Travel Guide Parque Nacional Puracé

45 km east of Popayan, this vast national park of 800 000 ha was declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1979. You will discover the volcanic chain of Coconucos composed of 11 volcanoes, among which the Pan de Azúcar (5,000 m), the Puracé (4,780 m) and the Coconuco (4,600 m), lagoons, and a varied fauna and flora. It is here that the four most important Colombian rivers are born: Magdalena, Cauca, Patia and Caqueta. The Andean condor has also taken up residence here. You can visit some sites just by walking around, especially the Bedón and Nicolás waterfalls, and the Puracé volcano, the only active volcano where you can still climb to the top. A demanding climb, but not very technical and not requiring any special equipment. The path is well defined but don't forget that you are climbing almost to the altitude of Mont Blanc! Also keep in mind that it can rain from one moment to another and that the wind sometimes blows very hard. The last eruption was in 1949. Part of the city of Popayán was destroyed. For something quieter, the Termales de San Juan, at km 37 of the road Popayán - La Plata. Swimming at an altitude of 3,200 meters, in volcanic water among the rocks. To get there, go to Pimbalá (northern sector of the park) and walk about 1 km on a path.