What to pack for Nevado del Tolima
The definitive gear list for the Nevado del Tolima trek from Salento: layering, technical gear and the most common mistakes.
Nevado del Tolima (5,220 m) is the most epic trek you can do from Salento: 4 to 5 days from the Cocora Valley, climbing from cloud forest to frailejón-dotted páramo and on to the glacier. It's also a serious mountain, and 80% of your success is decided when you pack. This is the checklist we go through with our guests before they leave.
The principle: layers, not bigger coats
On a single day you can go from 20°C under equatorial sun to -5°C with wind on the glacier. The answer is never "a bigger jacket" — it's three layers:
- Base layer: synthetic or merino wool shirt (cotton is your enemy: once wet, it stops insulating).
- Mid layer: fleece or a light down jacket.
- Outer layer: a real waterproof, windproof shell — páramo rain comes in sideways.
The full list
Clothing
- 2 base layers, 1 fleece, 1 down jacket, 1 rain shell
- Trekking pants + waterproof overpants
- 3–4 pairs of wool socks, gloves (2 pairs), beanie and buff
- Waterproof boots already broken in — debuting new boots here is the recipe for blisters
Gear
- 40–60 L backpack with rain cover
- Sleeping bag comfortable to -5°C (the mountain huts are cold)
- Headlamp with spare batteries, trekking poles
- For summit day, guides usually provide the technical kit: crampons, ice axe and harness — confirm when you book
Health and extras
- SPF 50+ sunscreen, category 3–4 sunglasses (glacier glare burns)
- Basic first-aid kit and your medications; talk to your doctor about altitude sickness
- Real snacks: panela, peanuts, chocolate. There are no shops on the páramo
- Cash for huts and permits
The 3 mistakes we see most
- Underestimating acclimatization: arrive in Salento (1,900 m) at least two days early and hike Cocora as training.
- Overpacking: everything you pack, you carry. Leave your big backpack stored at the hostel — we'll keep it safe for free.
- Going without a guide: the glacier has crevasses and the weather turns in minutes. We work with certified local guides; ask us about dates and prices.
Hostel rule: the night before you leave, sleep well and have a double breakfast. The mountain takes care of the rest.
Ready to attempt it? Write to us and we'll set up your expedition with trusted guides.
