Puracé, Stratovolcano in Cauca Department, Colombia
Puracé is an andesite stratovolcano in Cauca Department that rises to 4646 meters above sea level. The summit area shows several craters and vents that continue to steam and cover the upper part of the mountain with yellowish deposits.
The last major eruption took place in March 1977 and spread ash across the surrounding valleys. Earlier eruptions in the 20th century forced residents to evacuate their villages temporarily on several occasions.
The name comes from the local indigenous language and means mountain of fire and snow. Visitors today see the white sulfur crust around the active fumaroles, which release smoke in many places and create a sulfurous atmosphere.
Accessing the summit requires a permit from the national park and accompaniment by a certified mountain guide. The hike usually begins in the early morning hours to take advantage of the clearest visibility and return before afternoon fog.
Two geological faults cross directly beneath the volcano and amplify the geothermal activity. This intersection creates a network of hot springs that spread over several kilometers around the summit.
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