For three days, we immersed ourselves in tours in Murillo, Colombia with the wonderful team at Páramo Trek. This charming mountain town sits at 3,000 meters (9,840 ft) above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano when the skies are clear. As one of the gateways to Los Nevados National Natural Park, Murillo is surrounded by high Andean forests and vibrant páramo ecosystems, making it a perfect destination for families seeking both adventure and tranquility.
We stayed at Refugio Páramo Trek, a traditional wooden house with cozy rooms that quickly felt like home. From here, each day unfolded into its own unforgettable tour.
Day 1: El Silencio Waterfall 🌿
Our first adventure was a trek to El Silencio Waterfall, one of the highlights of tours in Murillo. This majestic cascade towers over 30 meters high, surrounded by pristine nature and mountains. The trail was gentle, perfect for families, and along the way we spotted animals that delighted our kids.
At the waterfall, we found a quiet spot to rest, snack, and let the children splash in the cool waters. On the way back to town, we stopped at a viewpoint atop a small hill. The kids enjoyed it so much, they raced up and down with our guide, Mafe. Soon they were tumbling down the grassy slope, laughing as if they were on sand dunes. We ended the day with a hearty lunch at the café before retreating to our cottage.
Day 2: Hiking the Páramo 🏔️
Day two was a longer trek, one of the most unique tours in Murillo Colombia. We began with breakfast at 6:30 AM at the Páramo Trek Café-Restaurant before a 15 km ride in a 4×4 jeep to Casa Roja, our starting point at 3,700 m (12,140 ft). From there, we embarked on a 9 km hike, reaching nearly 3,950 m (12,960 ft).
The trail was spectacular: high Andean forests, canyons, jagged peaks, lagoons, and the iconic páramo ecosystem. With clear skies, the Nevado del Ruiz framed our landscape. The kids were fascinated by the frailejón plants, giant, fuzzy-leaved wonders that channel water through their trunks.
Because the trail crossed rivers, streams, and muddy terrain, trekking boots (or rubber pantaneras) were essential.
A trail lunch kept us fueled, and after soaking in the beauty of the paramo, we returned by jeep to Murillo for another delicious meal and a quiet evening at our cottage.
Day 3: Hot Springs ♨️
Our plan to visit a local farm shifted, but the agency had a backup: hot springs.
The jeep ride was around two hours. When we arrived, Mafe, our guide surprised the kids with a kite. None of them had flown one before, and the excitement was contagious. Watching them run with the wind, eyes wide with wonder, was a highlight in itself.
Then came the hot springs. Sliding into the warm water after the dusty ride felt so good. Ryden and Rylyn dove to the bottom, collecting rocks in hopes of finding hidden treasures.
After drying off, we were welcomed into a villager’s home for tea. The spread was simple but memorable: cheese softened in sugar cane soup, and the most delicious banana bread we’ve ever tasted. The soup was so sweet and comforting, after the hot spring experience.
The jeep carried us back to Murillo, tired but content, and we ended the day with full hearts and warm memories.
Our three days of tours in Murillo, Colombia with Páramo Trek gave us waterfalls, páramo landscapes, and hot springs, all wrapped in the joy of traveling with children. Plans shifted, energy surged, and sometimes the simplest joys (like kite flying or tumbling down grassy hills) became the most cherished.
Murillo may sit quietly in the Andes, but for families, it offers adventures that blend nature, culture, and connection in the most beautiful way.
A heartfelt thank you to Páramo Trek for giving us this wonderful opportunity and experience, we couldn’t have asked for a better way to explore Murillo!
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