Can you imagine buying a mountain in the middle of nowhere and having the largest flying birds in the world as neighbors? Although it sounds like a fictional story, this place exists and is in Colombia.
Colombia News
The Ruta del Cóndor, in Villamaría (Caldas), is home to one of the most remote and surprising lodgings in Colombia. Accessible only on foot, on horseback or by aerial gondola, this luxury glamping site has become a natural refuge that national and foreign travelers fall in love with.
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In the heart of the Coffee Region, more than 30 kilometers from the nearest civilization, there is a luxury accommodation surrounded by canyons more than 200 meters high, a volcano in the background and a pair of condors that have inhabited the area for more than two decades.
It is a little-known destination, but highly valued by foreign tourists looking to disconnect from urban noise and reconnect with nature.
Where is the Condor Route?
The Ruta del Cóndor begins in the municipality of Villamaría, very close to Manizales, capital of the department of Caldas. From there, travelers must travel approximately 17 kilometers along an unpaved road that crosses spectacular mountain landscapes.
The journey lasts between an hour and an hour and a half, depending on the weather and the type of vehicle, since it is recommended to travel in tall cars, especially in the rainy season.
One of the most important details is that there is no telephone signal in this area, so it is necessary to notify your arrival at the accommodation in advance.
An unconventional access: arriving by air or on foot
The lodge is located on a plateau surrounded by deep canyons, making road access impossible. To get there, there are three options:
- Hike between one and an hour and a half, depending on physical condition.
- on horsebackin a journey of approximately 30 minutes.
- aerial gondolaa cable built by the owner of the place that crosses the canyon of the Los Molinos River, more than 250 meters high.
This canyon also has a strong historical value, since the avalanche caused by the eruption of Nevado del Ruiz that caused the Armero tragedy descended almost 40 years ago.
The origin of a unique project in Colombia
The history of the place begins with Jaime Boteroarchitect and motorcyclist passionate about traveling through South America. During one of his trips along the Condor Route, he found the opportunity to buy a completely isolated mountain without any type of access.
Despite the warnings, he decided to acquire it and, over time, together with his family, he gave life to a sustainable tourism project. His children, also architects, and his wife Yamilé, a garden expert, were key in the development of the place.
The idea was to create luxury safari tents that would allow visitors to explore what is now known as the condor’s nesthome to a pair of these birds that has been inhabiting the area for more than 26 years.
It is worth remembering that the Andean condor is in danger of extinction in Colombia, which makes this site a strategic point for its conservation.
Luxury glamping in the middle of the mountains
Although they are called tents, the level of comfort is far from traditional camping. The structures are made with sailcloth and recycled wood, harmoniously integrated into the natural environment. Each accommodation has:
- comfortable bed
- coffee station
- Private bathroom
- Panoramic shower with canyon view
- Terrace with direct view of the Claro River
The design seeks to minimize the environmental impact and promote a respectful coexistence between humans and nature, where people speak in a low voice, part of the food is grown in gardens, and tranquility is privileged.
A destination to disconnect and reconnect
This luxury hotel on the Ruta del Cóndor is not only a tourist destination, but an experience that many describe as a utopia: an oasis in the middle of the mountain where architecture, landscape and wildlife coexist without destroying each other.
For those looking for nature tourism in the Coffee Region, glamping experiences in Colombia or little-explored destinations near Manizales, this place is emerging as a unique option, ideal for disconnecting from the world and experiencing the mountains from another perspective.
