Paramo Trek — Local services in Quindío

(We did the 3 days hike from Salento to Manizales)

Before starting our hike we had a call with Paramo Trek informing us about the different routes through los Nevados. After we decided, they were always available for any questions we might had. One day before the trek started, they went through all the equipment we would need on our trip and also borrowed us stuff we didn't bring (hiking boots (cost 45k ), buff, another warm jacket, gloves). Hiking poles are always included.

The next day before we drove to the starting point of our adventure we had a really nice breakfast at a local cafe in Salento. (They also took care of us being vegan and actually gave us some complimentary vegan snacks too).

For each day of the hike they prepared a little bag full of snacks for us. The actual hike every day took up to 6 or 7 hours (obv depends on your fitness). We were always able to take a break whenever we needed to, however we felt very motivated by our guide to keep pushing.

About the farms we stayed at:

The first farm (Argentina) was really basic (but you can take a warm shower there), although we were really happy that we were the only ones staying at the farm, so that we could use some additional blankets since it got extremely cold at night. We did not feel really welcomed at the farm (but we talked to our guide and he told us that this is just how they are). The food there was very basic but delicious. (but take in consideration that we are vegans, so there were not that many options for us).

The second farm (Berlin) was amazing. We felt really welcomed and the place was also very well kept. They had loads of blankets as it was obviously also very cold up there (3800m). Maria cooked very nice food for us and we could also take a hot shower there. (We recommend to shower there instead of la Argentina). The place lays in a very beautiful valley, where you can watch a stunning sunset.

All in all we had a really nice experience. They took great care of us (the office but especially our guide Esteban). We still feel like the experience was a little overpriced for the Colombian standards, which is why we only give 4...

I was really looking forward to my 3 day trek with Paramo from Salento to Manizales however I am left feeling very disappointed as it didn't live up to what was advertised.

To quote the advertisement, 'each night is an invitation to connect with the essence of rural families, two places full of particular charm where we will listen to their stories and share the experiences that have marked their lives embraced by the heat of the kitchen'.

Couple things wrong with this statement. Finca Argentina you are not allowed in the kitchen but the guides are, and the owner ignores you so there is a distinct feeling of disconnection. Finca Berlin the hosts are definitely kinder, let you sit in the kitchen but this so called sharing of stories is distinctly untrue. So if this is one of the reasons for your walk don't base your decision on it!

The weather was unfortunately terrible during our trek, obviously not Paramo treks fault however to set expectations you should know that your stuff will not dry at the fincas due to no heating. So if the weather looks bad, prepare to walk in cold and wet clothing. I would bring an umbrella like our guides had (again we weren't advised to do so, but they finished the days much drier than us). Had we been made aware of these facts we wouldn't have committed to the walk. We're upset that we made Paramo aware of our concern pre walk and weren't met with the truth.

The guides were nice and knew the route well but the lack of interaction was quite shocking. There was no sense of team spirit and when times got tough (i.e. 3rd day of consecutive rain) there was no words of encouragement or support which is a basic expectation of a guide.

It's disappointing that we shared this feedback back to Paramo and weren't respected to...

I just come back from a 4 day trip to the Summit of the Volcano Tolima with the crew of Paramo Trek. It was one of the hardest, most challenging but also best and craziest things I’ve ever done, it was soooo worth it. As I arrived on the top of Tolima at 5200m msl. it was such a stunning and emotional moment for me, what a crazy trip. I’m really thankful to the hole team of Paramo Trek, they are all real professionals, how they organise it, all the information you get, the breefing on the day before all is really good. And than the tour itself withe the Guides was amazing, we where a group of 6 people and had 3 Guides, and while hiking we mostly split in 3 groups. With 6 people they usually send 2 Guides but there was on inexperienced guy and that was the reason that there where 3. In my opinion that shows how they are really doing their best to make it a perfect tour for everybody. The Guides are super friendly, take a lot of care, motivate you if you need it and take a lot of care about safety if it’s getting difficult, they are real professionals at what they are doing, it was amazing to hike with them. Not all if them speak english and I didn’t always get everything, but thats the foult of my spanish :) and it didn’t make the experience less amazing and professional. And of course all the rest is perfect as well for example the food and snacks, the equipment you get and that you don’t have to carry a lot of equipment, just a daypack for some different weather conditions, but you get all the information and if you have any questions just ask them, they’ll tell you everything :)) If you like hiking, I can highly recommend to do it with them, you will not...