Puracé National Natural Park

Puracé National Natural Park sits across multiple elevations in the Central Cordillera and includes the namesake volcano, sulfur fields, and numerous small lakes. The landscape ranges from open páramo grasslands to cloud forest, crossed by streams and thermal springs.

Established in 1961, this was the first protected natural area in the department. Eighteen years later, the area received designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The Coconuco community runs thermal bath facilities at several points and prepares traditional dishes with ingredients from the high slopes. Visitors can buy handwoven textiles and carved items made following inherited patterns.

Access is through the Pan-American Highway from Popayán, with warm clothing necessary even during summer months. Higher elevations often sit in fog, so an early morning start is recommended.

Four major rivers—the Magdalena, Cauca, Patía, and Japurá—all originate within this territory. Their source streams begin in the cold lakes and bogs of the high mountains.

Location: Cauca Department

Inception: 1968

Elevation above the sea: 3,400 m

Website: http://parquesnacionales.gov.co/PNN/portel/libreria/php/decide.php?patron=01.02022102

GPS coordinates: 2.20000,-76.35000

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30