Streams
Park geography
Structured map data including area measurements, mountain elevations, and regional terrain
Geographic Profile and Mapped Boundaries of Puracé National Natural Park in Cauca Department
Discover the physical composition of Puracé National Natural Park, located within the Cauca Department of Colombia. This geographic record details the 830 square kilometer protected area, featuring high altitude peaks, volcanic systems including the Cadena Volcánica de los Coconucos, and diverse montane forest habitats.
Colombia's volcanic highland sanctuary where four major rivers are born
Puracé National Natural Park
Puracé National Natural Park is a high-altitude protected area located in the Cordillera Central range of the Colombian Andes, approximately 44 kilometers southeast of the city of Popayán in Cauca Department. Established in 1961, it was the first national park created in the Cauca Department and remains one of Colombia's most ecologically and geologically significant protected areas. The park's defining feature is the active stratovolcano Puracé, standing at 4,580 meters above sea level and ranking among Colombia's most active volcanoes. This volcanic landscape supports an extraordinary hydrological importance, serving as the headwaters for four of Colombia's most significant rivers: the Magdalena, Cauca, Japurá, and Patía. The park encompasses diverse ecosystems ranging from cloud forests at lower elevations to paramo and glacial zones at higher altitudes, creating a complex ecological tapestry that supports remarkable biodiversity. The area also holds deep cultural significance as an indigenous reservation for the Coconuco ethnic group.
- Location
- Colombia
- Park type
- National park
- Established
- 1961
- Area
- 830 km²
- Highest point
- 4,580 m
Location overview
Regional placement within the Cauca Department of Colombia
Geographic Setting of Puracé National Natural Park in Colombia
Puracé National Natural Park lies within Colombia, situated inside the regional boundaries of the Cauca Department. Protected status applies entirely inland as a single country reserve with no marine or transboundary sectors.
- Countries
- Colombia
- Regions
- Cauca Department
- Primary location
- Cauca Department
- Geographic setting
- Inland
Boundary and coordinates
Mapped perimeter geometry and derived spatial measurements
Puracé National Natural Park Boundary Map and Spatial Extent
Interactive boundary mapping outlines the spatial footprint and geographic extent of the protected zone. Associated measurements detail total recorded area metrics alongside geographic center coordinates and span limits.
- Boundary area
- 898.1 km²
- Boundary perimeter
- 278.1 km
- Northernmost point
- 2.4032° N
- Southernmost point
- 1.8531° N
- Easternmost point
- 76.242° W
- Westernmost point
- 76.6309° W
- Geographic centre
- 2.1317° N, 76.4302° W
- North–south span
- 60.8 km
- East–west span
- 43.3 km
Elevation and terrain
Explore mountain summits, volcanic peaks, and interior water networks.
Puracé National Natural Park Elevation and Mountain Terrain Geography
Recorded elevation metrics outline the vertical relief profile across this mountain protected area. Linked feature cards detail specific volcanoes, streams, and lakes located within the landscape boundary.
- Maximum elevation
- 5,000 m
- Highest point
- 4,580 m
Selected named natural features
Streams
Quebrada Cocuy
Streams
Quebrada Panguimbio
Streams
Quebrada Aguablanca
Volcanoes
Pan de Azúcar
4,670 m
Lakes
Laguna San Rafael
Environmental setting
Recorded landscape features, montane habitats, and tropical relief categories
Puracé National Natural Park Environmental Settings and Mapped Classification Profile
Recorded mountain landforms, tropical climate zones, and forest classifications provide complementary ways to read the physical setting. Connected categories link directly to related protected areas and regional atlas destinations.
- Relief
- Mountain
- Climate
- Tropical
- Water
- Minor water
- Forest cover
- Partial forest
- Seasonality
- Year-round
Landscape features
Mountains · Volcano · Valleys · Rivers
Habitat types
Temperate broadleaf forest · Montane forest · Alpine meadow · Grassland · Riverine habitat
Park atlas
Trace the Protected Landscapes and Volcanic Terrain Near Puracé in Colombia's Central Andes
Explore National Parks and Protected Areas Near Puracé National Natural Park in the Colombian Andes
Browse national parks and protected areas geographically close to Puracé National Natural Park, a high-altitude wilderness known for its active volcano and vital river sources in the Colombian Andes. Continue exploring the region's diverse paramo, cloud forest, and volcanic landscapes by comparing adjacent protected areas, gaining deeper context for the broader Andean geography.
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Explore its volcanic terrain and geographic context in Nariño Department.
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- Area
- 0.267 km²
- Established
- 2007
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Mountain
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Understand its geographic setting within Huila Department.
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- Area
- 90.78 km²
- Established
- 1960
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Mountain
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Mapped national park boundaries and regional geography.
Understand Serranía de Los Churumbelos Auka-Wasi National Natural Park through its geographic context and protected landscape features. This atlas view highlights the park's mapped boundaries and its significance within Colombia's natural geography, offering detailed insights into its protected status and regional terrain.
- Area
- 562 km²
- Established
- 2007
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Mountain
National parkCauca Department
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Northwest
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Explore mapped geography and protected area context.
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- Area
- 440 km²
- Established
- 1977
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Mountain
Protected areaNariño
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Southwest
La Corota Island Flora Sanctuary: A Unique Protected Area within Colombia's Nariño Region
Explore its Andean cloud forest landscape and mapped island geography.
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- Area
- 0.152 km²
- Established
- 1977
- IUCN
- II
- Visitors
- 28K annual
Protected areaColombia
About 108 km away#6 closest
Southwest
Galeras Protected Area: Exploring Colombia's Mapped Natural Landscapes
Discover the geography and protected terrain of Galeras.
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- Relief
- Mountain
- Climate
- Alpine
- Access
- Highly restricted
Protected areaColombia
About 116 km away#7 closest
South
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Explore mapped boundaries and regional natural terrain context.
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- Area
- 1,020 km²
- Established
- 2008
- Relief
- Mountain
- Access
- Access unknown
National parkValle del Cauca Department
About 128 km away#8 closest
North
Farallones de Cali National Park: Protected Landscape and Geographic Atlas
Explore mapped boundaries and regional context.
Farallones de Cali National Park offers a distinct protected landscape within Valle del Cauca Department. This page provides atlas-level detail on its geographic scope and mapped features, crucial for understanding its regional context. Dive into the protected-area specifics to grasp the natural terrain and conservation landscape that defines this significant Colombian national park.
- Area
- 1,500 km²
- Established
- 1968
- IUCN
- II
- Relief
- Mountain
MoriAtlas Explorer
Continue Exploring Puracé National Natural Park's Geographic and Protected Landscape Identity
Delve deeper into the structured geographic data for Puracé National Natural Park. Understanding its mapped boundaries, regional terrain, and protected-area status provides essential context for exploring Colombia's natural landscapes. Continue your discovery of this important national park and its contribution to the region's protected lands through detailed atlas exploration.
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