Where is Nevado del Ruiz volcano?
Colombia, south-america
18.6 km
5,321 m
hard
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're in Colombia, ready for an adventure, and you've heard whispers of a road that climbs to the roof of the country, approaching the majestic Nevado del Ruiz volcano. This snow-capped giant, also known as La Mesa de Herveo or Kumanday, straddles the Caldas and Tolima departments.
The drive kicks off from Carretera 50 and stretches for about 18.6 km. It starts off smooth with pavement, but don't get too comfy – it gets rougher as you climb. You'll hit Parador Turístico La Esperanza at 4,117m, where you can fuel up, grab a snack, and maybe even find the gate closed if the volcano is feeling grumpy.
Beyond this point, it's a whole different ball game. The road turns to dirt, so a 4x4 with high clearance is your best bet. The goal? El Refugio hut at 4,804m. From there, the real adventure begins – a hike to the summit! Be warned, even in summer, the temperature can plummet, so pack accordingly! This active volcano is known to have nasty weather year-round and it is one of the highest roads in Colombia, so be prepared for a truly unforgettable experience, if you can get there.
Road Details
- Country
- Colombia
- Continent
- south-america
- Length
- 18.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 5,321 m
- Difficulty
- hard
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