Campo Santo of Armero

The Campo Santo of Armero, located in northern Tolima, is one of the most important places for understanding Colombia’s recent history. The former town was destroyed on November 13, 1985, when a massive flow of mud and debris rushed down from the Nevado del Ruiz after an eruption melted part of its glaciers. The mixture of water, rocks, and ash traveled through the river channels, gained volume, and reached Armero during the night, burying most of the town and causing thousands of deaths. The area became completely uninhabitable and was never rebuilt.

A walk through the former town

Today, the Campo Santo preserves the traces of the old urban layout: marked streets, foundations of houses, remnants of structures, and spaces identified by families showing where their homes or businesses once stood. Walking through this open territory allows visitors to understand how the town was organized and to visualize the scale of the event.

Local stories and collective memory

Community guides accompany visitors along the route, explaining clearly and respectfully how the tragedy unfolded and what it meant for the survivors. Their narratives include testimonies, historical information, and insights into how the town has been remembered and managed over the decades. This guidance provides valuable context without sensationalism, highlighting the importance of memory and learning in the face of natural hazards.

Symbolic spaces and points of interest

Throughout the site, visitors find monuments, commemorative plaques, and areas that show how the landscape changed after the avalanche. Some points recall specific events or the stories of families who lived there. These elements help visitors understand not only the past but also the ongoing efforts to keep Armero’s memory alive.

A place to learn and reflect

The Campo Santo of Armero is a simple and accessible site, ideal for travelers exploring Tolima who are seeking a meaningful cultural experience. More than a place of tragedy, it is a setting where visitors can learn about risk management, memory, and community resilience.