There are few places in the world where ecotourism, natural landscape, archeology, history, and culture converge like they do in PURACÉ. In Quechua, Puracé means mountain of fire and it is known as the most septitrional volcano in the mountainous region of Coconuco. There are seven peaks in the highlands of Coconuco sport and many inactive craters. The indigenous say that the axe of the colonizers scared away Jucas, the god of snow and hail. As a result only the “Pan de Azucar” peak sustains snow all year round, although the mountains used to be permanently covered in snow. During the time of the Conquistadors the eastern slope of the Cordillera Central was populated by the Paeces, Apiramas, Guanacos, Guanukos, Yalcones, Oporapas, Mayas, Moscopanes, Itopoes, Quinchadas, Milanes y Laculatas.
The western slope was habituated by Paeces, Guambianos, Puracés y Coconucos. Of these ethnic groups were descendents of the Paeces and they found themselves settling around the park, in the extreme north on the edge of the Puracen volcano.

Amazing waterfalls plunge down the walls of the glacier´s valleys. The waters shape a countryside of rivers and springs whose banks are carpeted in mosses, ferns, seaweed, and sulfuric bacteria that create a variety of brilliant and amazing colors.

Included in the trip we can appreciate the original market of SILVIA (resguardo indigena guambiano) If you ever wanted to experience a place that has both beautiful natural scenary and a rich cultural presence, visit this town in Colombia. Silvia is situated in the middle of the Caucanas mountains, only one hour from the capital of the region. It is known as “the Swiss Alps of South America” for its impressive mountains and the numerous houses built in the style of European chalets. When you arrive in town you will get to experience the fresh air and the rich ecology that the people of Silvia get to experience everyday. You will also see the great diversity the residents of the town have to offer. There are those of European descent to farmers to the mystic “guambianos,” a ethnic group who today, in the 21st century, are still intact with their traditions. 

You can also get to know “the white city,” or POPAYAN, one of the most traditional parts of Colombia and one of the country´s architectural jems. Although many of the colonial buildings were destroyed by an earthquake in 1983, they have been reconstructed and still hold their authentic beauty.