Quick FactsOverview
High páramo soak, not a quick dip
Termales La Cabaña is a natural thermal pool in the buffer zone of Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados, reached on foot through páramo and frailejón landscapes. It is private land and access is controlled, you enter only with an authorized local guide. The setting is the point: wide-open highland scenery, wind, and fast-changing weather at close to 3,950 m. The operator also notes the water is not very hot, so think warm soak, not hot-tub heat.
What makes it different
This is a full-day hike experience built around a single pool, plus other stops along the route such as lagoons, wetlands, and cold cascades. If you want a managed complex with multiple pools and easy parking, pick something else. If you want a long day in a fragile high-Andean ecosystem with a soak as the reward, this one fits.
Basic amenities
Expect simple infrastructure at most. The operator mentions bathrooms and a changing area near the hot springs, plus a small restaurant area in the wider route plan. Cell signal is limited, which is part of the deal.
Location & Access
Where it is
The hot spring sits in Vereda La Cabaña, Murillo (Tolima), in the buffer zone of Parque Nacional Natural Los Nevados. You typically base in Murillo town and start early. The operator describes an ascent from about 3,786 m to 3,950 m, so weather can feel wintery any month.
Getting there
From Murillo, you drive about 16 km on a paved road to the trailhead parking area. From the parking area, access is on foot only, along about 2.8 km of permitted trail to the pools, with a one-way walking time around 2 hours depending on fitness and conditions. Entry is only allowed with an authorized guide, and reservations are commonly used for scheduling and group management.
Road and seasonality notes
Even when the road is paved, fog, rain, and cold wind are common at this elevation. After heavy rain, the trail can be slick and boggy. Plan for an early start, daylight return, and the possibility of being soaked by weather as much as by the hot spring.
What to bring
Bring a warm layer, waterproof shell, spare socks, swimsuit, towel, sandals, sun protection, drinking water, and snacks. A small daypack is enough. Keep gear minimal and easy to carry, and assume you will have limited cell coverage for most of the day.
Suitability & Accessibility
Best for
This is best for fit hikers who want a guided, high-altitude day out with a soak at the halfway reward point. The operator frames it as an 8-hour experience with roughly 9 km total walking, so you should be comfortable being on your feet most of the day. It is a strong choice if you like landscapes, birds, and páramo ecology as much as the water itself.
Families and age limits
The operator states it is not permitted for children under 12, and also notes it is not recommended for adults over 50. Even if you are within that range, this is still a cold, windy environment with a demanding trail. Families with younger kids should choose a lower-elevation thermal complex instead.
Mobility and access reality
There is no vehicle access to the pools and no step-free path. Mud, uneven ground, and exposure are part of the route. Wheelchairs and strollers are not practical here. If you have knee or ankle issues, consider trekking poles and ask your guide about trail conditions before committing.
Expectations vs reality
Do not expect piping-hot water, lounge chairs, or quiet privacy. You are visiting a fragile ecosystem with controlled entry, and the soak is brief compared to the time spent walking. Many people love it for the hike and the setting, not for long, steamy bathing.
Safety & Etiquette
Altitude, cold, and pacing
The main risk here is the combination of altitude, cold wind, and exertion. Start slower than you think you need to, and keep eating and drinking through the day. If you get a headache, nausea, or dizziness, tell your guide early. Do not push through symptoms at nearly 4,000 m. Bring a dry layer to change into after soaking so you do not chill on the walk back.
Trail hazards
Expect slick sections, boggy ground, and sudden rain. Wear shoes with real tread and keep your hands free when walking. A fall on wet páramo terrain can end the day quickly. Keep your phone protected and assume it will get wet.
Hot spring basics
Water temperature can feel mild, so people often stay in longer than they would in a hotter spring. That can still lead to fatigue at altitude. Take short soaks, then warm up and move around. Avoid alcohol before the hike and avoid long breath-holding or rough play in the pool.
Etiquette and conservation
Stay on the permitted trail and follow your guide’s instructions, access is controlled for a reason. Do not use soap, shampoo, or oils in the water. Keep noise low, especially when other groups arrive, and give people space to enter and exit safely. Pack out every wrapper and bottle cap, and avoid stepping on frailejones or wetland edges. Pets are not permitted per the operator, and you should not try to negotiate exceptions.
