Putumayo Department

Putumayo is an administrative region in southwestern Colombia that extends from the Andean foothills into the Amazon lowlands and is covered by dense rainforest. The region borders Ecuador to the south and Peru to the east and is crossed by two large rivers.

The territory became an independent department in 1991 and replaced its former administrative form as an intendancy. The change took place as part of a nationwide reorganization of Colombia's administrative structure.

Indigenous communities maintain their customs across the department's thirteen municipalities, preserving traditional farming methods, medicinal practices, and crafting techniques.

Travelers reach the region through Mocoa, where an airport offers regular connections, or via road networks that connect with larger Colombian cities. Movement within the region is mostly by road or boat along the river courses.

The region is home to several waterfalls with natural pools, including the Fin del Mundo cascade, which drops about 80 meters (262 feet) over three levels. These formations were created by the gradual cutting of mountain rivers into the volcanic rock.

Location: Colombia

Inception: 1991

Capital city: Mocoa

Elevation above the sea: 254 m

Reference: PUT

Shares border with: Nariño Department, Cauca Department, Caquetá Department, Amazonas Department, Sucumbíos Province, Loreto Department

Website: http://putumayo.gov.co

GPS coordinates: 0.56667,-75.65000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 23:03