The Huila Snowy is one of the most important tourist destinations and visited in Huila, is the biggest attraction of this department, and why not? If this imposing snowy craves visitors who can see it on clear days from different cities in the country.
Pico Nevado del Huila (Image: IDEAM)
How to get to Huila Snowy
Huila Snowy is located in the Central Colombian mountain range between the departments of Cauca, Huila and Tolima. In order to arrive at the Huila snowy must go to the Alto Paez, the routes of access more used are from Santander de Quilichao in the route El Palo – Tacueyó – hill the Alps.
From Popayán, you must take the Piendamó – Silvia – Mosoco – Toez – Alto Paez route.
Recommendations to go to Huila Snowy
In the Huila Snowy you will find temperatures between 13°C and 3°C, it is recommended to have appropriate equipment for the ascent, use waterproof jacket and pants, ski masks, gloves, sun block, dark glasses in the glaciers, high mountain boots. Take extra clothes in your backpack for the end of the tour.
It is important for the tourist to know that the water of the thaws is not consumable because it contains acids that affect the organism. It is necessary for the tourist to undergo an acclimatization process.
The route of ascent to the peaks requires a full day, be prepared to have to camp in conditions of low temperatures.
Route in the Huila Snowy
The Huila Snowy is a place of wonder, although due to global warming, the glacier area has decreased noticeably, presenting in 2001 12.9 km2 of area and currently only 7 km2, is still an excellent tourist destination if what moves it is adventure and adrenaline.
From the moment you arrive at the Paez area you will begin the experience, because there you will find an excellent landscape, in addition to the Paez Lagoon and the Frailejonal. Paez Lagoon is a magical place, full of perfection and one of the most important and beautiful places you will see in this long journey.
Image by Lanacion.com.co
The Huila Snowy has 4 peaks located more than 5.000 meters above sea level, the highest is 5.360 meters above sea level, however, the tour is really wonderful, in this tourist destination you can see Condors of the Andes, the most important species of Colombia and one of the most imposing, in addition to other species such as deer, eagles and spectacled bears.
In addition to all this, in the Huila snow-covered mountain you will find different water sources, the Cañón del Río Paez is a place of astonishment in which from and inside the earth a stream of thermal waters is born that has become one of the obligatory steps in this zone of the country because you will be able to bathe and relax in these warm waters.
You will also see streams, creeks and rivers that descend from the perpetual snows to feed the region.
The snowy Huila is located in an area that was sacred to the indigenous Paeces, who lived there for many years, in fact, in the park there is an indigenous shelter that you can visit, remember to be very respectful of their beliefs and their ecosystem.
Visiting the Huila Snowy is an incomparable experience in which you will live difficult moments of much physical effort, but also moments of harmony with yourself and with nature, is an encounter with all the richness and peace offered by these ecosystems and Colombian landscapes.
Image taken from Absolutviajes.com
Where to Eat in Nevado del Huila
The closest thing you will find to take food is in the high Paez, there is a cabin of the Ministry of Environment where you can cook, it is essential to bring your own food. Remember to have good hydration for the tour in the park and have food with high caloric content.
Camping in Nevado del Huila
As mentioned above, in the upper Paez there is a cabin of the Ministry of Environment in which tourists can, in addition to cooking, camp. There are also two kiosks and good conditions to spend the night. It is important that you have good camping equipment for low temperatures.
