Puracé National Natural Park Travel Guide

Discover Puracé National Natural Park's stunning landscapes, hidden gems, and outdoor adventures. Learn about its cultural significance, food, accommodation and much more!


Introduction to Puracé National Natural Park

Puracé National Natural Park, located in the Andino region of Colombia, is an ecological, cultural, and archaeological gem. It spans over 830 square kilometers and boasts some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, including the Puracé volcano, hot springs, and páramo ecosystems. The area is rich in natural, historical, and cultural importance, making it a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to explore Colombia’s natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Puracé National Natural Park

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The region’s strong cultural heritage is embodied in its museums and historical places. The two main museums worth visiting are:

  • Museo del Oro Quimbaya: Located in the city of Popayan, this museum houses a collection of gold artifacts from the Quimbaya civilization.
  • Museo Arqueológico: This museum, located inside the Purace National Park, features artifacts from pre-Columbian civilizations, including the Inca and Quimbaya peoples.

Natural Attractions of Puracé National Natural Park: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The park is famously known for its stunning natural beauty and offers a host of outdoor adventures and scenic views. Some of the must-visit natural attractions include:

  • Puracé Volcano: One of the park’s main attractions, the Puracé volcano is an active stratovolcano that last erupted in 1977. You can hike to the summit at an altitude of 4,760 meters above sea level, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
  • San Juan waterfall: Surrounded by dense forest and lush green hills, this waterfall is a popular spot for hiking. You can access the falls by taking a two-hour trek from Coconuco village.
  • Termales de San Juan: Located within the park’s boundaries, the Termales de San Juan is a natural hot spring that is perfect for relaxing after a long day of hiking. The hot springs are located at an altitude of 2,840 meters above sea level, giving you breathtaking views of the valley below.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Puracé National Natural Park

The park has a host of hiking and biking trails suitable for all levels of experience. Some of the popular routes include:

  • Puracé Volcano Trail: A challenging hike that takes you to the summit of the Puracé volcano, this trail is approximately 10 kilometers long. It takes around seven hours to complete and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valley.
  • Coconuco Waterfalls: This trail is a moderate hike that takes you through the forest to the San Juan waterfall, the largest in the area.
  • Los Frailejones Trail: This route is a beautiful trek that leads you through the páramo ecosystem, renowned for its unique plant species, including the striking frailejones.

Best Things to Do in Puracé National Natural Park: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, there are several other activities you can indulge in, including horseback riding, bird watching, and camping. In addition, you can explore the park on one of the several guided tours offered by local operators. Some of the notable tours include:

  • Puracé Volcano Tour: This tour is perfect for those who want to admire the beauty of the Puracé volcano without hiking to its summit. The tour takes you to several lookout points that offer stunning views of the volcano and surrounding landscape.
  • Bird Watching Tour: Puracé National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The park offers a chance to spot some rare bird species, including the Andean condor, waxbill, and seed snipe.

Week-Long Itinerary for Puracé National Natural Park

A week-long trip to Puracé National Park will give you ample time to explore the park’s different attractions fully.

Day Itinerary
1 Arrival in Popayan/Visit Museo del Oro Quimbaya
2 Hike to the summit of the Puracé volcano
3 Visit the Termales de San Juan hot springs
4 Horseback ride to Coconuco waterfall
5 Los Frailejones Trail Trek
6 Bird watching tour in the park
7 Departure from Puracé National Natural Park

Food and Drink Scene of Puracé National Natural Park

Must-Try Dishes

Puracé National Park has a unique gastronomy with several dishes worth trying. Some of the must-try dishes include the following:

  • Truchas al Horno: This dish is made of baked trout served with a side of vegetables and potatoes.
  • Sancocho: Sancocho is a traditional Colombian soup made from chicken, pork, or beef simmered with vegetables and spices.
  • Arepa: A disk-shaped bread made from cornflour, Arepa is a traditional Colombian breakfast food.

Local Beverages

Apart from food, Puracé National Park offers several local beverages worth trying, including:

  • Aguardiente: The national drink of Colombia, Aguardiente is an anise-flavored alcoholic beverage.
  • Masato: A traditional drink made from fermented rice and maize, Masato is a popular beverage throughout the Andean region.

Where to Stay in Puracé National Natural Park: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Puracé National Park has several options for accommodation, ranging from small guesthouses and hostels to luxurious hotels. Some of the best options include:

  • Finca Agroturística La Divisa: A rustic guesthouse located inside the park, this accommodation option offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys.
  • Hotel Obanos: A modern hotel located in the city of Popayán, Hotel Obanos offers comfortable rooms and excellent service.
  • Hostal El Zaguán: A charming hostel located in the heart of Popayan’s historical district, Hostal El Zaguán offers affordable yet comfortable rooms and a great atmosphere.

What to Buy in Puracé National Natural Park: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Puracé National Park is known for several products and souvenirs worth buying, including:

  • Agua de Azahar: A traditional floral essence used in Colombian pastries such as the Roscon de Reyes.
  • Handicrafts: Puracé National Park is famous for its handmade crafts, including woven baskets, pottery, and textiles.
  • Coffee: Colombia produces some of the world’s finest coffee beans, and Puracé National Park is no exception. You can buy some of the coffee beans directly from local producers.

Local Culture and Customs of Puracé National Natural Park

The region around Puracé National Park has a rich cultural heritage, characterized by indigenous customs and traditions. Visitors should respect these customs and be mindful of local sensitivities. You can learn more about the customs and traditions by speaking to local guides and operators.

Best Time to Visit Puracé National Natural Park

The best time to visit Puracé National Park is during the dry season, which runs from January to March and July to August. During these months, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, making it the perfect time to explore the different attractions of the park.

Do’s and Don’ts of Puracé National Natural Park

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment
  • Carry water and snacks while hiking
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
  • Follow park rules and regulations
  • Hire local guides and operators

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the park environment
  • Disturb wildlife
  • Stray off designated hiking trails

Safety and Health

Safety in Puracé National Natural Park

Puracé National Park is a relatively safe destination. That being said, visitors should take common-sense precautions while traveling, such as keeping their valuables safe and being aware of their surroundings. It is also advisable to hire a local guide while exploring the park.

Health in Puracé National Natural Park

Visitors should take standard precautions while traveling to Puracé National Park, including staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen. The area is located at high altitudes, and visitors who are not acclimatized to the altitude may experience altitude sickness. Visitors should also make sure their vaccinations are up to date before traveling to Colombia.

Getting to Puracé National Natural Park: Transportation Options and Logistics

Puracé National Park is located approximately 32 kilometers from the city of Popayán. There are several transportation options available to get to the park:

Airports Near Puracé National Natural Park

  • Gustavo Artunduaga Paredes Airport: Located in the city of Popayan, this airport receives several daily flights from Bogotá and other Colombian cities.

Bus Stations Near Puracé National Natural Park

  • Popayán Bus Terminal: The main bus terminal in Popayan, several bus companies offer daily services to surrounding cities and towns.

Other Options

  • Private Transportation: Several private transportation companies offer services from Popayan to Puracé National Park.

How to Get Around in Puracé National Natural Park

The best way to explore Puracé National Park is on foot, and you can hike the several trails that the park has on offer. Alternatively, you can hire a horse for a guided tour of the park.

Where to Go Next from Puracé National Natural Park: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The area surrounding Puracé National Park is home to several popular destinations and excursions worth exploring:

  • Popayan: The colonial city of Popayan is known for its architecture, museums, and gastronomy.
  • Tierradentro: Home to several pre-Columbian tombs and archaeological sites, Tierradentro is located approximately 100 kilometers from Puracé National Park.
  • San Augustin: Located approximately 120 kilometers from Puracé National Park, San Augustin is home to several pre-Columbian archeological sites.

Conclusion

Puracé National Natural Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Colombia’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The park offers a host of outdoor adventures and breathtaking landscapes, making it an ideal destination for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors. With its unique gastronomy, accommodation options, and nearby destinations, Puracé National Park is a destination that will leave a lasting impression on any traveler.