Machín Volcano Excursion from Salento

Limited spots
Discounts
Book now with 50%
Start: Calle 2 #6-09 Salento Quindío, Cocoratours office or Salento hotels
3 reviews
5 (3 Reviews)
Start: Calle 2 #6-09 Salento Quindío, Cocoratours office or Salento hotels
From: $ 660.000
5
(3 reviews)
Check
Duration

1 Day

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

Unlimited

Languages

English, Español

About this tour

The region's most complete tour in a single day: it combines La Carbonera, the largest and best-preserved wax palm sanctuary in the region and the world's most extensive forest of our national tree, with the geological power of the Cerro Machín volcano: its fumaroles, stalagmites, and natural hot springs, passing through Toche, the old-time village.

The adventure begins in Salento in the traditional Jeep Willys along the Camino Nacional, passing viewpoints, small waterfalls, and traditional farms, up to Alto de La Línea, where the temperature drops and fog wraps the landscape. With more than 10 attractions and a bilingual guide, it's an intense and memorable experience, ideal for those who want to see it all in one day.


Tour Details

  • Total duration: full day (early morning start).
  • Attractions: La Carbonera, Cerro Machín volcano (fumaroles), hot springs, stalagmites, and Toche.
  • Altitude: crossing the Alto de La Línea (~3,300 m / 10,800 ft above sea level); Cerro Machín volcano (~2,749 m / 9,020 ft).
  • Difficulty level: moderate (mostly easy hiking; one steeper stretch up to a viewpoint).
  • Terrain: unpaved mountain road, palm forest, and volcano trails.
  • Start and end point: Salento, Quindío (office at Calle 2 #6-09 or an agreed meeting point at the main square; hotel pickup within the urban area of Salento, Quindío). Pickup from other cities (for example, Armenia, Circasia, or Pereira) is available for an additional fee.
  • Includes: transportation, bilingual guide, entrance fees, country-style breakfast in Toche, snack, lunch at a farm, hot springs, and stalagmites.

What will you experience?

You leave Salento by Jeep along the Camino Nacional, stopping at natural viewpoints, small waterfalls, and traditional farms. You climb up to the vantage points of Nevado del Tolima and Paramillo del Quindío (visible from the road when it's not foggy) and cross the Alto de La Línea, where temperatures can drop to 7°C (45°F) amid thick fog.

You descend to La Carbonera to walk through the world's largest wax palm forest, a restricted area you'll explore almost privately. You continue to Toche, a village from times gone by, where you enjoy a country-style breakfast, and then reach Cerro Volcán Machín to discover its natural surroundings and its fumaroles, the vents where steam rises from the volcano.

The day continues at the natural hot springs farm, where you can soak in the thermal pools, and in the lower area with stalagmites and other formations. After a country-style lunch, you return to Salento with the satisfaction of having experienced one of the most complete tours in the Coffee Region.


Difficulty level and fitness

This is a moderate tour: much of it is done by vehicle and the hiking is mostly easy, with one stretch climbing more steeply up the mountain to a viewpoint. It's not recommended for babies or very young children due to the length of the day; travelers with reduced mobility can do a version that skips the more demanding sections. Keep in mind the cold and altitude at La Línea.


Departure times

We offer several departure times throughout the morning so you can choose the one that best suits your pace; you can select an available time when booking. Since this is a full-day tour, it starts early and requires advance booking (no same-day ticket sales). We recommend arriving 10 minutes before the start to make the most of your day.


What to bring and tips

  • Comfortable, layered clothing with a windbreaker or insulated jacket (it gets very cold at La Línea).
  • Footwear suitable for walking on mountain trails or meadows.
  • Cap or hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
  • Swimsuit and towel for the hot springs.
  • Cash (almost no places accept cards) and a fully charged camera or phone.

Tips and safety

  • Follow your guide's instructions, especially near the volcano's fumaroles.
  • Stay hydrated; mountain weather can change in minutes.
  • Respect the sanctuary and the volcano's surroundings: don't leave trash behind and don't touch the young palms.

Customize your experience

Traveling from another town or want to customize the tour? We offer additional transportation from Circasia, Filandia, Quimbaya, Calarcá, Montenegro, or the Armenia and Pereira airports. Tell us what you need and we'll arrange it.

Highlights

  • The largest and best-preserved wax palm sanctuary in the region (La Carbonera, 500,000+ palms).
  • Cerro Machín volcano: fumaroles, stalagmites, and natural hot springs.
  • Crossing the Alto de La Línea with views toward Nevado del Tolima and Paramillo del Quindío.
  • More than 10 attractions in a single day, with country-style breakfast and lunch included.
  • Jeep Willys tour with a bilingual guide; discounts from the third person on.

Included/Excluded

  • Transportation from Salento, Quindío
  • Natural viewpoints of Salento
  • Small natural waterfalls
  • Nevado and Paramillo viewpoint
  • Country-style breakfast in Toche
  • Birdwatching along the way
  • Crossing the cloudy La Línea pass
  • Tour and entrance to La Carbonera
  • Tour of the great palm forest
  • Bilingual guide and interpretation
  • Snack during the tour
  • Lunch at a country farm
  • Waterfall in the middle of the natural forest
  • Cerro Machín volcano and sightseeing
  • Entrance to the Machín hot springs pools
  • Entrance and tour of the stalagmites
  • Lodging, glamping, or camping
  • Meals during the activity
  • Transportation outside Salento, Quindío
  • Horseback ride at the destination

Itinerary

We set off in a Jeep Willys along the dirt road, stopping at Salento's natural viewpoints, small waterfalls, and traditional farms.

We climb to the viewing areas of Nevado del Tolima and Paramillo del Quindío (visible if there's no fog) and cross the Alto de La Línea, where the temperature drops and the mist grows thick.

We walk through the largest wax palm forest in the world, a restricted area we explore almost privately, with stories from the guide.

We arrive at the old-time village of Toche, where we enjoy a traditional farm-style breakfast.

We explore the natural surroundings of the Cerro Machín volcano and reach the fumaroles, the vents where steam rises from the volcano.

We enter the natural hot spring pools on the farm, perfect for relaxing after the hike.

We hike down to the lower area to see the stalagmites and other natural formations in the area.

We enjoy a farm-style lunch at the farm and return by Jeep to Salento.

Duration

Full day (7+ hours)

Languages

English
Español

Frequently asked questions

Yes. We don't sell same-day tickets: activities must be booked in advance. We run the tour every day of the year with a minimum of 2 people (adults).

The activity starts in Salento (office at Calle 2 #6-09 or an agreed meeting point in the main square). If you're staying in Salento's town area, we can pick you up at your hotel.

Depending on availability that day, it's usually a Jeep Willys, though it may also be a Duster or minivan.

Yes. If you're in Circasia, Filandia, Quimbaya, Calarcá, Montenegro, or arriving at the Armenia or Pereira airports, we offer round-trip transportation for an additional fee.

The incline is gentle for most of the route; the most demanding stretch is the viewpoint, which climbs the mountain at a slope of about 45 degrees.

We don't recommend it for babies or very young children, since it's a full-day tour (over 6 hours) with exposure to sun, cold, and possible rain.

Yes, in a different way or by skipping the most demanding sections of the tour. Message us and we'll adapt the route.

The plan includes a farm-style breakfast in Toche, a snack during the tour, and lunch at a local farm. If you're vegetarian or have any dietary restrictions, let us know when booking.

Layered clothing with a thermal jacket or windbreaker (it's very cold at La Línea), hiking shoes, a cap, sunscreen, insect repellent, a swimsuit and towel for the hot springs, cash, and a charged camera.

Mountain weather is changeable, and the tour runs normally in light rain. If the weather worsens and poses a risk, we'll notify you in advance to reschedule.

You can book by paying 50% and pay the rest on the day of the tour. Yes. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start of the activity: we refund 100% of what you paid, with no fees. You can also change the date at no cost with 24 hours' notice or more, subject to availability. With less than 24 hours' notice, or if you don't show up, the booking is non-refundable. See our Cancellation Policy.

We offer guiding in Spanish and English. Select your language at checkout.

Tour's Location

Start: Calle 2 #6-09 Salento Quindío, Cocoratours office or Salento hotels

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
#Discount groupFrom adultTo adultValue
13 to 5 people35 10%
2Ultra relaxation610 20%

Reviews

5/5
Excellent
(3 Reviews)
Excellent
3
Very Good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
3 reviews on this Tour - Showing 1 to 3
Rodolfo Rosales
29/09/2025
Excellent service, very reliable! Wonderful people; the guides make you feel very welcome and are fun, well prepared and very respectful.
Anna ED
29/09/2024
We had a problem with our flight and had to reschedule the tour several times, with no issues at all. On arrival, the guide was very friendly (maybe his name is Leo?). Our route was beautiful, the 3-hour one along the river, and we loved the experience.
Jefry Llerena
29/09/2021
They're experts at what they do; the tour itineraries are great. They made everything simple for us, so we made the most of our time and discovered new places.

Write a review

From: $ 660.000
5 (3 Reviews)

Why book with us?

  • This tour includes entrance fees

    This tour includes entrance fees

    includes entry to the stunning wax palm forest at La Carbonera, Cerro Machín and the hot springs. Get ready to marvel at the surreal landscape of the tallest palms in the world

  • This activity includes a meal

    This activity includes a meal

    This activity is complemented by a delicious culinary experience, as it includes a traditional country breakfast and lunch at local farms

  • Includes private transportation in a Jeep Willys

    Includes private transportation in a Jeep Willys

    This activity includes exclusive private transportation aboard an authentic Jeep Willys, provided directly by Cocoratours, ensuring comfort and a memorable experience

  • Expert local guide to help you discover the area

    Expert local guide to help you discover the area

    This activity goes beyond a simple visit, as it includes an expert local guide whose mission is to make sure you don't just "see" the landscapes, but truly get to know and understand the place you visit, immersing yourself in its history and culture.

  • Book your activity now with just 50%!

    Book your activity now with just 50%!

    At Cocoratours, we want planning your next adventure to be easier than ever. You can now book your favorite activity by paying just 50% today and the rest on the day of the tour.

  •  Instant confirmation when you complete your purchase!

    Instant confirmation when you complete your purchase!

    At Cocoratours, we want you to have all the information instantly. Once you confirm your purchase, you'll receive an automatic email with: your booking receipt, all the details of your activity, contact information and meeting points.

  • Your security is our priority

    Your security is our priority

    At Cocoratours, we take the protection of your data very seriously. That's why we use the SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) security protocol, which ensures that all the information you share with us is fully encrypted and protected.

Owner

cocoratour

Member Since 2022

Information Contact

Email

info@cocoratours.com.co

Website

cocoratours.com.co

Phone

3137593013

Explore other options