AzufralAzufral at a Glance
About Azufral
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | 2° - 11° | 4° | 90 mm | - | - | 2.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | 2° - 11° | 4° | 92 mm | - | - | 2.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | 2° - 11° | 5° | 113 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | 2° - 11° | 5° | 131 mm | - | - | 2.3 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | 2° - 11° | 5° | 112 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 2° - 11° | 4° | 98 mm | - | - | 3.0 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 1° - 10° | 3° | 93 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 1° - 10° | 3° | 73 mm | - | - | 3.7 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 1° - 10° | 4° | 72 mm | - | - | 3.1 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 1° - 11° | 4° | 123 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | 2° - 11° | 5° | 132 mm | - | - | 2.4 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | 2° - 11° | 4° | 100 mm | - | - | 2.5 m/s | - | - |
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.