Azufral
Volcano Stratovolcano with turquoise crater lake in Nariño
Volcanic peak in Nariño featuring a green‑tinted crater lake (Laguna Verde); hikers reach the rim on day trips to view páramo landscapes and volcanic terrain.
Azufral is a volcano in Colombia’s Nariño Department notable for its crater lake, Laguna Verde, which has a distinctive green colour. The volcano forms part of the high Andean landscape in southwestern Colombia and is visited for hiking and scenic views.
Trails approach the crater rim and allow hikers to view the lake and surrounding páramo and montane ecosystems. The site is valued for its unusual crater lake and the opportunity for highland trekking in the region.
The volcano and lake are located in the highlands of Nariño in southwestern Colombia and are accessible from nearby towns and rural trailheads in the department.
- Hiking access: The volcano is a hiking destination in Nariño Department and is reached by local trails that climb to the crater rim for views of the lake.
What to See #
- Laguna Verde: Laguna Verde is the small green-hued crater lake that occupies the summit crater and is the volcano's main visual attraction.
How to Get to Azufral #
Azufral is typically approached from the city of Pasto; the drive to trailheads takes several hours on mountain roads. Local shuttle services or private vehicles can be arranged from Pasto or nearby towns.
Tips for Visiting Azufral #
- Hire local guides for an approach to the volcano - they know the safest routes and where to find the best vistas.
- The trip involves long, steep climbs and possible altitude gain - gauge fitness honestly before attempting summit approaches.
- Bring layers and rain protection: weather on the flanks can change rapidly even in the dry season.
Best Time to Visit Azufral #
June-September is generally the best time to attempt treks and climbs, when skies are more reliable and trails drier.
Weather & Climate near Azufral #
Azufral's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 1°C to 11°C. Abundant rainfall (1229 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (131 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Significant rainfall (112 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (132 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm).