Trekking in Parque Nacional Puracé

By Lorraine Caputo

If you are ready to get out of the cities and stretch your legs a bit, if you are bored of their museums and churches, then dig out the hiking boots and hie to Parque Nacional Natural Puracé. You can climb Volcán Puracé (4,640 meters/15,219 feet) or do the two-day trek around Pan de Azúcar (4,670 meters/15,318 feet) and the Cadena Volcánica de Coconuco. The pre-Hispanic Camino Nacional is also an off-the-beaten track adventure. The attractions along the north road makes a great day excursion. For bird watchers, there are Andean condors and over 160 other species of birds. After days of hiking or trekking, you can soak in the hot springs in Coconuco. For those who like fishing, cast your line in Coconuco or Paletará for some of their famous rainbow trout.