From Las Latas, we headed directly up to the right and towards the summit of Tolima. At a convienient place, we crossed over the black lava ridge to the gully just to the east of the lava ridge. We followed this gully all the way to the snowline. We continued up the snow to the crater rim and to the summit.
By using the route that we did, we avoided crossing any crevasses. Crevasses exist on almost any other route. Take a rope jut in case however. Use caution in the gully above Las Latas. It's best to stay on one side or the other and on high ground while following the gully. The reason for this is rockfall danger. Some huge bus sized rocks come crashing down from the volcanic plug known as Cerro Negro, and some of them make it into this gully. Don't even try to pass under Cerro Negro to try and reach the summit of Tolima because a few climbers have been killed by rockfall here. The route described above is easy and safe.
There are a few milk trucks a day that reach El Silencio. You can also hire a jeep for $25 from Ibague for up to five people (Dec 1998).
Las Cuevas also has a very basic refugio, but a tent is recommended. The refugio sleeps six, and was dilapidated but usable. It may not last much longer.
There are also places to camp between Las Cuevas and Las Latas, but there is no water in the dry season between these two campsites.
Scott - Jan 26, 2004 9:54 pm - Hasn't voted
Route CommentFrom Las Latas, we headed directly up to the right and towards the summit of Tolima. At a convienient place, we crossed over the black lava ridge to the gully just to the east of the lava ridge. We followed this gully all the way to the snowline. We continued up the snow to the crater rim and to the summit.
By using the route that we did, we avoided crossing any crevasses. Crevasses exist on almost any other route. Take a rope jut in case however. Use caution in the gully above Las Latas. It's best to stay on one side or the other and on high ground while following the gully. The reason for this is rockfall danger. Some huge bus sized rocks come crashing down from the volcanic plug known as Cerro Negro, and some of them make it into this gully. Don't even try to pass under Cerro Negro to try and reach the summit of Tolima because a few climbers have been killed by rockfall here. The route described above is easy and safe.
Scott - Jan 26, 2004 9:58 pm - Hasn't voted
Route CommentThere are a few milk trucks a day that reach El Silencio. You can also hire a jeep for $25 from Ibague for up to five people (Dec 1998).
Las Cuevas also has a very basic refugio, but a tent is recommended. The refugio sleeps six, and was dilapidated but usable. It may not last much longer.
There are also places to camp between Las Cuevas and Las Latas, but there is no water in the dry season between these two campsites.
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