Travel guide to the top of Machín Volcano

Cerro Machín is a stratovolcano at an elevation of 2.650m (8,694ft) above the sea level, located in Tolima Department, Colombia.

The road to the summit is called Ruta Toche – Salento. It’s unpaved and climbs steeply to some 2.800 meters, hugging the volcano. It’s a 4x4 track. The surface on this gravel road is often loose, especially along the sides of the road. Due its unique location and the climb in elevation over thousands of feet, and passing through remote areas, it is important when driving in these conditions to be prepared. Thanks to the underground activity of the volcano there is a (very basic) thermal bath right along the side of the road, in a curve, after you’ve passed the summit.

This trail passes through remote areas, so you need to be prepared. Cerro Machin currently asleep, could wake up in a huge explosion as in the past. Never drive this trail alone. Volcanic activity Machin volcano has increased since 1998, small earthquakes and fumaroles are becoming more numerous. It has showed some significant activity recently and, although there are no historic eruptions, Machin is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in Colombia, because it has produced devastating explosive eruptions in its past and will likely to continue so. 
Pic&video: Jorge Hernan Arcila Aristizabal