Puracé National Park

About this place

Puracé National Natural Park lies in the Andean region of Colombia, southeast of the city of Popayán in the Cordillera Central, about 42 km from central Popayán in a straight line. Its main feature is the Puracé stratovolcano, one of Colombia's most active volcanoes. The park was established in 1961 as the first national park in Cauca Department. Four of the country's most important rivers rise within it, including the Magdalena and the Cauca. Puracé volcano stands 4,580 metres high, two higher volcanoes, Azúcar and Coconuco, also lie in the park, and the Paletará valley spreads at the foot of Puracé. The high ground is covered in páramo, cold grassland where silvery frailejón plants grow in great numbers, with small lakes scattered between them. Above it all rises the grey crater of the volcano, venting sulphur fumes, and condors sometimes circle overhead. Visitors drive 44 km from Popayán to the town of Puracé in about an hour, then on to the Pilimbalá recreation area on the volcano's northern slope, where the climbing trail begins. The altitude is high and the weather changeable and often misty, so bring warm and waterproof clothes.