How to get by car to Nevado del Ruiz in Colombia?

Okay, picture this: you're in Colombia, ready to tackle what's said to be the highest road in the whole country! We're heading to Nevado del Ruiz, a seriously impressive, snow-capped volcano towering 5,321m (17,457ft) above sea level. This bad boy, also called La Mesa de Herveo or Kumanday, straddles the Caldas and Tolima departments in western Colombia, deep inside Los Nevados National Natural Park.

Heads up, the weather here is no joke – even in summer, it can suddenly feel like winter! Plus, this is one of the most active volcanoes in the Americas, so the road can be closed if things get dicey. Starting from Carretera 50, you've got an 18.6 km (11.55 miles) climb ahead.

The road starts out paved, but it gets rougher as you go. You'll hit Parador Turístico La Esperanza at 4,117m, which has a barrier that can close if the volcano's acting up. It's also a good spot to take a break, with parking, services, and little bars. From there, it's unpaved all the way, so a 4x4 with high clearance is definitely your friend. The road ends at El Refugio hut, sitting pretty at 4,804m (15,761ft), which is where the hike to the actual summit begins. Get ready for some killer views!