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Explore Colombia's magnificent Andes mountains while discovering how to protect its unique ecosystems. Students will connect with the country's extraordinary natural biodiversity and learn innovative ways of lowering their carbon footprint.
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Where: Los Nevados National Park, Quindio
Duration: 3-8 days Number of participants: 6-30 Cost: From $399 p/p (price doesn't include international flights) Language: Spanish or English UN SDGs covered: |
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Program Overview
Led by bilingual biologist guides, students will experience some of the greatest hikes in South America and learn how to camp and cook in the mountains. Our all-inclusive program includes a visit to a reforestation project with specially-designed activities aimed at conserving the region's unique elevated ecosystems - los páramos! Students will also discover the process of permaculture with coffee cultivation, bioconstuction in the jungle and take part in an artisanal workshop. |
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Day 1
We begin in the rural Andean environment with a trip a mid-mountain lodge located just outside of Manizales. Here, students discover a spectacular waterfall, look out for Andean condors gliding above, and enjoy a bonfire under the stars. Day 2 - hiking day 1 Today, students experience a páramo ecosystem with a hike to Laguna del Otún. As well as a spectacular hike, they discover unique flora and fauna in this unique ecosystem that only exists in this part of the world. Altitude: 3,950m Walking Time: 5-6 hours Day 3 - hiking day 2 The students' next hike heads up one of three volcanoes in Los Nevados - Santa Isabel. They reach the misty glacial peak, passing otherworldly ecosystems like mysterious cloud forests and bizarre vegetation like frailejones. Altitude: 4,700m Time: 5-6 hours Day 4 Students travel to one of the region's most popular and beautiful colonial towns, Salento. Here, they discover how to produce the finest arabica coffee beans on the planet using an innovative and sustainable method. Day 5 Thanks to our alliance with the sustainable pioneers in the region, we deliver students an opportunity to discover how to live a more sustainable life by drastically reducing their daily carbon footprint. Students enjoy an eco walk around a protected area and learn the best ways of reforesting a land with native trees. Day 6 - hiking day 3, camping Students head into the Valle de Cocora, hiking under one of the tallest palm tree species in the world, through cloud forests and to a beautiful humming bird sanctuary. Our expert guide gives students a lesson in nature photography before we set up camp under the stars. Altitude: 3,800m Walking Time: 6 hours Day 7 - hiking day 4 Students set off early, ascending an alternative route in the Cocora Valley and enter a different ecosystem. They walk through cloud forests and catch a different, no less, spectacular look at the olive and lime-green valley dotted with wax palms puncturing the clouds above. Altitude: 2,400m Walking Time: 6 hours Day 8 Departure day. Our dedicated guides accompany students to the airport for their journey home. |
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What is included
Free teacher places (contact us to find out more) Overnight stays in hotels, mountain lodges and campsites Internal transfers Risk assessment and vital safety protocols Health insurance Full liability Private and public transport All meals (we've chosen varied dishes to give a real taste of Colombia) Local biologist guides Kagumu host One Kagumu guide for every 10 students |
