Question 1

What is the best season for this adventure?

Accepted Answer

Any month of the year is good to take this experience. In the months of January and February there is more sun, however, the direct Andean sun is not recommended since it is not the most comfortable for walking. There are more rainy months than others, however, the weather is particularly difficult to predict. Even in the &#x27;dry&#x27; season, we need to be prepared for rain, just in case.

Question 2

What is the weather like in this experience?

Accepted Answer

The weather in the mountains is always unpredictable. There are two seasons in the Colombian Andes, we have the rainy months from April to June and from September to November. The "dry" months are from December to March and from July to August. However, the rain does not prevent us from doing a trek, even in the dry season there is always the possibility of rain.

Question 3

Where does the experience start? Will you pick me up at the airport or hotel?

Accepted Answer

The starting point is in Maizales, you will be picked up from the hotel where you are staying early in the morning. This pick up will be as long as the hotel you are staying is within the city.

Question 4

Are there any medical or vaccination requirements?

Accepted Answer

This experience is recommended for active people. It is necessary not to have medical conditions that make it impossible to walk at high altitude (severe asthma, heart and lung problems, previous injuries, or surgeries, among other medical conditions). Currently no vaccination is required, however, this may change with time.

Question 5

What if I get sick or injured on the trip and I can&#x27;t continue?

Accepted Answer

Depending on the situation, is how you can proceed. It is possible to request horse assistance service, to return to the beginning spot and end the experience or continue the route. The insurance will evaluate the case to know if it is covered by the policy. Altitude sickness is not included in the insurance provided; it only covers accidents.

Question 6

What currency do you recommend I bring? Where can I change?

Accepted Answer

The currency used in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). We recommend that you change to the local currency before arriving in the country. It is also possible to exchange mainly dollars and euros at some exchange offices, airport and ATMs upon arrival in the country. Not all stores accept international credit and debit cards, so it is recommended to have some cash on hand. 
###MX 
In the following link you can find an estimate of the current exchange rate in Mexican pesos: https://www.xe.com/es/currencyconverter/convert/?Amount=1&From=COP&To=MXN 
Note: The exchange rate may vary depending on the bank or exchange house where it is processed.

Question 7

What is not included in this experience? What extra expenses are?

Accepted Answer

Transportation to the meeting point, personal travel equipment such as: waterproof clothing, thermal clothing, trekking shoes, backpack. Sleeping bag is not included (you must have your own sleeping bag), food and beverages not mentioned in the program, personal expenses.

Question 8

If the experience is in groups, how large are the groups?

Accepted Answer

For biosafety reasons, the groups are small. There are 06 travelers per 01 hiking guide. And 06 travelers for 02 guides in medium and high mountain.

Question 9

Do I have free time during the activities of the experience?

Accepted Answer

The activities start very early in the morning and end in the afternoon. Due to the type of experience, the physical demand and the long duration of the routes, the return schedules can be variable. So, you may not have any free time.

Question 10

What recommendations are there for days off?

Accepted Answer

Because of the type of experience, there are no days off. However, if you wish, you can take extra nights before or after your trip, on your own.

Question 11

If the experience includes meals, what are the dishes like?

Accepted Answer

The meals included in your experience can be: a sandwich for lunch, typical Colombian food at the farms (soups, rice, grains, potatoes, eggs, meat, salad), meals prepared by the guide (tortillas, avocado, vegetables, canned food). There are also vegetarian options, it is important to clarify that the food can be a bit repetitive: potato, rice, lentils, beans and so on.

Question 12

What is the average price of the meals not included?

Accepted Answer

It depends a lot on the place and it can vary, but it could be between 20,000 or 40,000 Colombian pesos. (approximately $5 to $10 USD per meal)

Question 13

How are the accommodations within this adventure? What is the name of the hotel

Accepted Answer

The lodging is in a local far, each traveler must have his own sleeping bag. They are basic houses; they have a bathroom outside the room.

Question 14

What happens if I travel alone? Is it possible?

Accepted Answer

If possible. It is necessary to consider that the accommodation will be shared, we will try accommodating with someone of the same gender, but this is not possible to guarantee it.

Question 15

What is the minimum age? Does the price change for minors?

Accepted Answer

The minimum age recommended is between 14-15 years old, always accompanied by an adult. The price would be the same.

Question 16

If I arrive a day earlier or leave a day later, where can I stay?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended to arrive one day before the experience to avoid any setbacks, since departure times are around 06:00 to 07:00 am. You can get hotel accommodation in Manizales.

Question 17

Will I have internet and/or phone coverage, as well as Wifi?

Accepted Answer

The farm is a very basic accommodation, so they do not have wifi. During the tour in some points have cell phone signal, but it is very light and may not have at any time. The guides have satellite radio communication to be in constant communication.

Question 18

Will I be able to charge my electronic devices?

Accepted Answer

The farm has solar energy, but at night the system is turned off to avoid discharging the battery. Depending on the number of people staying, a short period of time is granted. Therefore, we recommend that you bring additional batteries of more than 20,000 mAh so that you can be sure to charge your electronic devices.

Question 19

What voltage is used, do I need an adapter?

Accepted Answer

The plugs and outlets used on the farms and in Colombia in general are type B with a voltage of 110 V.

Question 20

What time can I arrive on day 1?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended to arrive one day earlier to the city of Manizales, since the scheduled departure time is around 06:00 am. The pickup service is available at the hotels where you would be staying and then start the tour. (Pick up service available only for hotels that are in the city)

Question 21

Within what time frame will we finish on the last day?

Accepted Answer

The end time depends on the physical conditions of the group and the weather conditions. Normally groups finish around 4:00 - 5:00 pm but this can change.

Question 22

What physical condition do I need to complete this experience?

Accepted Answer

Previous mountaineering experience is required. Activities can last more than 12 hours a day, with distances up to 19 kilometers (≈12 miles) and an elevation change of 2,800 meters (≈9,000ft). The terrain is rugged, with steep slopes, uneven or even no trail (exploratory), some stretches with mud, others rocky, others sandy and without shade; sometimes it may be necessary to use your hands for support and balance.  The altitude is above 4,000 meters (≈13.000 ft)

Question 23

Do I need travel insurance? What should my policy cover?

Accepted Answer

This experience has a basic insurance which covers accidents during your trip (it does not cover altitude sickness). However, it is recommended that you carry a separate insurance policy that covers adventure activities, mountaineering and/or trekking.

Question 24

Do I need any special equipment? What kind of clothes do I need?

Accepted Answer

It is necessary for each traveler to bring his/her own basic equipment which consists of: Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, appropriate backpack for trekking (30 to 40 liters), trekking pants, appropriate shoes for walking (trekking boots), waterproof jacket, waterproof pants, change of socks to be on the farm, change of clothes (to sleep warm), change of shoes (sandals), flashlight, gloves, sleeping bag, 2 liter water bottle, mask.

Question 25

What size backpack or suitcase do you recommend me to take? Can we store luggage

Accepted Answer

We recommend carrying a trekking backpack of 30 liters or more, with support at the waist and chest (chest strap and comfortable lumbar belt), with its rain protection (rain cover). The weight to carry is approximately 8 to 10 kilos per person. That would be lunch for day one, personal items, change of clothes and warm clothes for sleeping, your snacks, flashlight, change of shoes, sleeping bag, among others.

Question 26

Do I need a visa to enter the country?

Accepted Answer

It is necessary to check directly with the embassy of your country to confirm if there are any visa requirements to visit Colombia. This will depend on your nationality. It is also important that your passport has at least six months validity from the date of your return. In the following link you can find information about the countries that require a visa to visit Colombia: https://pasaportecolombiano.wordpress.com/paises-que-requieren-visa-para-entrar-a-colombia/ 
###MX 
Travelers with Mexican passports do NOT need a visa to visit Colombia for a maximum of 90 days Note: It is the traveler&#x27;s responsibility to have the corresponding requirements to leave the country and to access the destination; in case of denial, LocalAdventures is not responsible for any charges derived from such situation.

Question 27

What are the heights that you have in this experience?

Accepted Answer

Day 1:
Minimum height - Manizales 2,153 m, Santa Rosa 1,715m or Pereira 1,411m.
Maximum height - Laguna Verde Encantada Viewpoint 4,400m
Day 2:
Minimum height - Manizales 2,153 m, Santa Rosa 1,715m or Pereira 1,411m.
Maximum height - Snowy Peak Santa Isabel 4,964 masl.

2 days tour

Ascent To The Nevado Santa Isabel

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Itinerary of your trip Ascent To The Nevado Santa Isabel

Manizales - Finca Campo Alegre - Trek

Summit of Nevado Santa Isabel - Manizales

Tour leaving from Manizales

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