Los Nevados National Park

Los Nevados National Park stands as one of Colombia's most stunning natural reserves. Located in the central Andes, this park covers over 58,000 hectares and features some of the country's most impressive snow-capped peaks, including Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado del Tolima, and Nevado Santa Isabel. The varied elevations create distinctive ecosystems ranging from tropical forests at the lower altitudes to páramo (high mountain tundra) and permanent snow zones at the peaks.

The park is home to remarkable biodiversity with unique species adapted to high-altitude environments. You might spot Andean condors soaring overhead or spectacled bears if you're particularly lucky. The unusual frailejones plants dot the landscape - they look like something from another planet with their fuzzy leaves and strange shapes. These plants grow just one centimeter per year, meaning the larger specimens you'll see are often hundreds of years old.

Interestingly, Los Nevados sits within Colombia's coffee region, and the fertile volcanic soil from these mountains contributes to the country's famous coffee production. The park contains several active volcanoes, including Nevado del Ruiz which tragically erupted in 1985, causing the Armero disaster that claimed over 23,000 lives. Today, the volcanoes are closely monitored, and the park offers safe access to some truly breathtaking landscapes.

While visiting, you'll find thermal springs, pristine lakes like Laguna Verde with its striking emerald color, and panoramic views that stretch for miles on clear days. The changing landscapes as you ascend make it feel like traveling through multiple countries in a single day trip.