Puracé Welcomes Visitors Again: Volcanoes, Páramo and Wildlife
Between volcanoes, páramo landscapes and the majestic flight of the Andean condor
After several weeks of precautionary closure due to increased activity at Puracé Volcano, this iconic destination in the department of Cauca is welcoming visitors again, under the conditions and restrictions established by the relevant authorities.
On September 29, 2026, the Colombian Geological Service announced that Puracé Volcano, part of the Los Coconucos volcanic chain, had returned to Yellow Alert status, following a decrease in several indicators of volcanic activity. The volcano continues to be monitored on a permanent basis, which means that access conditions may change depending on its evolution.
For nature lovers, this news brings a new opportunity to discover one of the most remarkable landscapes in the Colombian Andes.
Puracé National Natural Park is much more than a volcano. It is a landscape of páramos, mountains, lagoons, water sources and extraordinary biodiversity. Declared a National Natural Park in 1975 and recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, this territory forms part of the Los Coconucos volcanic chain and plays a fundamental role in Colombia’s water resources. Important rivers such as the Magdalena, Cauca, Patía and Caquetá have their sources in these mountains.
But among these mountains lives another remarkable inhabitant that makes a visit to Puracé even more special: the Andean condor.
A small population of this emblematic bird lives in the park’s steep canyons. Considered one of the great symbols of the Andes, the condor uses air currents to rise above the mountains and travel great distances with its enormous wings spread wide. Its flight is slow, silent and majestic, and seeing one in the wild is one of those encounters with nature that is difficult to forget.
Puracé is also a place of profound cultural importance. Its mountains, waters and volcanoes are closely connected to the Indigenous communities of the region and to a way of understanding the land based on respect for and protection of nature.
Returning to Puracé therefore means much more than simply resuming tourism activities. It means reconnecting with a living, powerful and constantly changing landscape, while understanding that its beauty also comes with responsibility.
Although the park is once again open with restrictions, Puracé Volcano remains active and under continuous monitoring. Before visiting, it is essential to confirm which areas and trails are currently open, follow the recommendations of the authorities and respect the conditions in place to ensure a safe and responsible experience.
After a pause, Puracé is opening its trails once again.
Its páramos, mountains, waters and volcanic landscapes can once again be explored. And perhaps, while travelling through this extraordinary territory, the sky will offer one of its most special sights: the majestic flight of the Andean condor. Puracé is a place to admire, experience and remember.
Would you like to experience Puracé for yourself? Get in touch with us and we’ll help you plan a safe and responsible visit, taking into account the latest access conditions, open trails and the best ways to discover this extraordinary landscape of volcanoes, páramo and Andean condors.
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