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Trekking Expedition to Laguna Magdalena (January 11–14, 2027) | Limited Spots

  • May 6
  • 3 min read

Páramo Las Papas: Trekking to the Source of the Magdalena River


The source of one of Colombia’s most important rivers lies hidden within one of the country’s most remote and untouched landscapes: the Páramo Las Papas. This is where the Magdalena River — Colombia’s lifeline — begins.


With this 4-day trekking expedition from San Agustín, Chaska Tours offers an immersive nature experience for experienced adventurers. Far away from mass tourism, this journey leads through cloud forests, high-altitude wetlands, and rural communities — raw, authentic, and unforgettable.



Why This Tour Is So Special

The area surrounding Laguna Magdalena is part of the Colombian Massif, one of South America’s most important water sources. Several of the country’s major rivers originate here.


But what truly makes this expedition unique is:

  • 🌿 Untouched nature within fragile high-altitude ecosystems

  • 🏞️ A rarely explored region — a true off-the-beaten-path experience

  • 🧭 An expedition-style journey rather than a comfort-oriented tour

  • 🤝 Authentic encounters with local families


This is not a classic tour — it is a conscious choice for intensity, simplicity, and genuine experience.



Why We Are Offering This Group Expedition Now

Over the past few years, we have received an increasing number of requests to visit Laguna Magdalena. The desire to experience the source of the Magdalena River is understandable — and growing steadily.


At the same time, this route comes with significant challenges: this is not an ordinary trekking tour. The expedition-style nature, the remote location, and the complex logistics make individually organized trips demanding and expensive.


That is why we decided to take a new approach:in 2027, Chaska Tours will organize its first official group expedition to this region.


Our goal is to make this experience more accessible without losing its original character.


What This Means

  • Shared costs while maintaining the same quality

  • Clear organization and fixed travel dates

  • Small groups for a more immersive experience (max. 7–8 participants)

  • The expedition is guaranteed once a minimum of 4 participants is reached



Route Overview (4 Days / 3 Nights)

The expedition starts and ends in San Agustín:

Day 1: San Agustín – Quinachana – San Antonio

Day 2: San Antonio – Laguna Magdalena – Loyola

Day 3: Loyola – Laguna de Santiago – San Antonio

Day 4: San Antonio – Quinachana – San Agustín


Important Note:

Reaching Laguna Magdalena cannot be guaranteed. Weather conditions, park regulations, or the group’s physical condition may require adjustments to the route.



Difficulty & Conditions: A Real Expedition

This tour has been intentionally designed as a highly demanding experience.


General Conditions

  • Altitude: approx. 2,000 – 3,500 m / 6,560 – 11,480 ft

  • Climate: cold, humid, and frequently rainy

  • Terrain: mud, rocks, and river crossings

  • Daily hiking time: up to 6+ hours

This means that physical fitness is not merely recommended — it is essential.


Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation is provided in simple rural fincas along the route.


What You Should Know

  • No electricity available (power banks are essential)

  • Cold water only

  • Shared sleeping areas

  • No Wi-Fi or mobile signal


Meals are simple but nutritious:

  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners

  • Drinking water (approx. 2 liters per day)

  • Snacks during the trek

These conditions are intentionally part of the experience — authentic and unfiltered.


Included Services

  • Local Spanish-speaking guide and baquiano

  • Pack horse for luggage + emergency horse (one per four participants)

  • Private transportation (San Agustín – Quinachana – return)

  • Accommodation and meals

  • Snacks and drinking water

  • Trekking equipment (trekking poles, rubber boots, ponchos)

  • First-aid kit and accident insurance


Who Is This Expedition For?

This expedition is designed for travelers seeking something beyond conventional tourism.


Ideal for you if you:

  • are in very good physical condition

  • enjoy demanding trekking experiences

  • want to experience nature in its purest form

  • are comfortable with basic conditions

  • are looking for a true offline experience


Important Information

  • Adults only

  • Health information must be provided in advance

  • The route may be adjusted depending on conditions

  • Weather may significantly affect the experience

  • Reaching the lagoon cannot be guaranteed


Dates & Price

📅 January 11–14, 2027

👥 Min. 4 | Max. 8 participants

💰 COP 2,000,000 per person

👉 Guaranteed departure from 4 participants onward.

If fewer people register, the expedition may still operate with a small-group surcharge.


A Journey to the Origin — In Every Sense

Páramo Las Papas is not a place for fast tourism. It is a destination for travelers willing to embrace nature, simplicity, and themselves.


If you want to understand where Colombia’s most important river is born, your journey begins right here.



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