Nevado del Ruiz Volcano Circuit
Coffee country to active volcano crater
The Nevado del Ruiz circuit climbs from coffee plantations to glacial moonscapes, wrapping around Colombia’s most notorious active volcano through páramo that feels more Mars than earth. Starting in Manizales, the route ascends through cloud forest on deteriorating asphalt before hitting dirt at 12,000 feet, then grinding up volcanic scree to the crater viewpoint at 17,000 feet where sulfur stench and glacier views remind you this thing killed 25,000 people in 1985.
Difficult due to altitude, weather, and volcanic activity monitoring. High-clearance 4WD essential above treeline; stock vehicles can make it to mid-elevations but struggle in volcanic sand. Best attempted June through August during dry season, though weather changes fast at altitude. Current volcanic alert status determines access — check INGEOMINAS before departure. Manizales has full services; carry extra fuel, water, and warm gear for elevation. Reward is standing on Colombia’s roof with views across three cordilleras and the humbling reminder that some mountains fight back.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 89 mi / 143 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 17000 ft |
| Best season | June-August |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Manizales, Caldas |
| Land manager | Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | parquesnacionales.gov.co |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or Jimny handle this trail, or do I need a lifted rig?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Hilux or Land Cruiser 70 Series will get you through, but lockers or at minimum a limited-slip rear diff are strongly advised — the upper sections near the crater get loose volcanic scree and soft pumice that will swallow an open diff. Lift helps but isn't the deciding factor; traction control and clearance are.
When is the trail actually passable — is it closed in the wet season?
June through August is the driest and most reliable window. The Colombian Andes have two wet seasons and the trail turns brutal with mud and washed-out sections from September through November and again March through May. Some sections may be completely impassable after heavy rain even in the dry season.
Do I need a permit to drive through Los Nevados National Park, and where do I get it?
Yes — Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia requires an entrance permit for Los Nevados. Book through their official portal at parquesnacionales.gov.co before you go; rangers at checkpoints will turn you around without one. Fees apply per person and foreign nationals pay a higher rate than Colombian nationals.
What's the hardest section of the circuit and what makes it dangerous?
The push above 15,000 feet toward the crater viewpoints is where things get serious — loose volcanic rock, steep exposed switchbacks, and altitude that will cook your engine and your lungs simultaneously. Acute mountain sickness is a real risk; if you're coming straight from Manizales at 7,000 feet, spend at least one night acclimatizing before attempting the upper circuit.
Is there anywhere to refuel between Manizales and the far end of the circuit near Murillo?
No fuel on the trail itself — fill up completely in Manizales before you leave, and consider carrying a jerry can. The 89-mile circuit with significant low-range driving at altitude will hit fuel economy hard, and the nearest reliable stations on the eastern exit are down in Murillo or Herveo, both small towns with limited supply.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.