Urrao

Urrao sits in a broad valley in the Western Cordillera, and above it rises the Paramo del Sol, also called Alto de Campanas, at around 4,080 metres - the highest point in Antioquia and a rare paramo in this cordillera, since most Colombian paramo is on the Central and Eastern ranges. The trek up takes two days each way for most parties, climbing through cloud forest into frailejon paramo with lakes on the high ground, and guides from the town are required. It is cold and wet up there. The valley below grows beans and coffee and holds trout farms. The Las Orquideas national park is on the western side of the range. The region was heavily affected by conflict and has reopened progressively.

What you actually see

• Paramo del Sol at about 4,080 metres - the highest ground in Antioquia.
• Rare paramo in the Western Cordillera - most is on the other ranges.
• A two-day climb through cloud forest - into frailejones and lakes.
• A farming valley below - beans, coffee and trout.

When to go

December to March. Two to three days for the trek.

Honest expectations

The trek is multi-day, cold and wet, with guides required. Roads from Medellin are long and winding. The town has limited services. Check regional conditions before travelling.

Nearby

Las Orquideas park is west; Jardin is east over the range.