Volcano Lover: 6-Day Coffee Region & Nevado del Ruiz

Starting from Medellín, this route winds through Colombia's coffee axis and into the volcanic landscapes of the central Andes. Mountain highways meet dirt backroads, linking colonial towns, coffee farms and high-altitude páramo.

You'll pass through Jardín, Salento and Filandia, towns known for colourful streets, lively plazas and deep coffee traditions. Walk among the world's tallest palm trees in the Cocora Valley, then climb toward Nevado del Ruiz, one of Colombia's most famous volcanoes.

585 miles | 70% paved, 30% unpaved

DAY 1: MEDELLÍN TO JARDÍN (4 hrs, 90 mi)
Seven abandoned train tunnels and a century-old viaduct: the best way out is through the ruins. Lunch at Cerro Tusa Springs under the largest natural pyramid on Earth, then a night in colonial Jardín.

DAY 2: JARDÍN TO SALENTO (5 hrs, 95 mi)
Breakfast at the famous Macanas coffee house, rocky off-road switchbacks to Riosucio, and endless coffee farms. End the day with tejo, Colombia's traditional game of explosive cornhole.

DAY 3: SALENTO TO QUIMBAYA (3.5 hrs, 70 mi)
Hike or horseback through the Cocora cloud forest, take in the 360° view from Filandia, then overnight at Tukawa coffee farm with an infinity pool and farm-to-table dinner.

DAY 4: QUIMBAYA TO TERMALES EL OTOÑO (4.5 hrs, 125 mi)
This is where the tour changes. Backcountry trails out of coffee country into the central Andes, ending in natural hot springs with a cocktail and an exquisite dinner.

DAY 5: TERMALES EL OTOÑO TO SALAMINA (5 hrs, 85 mi)
Climb above 13,000 feet for glacial views of Nevado del Ruiz, an active volcano with snow at the summit. Winding Andean backroads to Salamina, a restored colonial town on a mountain ridge.

DAY 6: SALAMINA TO MEDELLÍN (5 hrs, 120 mi)
Day 6 is for the riders. Ridge-top coffee farms, an optional off-road detour on one of the best backroads in Antioquia, and a final lookout over Medellín.

Best for: All levels. We adapt the route to the group: more pavement to keep it easy, or extra off-road.