Nevado del Ruiz is an active stratovolcano in Colombia, rising to 5,321 metres in the Cordillera Central of the Andes. It sits close to the equator, which makes its snow-capped summit an unusual sight: glaciers and ice above landscapes that are otherwise tropical.
What to expect
The volcano is one of the country's most dangerous, and it is monitored closely. Visits are meant to be made with a guide, and the wider area is treated with care. Anyone planning a trip should check current conditions and advice before setting out, as access can change with volcanic activity.
The lower slopes are a good place to see the páramo, a high-altitude ecosystem found in the northern Andes. Its open grasslands, shrubs and wetlands are distinctive, and walking through them gives a clear sense of how quickly the environment changes with height.
Why visit
- Snow and glacier ice on a summit only a short distance north of the equator
- The páramo ecosystem, shaped by altitude and cold
- The contrast between tropical lowlands and icy high ground within a short journey
Nevado del Ruiz suits visitors who are comfortable with altitude and prefer a landscape shaped by active geology. Going with a guide and following local guidance will make the trip both safer and more rewarding.