Mysterious disappearance near Nevado del Tolima - search for tourist who fell behind the group
A large-scale search and rescue operation was launched in the area of the volcano Nevado del Tolima after the disappearance of Juan Camilo González. The young man went hiking along the mountain route Anzoátegui — Salento with a group of ten people, but for reasons that are not yet clear, he fell behind his companions.
The hikers noticed their friend missing and immediately notified local residents and emergency services. The Ibagué city hall, firefighters, representatives of Cruz Roja and units of the Defensa Civil department Tolima quickly joined the search.
Coordination of joint actions is also carried out by tactical units of the Sexta Brigada ground forces, which have gathered in the Jaime Rooke military camp. To survey the tourist's last known location, they plan to involve Fuerza Aérea aircraft from Rionegro.
Source: Continúa la búsqueda de Juan Camilo, joven extraviado en el Nevado del Tolima - Alerta
Context
The route between the municipalities of Anzoátegui and Salento crosses the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes through the territory of the Los Nevados National Natural Park. The trail leads through a high-altitude páramo ecosystem with swamps, peatlands and freilejón thickets, where altitudes exceed 3,500–4,000 meters above sea level.
The volcano area Nevado del Tolima is known for its sharp temperature changes, frequent rains, thick fogs and lack of mobile communication for most of the route. Due to the intricate ramifications of cattle trails and the harsh climate, local authorities and the park administration require that this sector be traversed only with the assistance of certified mountain guides.