Puracé National Natural Park
Park Volcanic national park protecting Andean ecosystems in Cauca.
Puracé National Natural Park centers on an active volcano in Cauca with páramo, hot springs and mountain trails. Hikers and nature groups visit for volcano treks, condor watching, thermal baths and encounters with Andean communities.
A national natural park in Cauca Department in southern Colombia that includes the Puracé volcano. The park protects high Andean environments and volcanic terrain.
The park is centered on volcanic and high-mountain landscapes and is a focus for scientific study and mountain recreation. Interest is in the volcano and surrounding Andean ecosystems rather than urban amenities.
Designated to protect the volcano and surrounding ecosystems, the area has been managed for conservation of its natural and geological values. The volcanic cone has a recorded history of eruptions noted in regional geological records.
Located in the southern Colombian Andes within Cauca Department. The park sits amidst high Andean terrain well inland from the Pacific coast.
- Active volcano: Contains an active volcano that is a defining feature of the protected area and landscape.
What to See #
- Puracé volcano: The active volcanic cone within the park that is the defining geological feature and attracts scientific and visitor interest.
How to Get to Puracé National Natural Park #
Puracé National Natural Park is reached from Popayán or the town of Puracé (Timbío/Suspiro). From Popayán, road travel to the park’s access points takes several hours over mountain roads; local tour operators and the park’s regional office can arrange guides and transport. Many visitors overnight in the nearest towns to acclimatize before hikes.
Tips for Visiting Puracé National Natural Park #
- Acclimatize in Popayán or Puracé town before attempting high-altitude hikes - the park's peaks are above 4,000m.
- Hire a certified local guide for volcanic trails; weather can change rapidly and trails may be muddy or icy.
- Visit the volcanic fumaroles and hot springs early in the day when steam plumes are most visible.
Best Time to Visit Puracé National Natural Park #
Best visited in the drier months (June-August, December-February) for clearer mountain conditions; altitude requires acclimatization.
Weather & Climate near Puracé National Natural Park #
Puracé National Natural Park's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 3°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1749 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (105 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (157 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (150 mm).
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June
June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm).
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (206 mm).
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August
August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (165 mm).
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (123 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (156 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (143 mm).
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