Nevado del Ruiz

Nevado del Ruiz is an active stratovolcano located in the Caldas Department of Colombia, reaching an elevation of 5,321 meters. It is part of the Los Nevados National Natural Park and is characterized by its broad, ice-covered summit. The volcano is constructed from layers of lava, ash, and pyroclastic flows accumulated over thousands of years. It gained international notoriety following the catastrophic eruption on November 13, 1985, when massive mudflows known as lahars decimated the town of Armero. This event claimed over 23,000 lives and remains one of the deadliest volcanic disasters of the 20th century. Despite the persistent volcanic threat, the area is a vital site for scientific research in glaciology and volcanology. Currently, the mountain is among the most heavily monitored volcanoes in the world to mitigate future risks. The ongoing recession of its summit glacier is also raising concerns regarding the water supply for the surrounding agricultural regions.

Nearby cities

Ibagué

Often referred to as the musical capital of Colombia.

Manizales

Center of the Colombian coffee growing region.

Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal

Famous hot springs surrounded by lush green mountains and spectacular waterfalls.

Rionegro

Important city in eastern Antioquia with the international airport.

Filandia

Filandia is a charming and colorful village in the Coffee Triangle, known for its impeccably preserved traditional architecture.

Dosquebradas

Industrial sister city of Pereira in the coffee axis.

Armenia

Central city in the famous Coffee Triangle.

Envigado

Municipality bordering Medellín to the south with a high quality of life.

Medellín

The second largest city, the city of eternal spring.

Neiva

Capital of the Huila province on the Magdalena River.

Jericó

A spiritual and deeply traditional Antioquian town, home to Colombia's only canonized saint.

Jardín

A picturesque coffee town celebrated for its brightly painted balconies and relaxed plaza culture.

Girardot

A bustling riverside resort city that serves as a popular warm-weather weekend getaway for Bogotá residents.

Cartago

Known as the city of the sun with colonial architecture.

History & landmarks

César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct

The César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct is an impressive cable-stayed bridge connecting the cities of Pereira and Dosquebradas.

Rock of Guatapé

The Rock of Guatapé, also known as El Peñol, is a giant monolithic inselberg with zigzag stairs built into its side.

Atanasio Girardot Stadium

The Atanasio Girardot Stadium is the main sports complex in Medellín.

Tatacoa Desert

A stunning arid landscape featuring striking red and gray rock formations and excellent stargazing.

Santa Fe de Antioquia

One of the oldest cities in Colombia, famous for its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture in a warm tropical climate.

More places

Nevado del Tolima

A cone-shaped stratovolcano in the Los Nevados National Park, a popular destination for mountaineers.

Machín Volcano

The Machín Volcano is a small but dangerous volcano in the Central Cordillera, feared for its explosive potential.

Cordillera Central (Colombia)

The Cordillera Central is the highest of the three Andean branches in Colombia and is home to numerous active volcanoes.

Honda Historic Port

Once one of Colombia's most important river ports on the Magdalena River, known for its bridges and colonial history.

Hacienda Venecia

A working coffee farm in Manizales that offers deep insights into production and roasting.

Otún Quimbaya

A protected area in the Coffee Axis that serves as a habitat for howler monkeys and many endemic birds.

Finca El Ocaso

A traditional coffee farm in Salento that offers sustainable agriculture and very authentic tours.

Quindío Botanical Garden

A dense botanical garden featuring a giant butterfly house that is home to hundreds of native species.