Murillo-Manizales road

A High-Mountain Journey

The road that connects Murillo with Manizales is one of the most scenic high-mountain routes in Colombia. These 83 kilometers of unpaved road climb above 4,000 meters, making it one of the highest roads in the country. Its proximity to Los Nevados National Natural Park means that the weather can shift in minutes: sunshine, sudden fog, light rain, or even morning frost.

First Stretch: Hillsides and Crops

The journey begins among green hillsides, potato fields, and mountain farms that reflect rural life in northern Tolima. As the road climbs, the vegetation becomes lower until the first frailejones appear, marking the entrance to a unique and fragile high-Andean ecosystem.

Transition Into the Páramo

From here, the landscape opens toward wide glacial valleys and the depth of the Lagunilla River canyon, one of the region’s most important geographical features. The views become broader and the environment colder and windier—typical of páramo zones.

Viewpoints and Key Stops

Midway along the route, travelers often stop at natural viewpoints to take in the scenery: small streams born from the páramo, warm patches of ground showing geothermal activity, and overlooks that reveal the magnitude of the territory. On clear days, the Nevado del Ruiz stands out prominently on the horizon.

The Highest Sections

In the uppermost stretches, the road crosses silent plains where the páramo unfolds in its full immensity. The cold intensifies, and with some luck, patches of snow may be seen on the slopes of the Nevado del Ruiz. For many, this is the most memorable part of the journey.

Descent Toward Manizales

The route then begins to descend into Caldas, bringing back the intense green of the high-Andean forests. The road becomes less demanding and eventually leads to the capital city after a journey marked by constant changes in climate and landscape.