Trekking the Colombian Los Nevados (part 2)
On the second day of our trek into the Colombian Paramo, we had a few options on where we could hike next. The most physically challenging, but the most unique, was to the closest glacier (about 20 kilometers round trip). The group unanimously voted on the glacier. I agreed to hike as far as I could, and then rest solo in the sunshine while the rest of the group continued on.
We were joined briefly by the resident pig as we made our way through the Fincas’ yard. She was their only pig, and really more like a dog, following us closely, begging for a scratch – the most adorable pig I have ever met.
The hike was pleasurable as we continued on. It was mostly flat, so we were able to move swiftly. With a sunny and clear sky, we could see for miles.
A few hours in, we were low on water. Our guide told us to fill up at the next stream. We were a little surprised; we were told there would be water, but if we had known the source was a stream we would have brought our purification system! Our guide promised the water was drinkable, so rather than suffer from dehydration, we all filled up our bottles (and we all survived). The stream was so lovely it was hard to believe it was real. Bright, green vegetation softened the flat, nap-sized terraces that surrounded the trickling brook. It was the perfect place to stop, refill our bottles, and have a quick snack before heading on.
It was not much longer before we reached the very steep climb to the glacier. At 3,500 meters, I could barely breathe. Wheezing and gasping for air while trying to hold back tears, I made my way, step by step, at a snail’s pace, until I reached the next resting point. We had reached 4,200 meters. This was where I would plant my bum for the next hour.
It had been my plan all along to hike part of the way and then relax a bit on my own while the others continued on. The hike was challenging to me, and I was happy and proud that I had made it this far. I did not feel the need to press on further into the snowy terrain. The hilltop was beautiful; I felt as though I was on top of the world. Most importantly, where I nestled down in between the grasses, I was warm and comfortable.
While having lunch, one by one, each member of the group decided to stay and relax with me. We could see three of the glaciers from our lunch spot; we really didn’t need to get closer. We could even see the ashy-grey puffs fluffing up above one volcano. Eventually, the entire group had settled in for an hour-long nap on the top of the Paramo. It was hard to wake, especially facing the trek back, but we had to get back before sundown. Luckily, going down was a lot easier than going up, and we were back in the warm kitchen of the Finca Primavera in no time.
The next day we were up before sunrise. Although the trek back to Salento would be our easiest and fastest, we had to get back by midday to catch our various modes of transportation. We took an alternate route back, through a valley and alongside a mountain. Continuing down through the forest and out through the Cocora Valley, each of us savored the last couple of hours of the magnificent views and the magical landscapes.
See how this trek got started in part one of trekking the Los Nevados
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The post Trekking the Colombian Los Nevados (part 2) first appeared on Liana Elise
