Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex

Park Volcanic complex in Nariño with fumarolic activity

A volcanic complex in Nariño, Doña Juana-Cascabel contains stratovolcanoes and páramo terrain; hikers and scientists study volcanic formations and high-altitude flora and birds.

Main image
Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex
1.4465, -76.9558
Free to enter the area's trails; guided treks may have fees

How to Get to Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex #

The volcanic complex is accessed from the regional city of Pasto (Nariño). From Pasto most approaches require a 1.5-3 hour drive on rural roads to rural trailheads; local 4x4 transport and a licensed guide are recommended. Check with local tour operators in Pasto for day trips or overnight treks.

Tips for Visiting Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex #

  • Hire an experienced local guide familiar with mountain weather and access routes - roads are rough and signage is sparse.
  • Acclimatize in Pasto (altitude ~2,500 m) before attempting high trails; afternoons are often cloudier - start hikes early.
  • Check with Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia for any access restrictions or volcanic alerts before travel.

Best Time to Visit Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex #

The volcanic complex is best visited in the drier months (roughly December-March and June-August) when trails are less boggy and visibility is higher. Weather in the Nariño highlands is changeable year-round.

Dry season 1
December-March · 4-18°C (highland conditions)
Clearer skies and more stable weather for mountain trekking; mornings are crisp.
Dry season 2
June-August · 5-17°C
A secondary drier period that offers good visibility on summit approaches.

Weather & Climate near Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex #

Climate

Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 4°C to 14°C. Heavy rainfall (2118 mm/year), wettest in April.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
15°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

123 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm

February

February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

137 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

March

March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

176 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (212 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

212 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (205 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

205 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Heavy rain (201 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

201 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (212 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

212 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

August

August is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
13°

Weather

166 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

September

September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (141 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

141 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm

October

October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (198 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

198 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm

November

November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (176 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
14°

Weather

176 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm

December

December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
14°

Weather

171 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

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