserve its unique ecosystems and biodiversity. As with any natural environment, it’s essential for visitors to respect the rules and guidelines set by park authorities to preserve the fragile ecosystems and ensure the area’s conservation for future generations.
Lunch
After the hot spring, we headed back to the same restaurant for a lunch of trout and ajiaco (could also choose steak or chicken) with some plantains, beans, rice and vegetables.
Lake Black in the afternoon
As you can see from the morning picture of the lake, it was very cloudy in the morning so I would go back to the lake (right across from the restaurant) in the afternoon where its much more clear and beautiful. Unfortunately this lake is a protected area so no swimming.
Conclusion
Los Nevados National Nature Park is beautiful, diverse and interesting, It is a must do for any nature enthusiast. For me the highlight was the relaxing hot spring which felt great once I eased in. Remember to check the status if you want to go to the Volcano. Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions.
