Camino Natural - Trekking Parque Nacional Puracé - Colombia

One of the three park roads, the Camino Natural cuts across the park, from San Sebastián in Cauca to San Agustín in Huila. This pre-Hispanic road takes the average hiker two days to complete, staying the night in San Antonio. Before you start asking if you are there yet, take into consideration it’s only an eight-hour walk, but you’ll want to stop and talk to the local residents along the way. Camino Natural is stone-paved and a secure route, no longer used by guerrillas. You’ll need a guide and a park permit, both of which you can get from the Surandina office in Popayán. Don’t miss the chance to take this ancient road through pristine landscapes, visiting indigenous villages along the way and finishing the walk at the site of the mysterious Agustine peoples’ stoic statues.

Location:
Parque Nacional Puracé, Colombia

Trekking

Travel Tips:

A guide is needed. Contact Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia Surandina, in Popayán, to arrange the services of a local guide from the indigenous community, make a reservation and find out about present conditions. The park entry fee is paid at either Pilimbalá or Termales San Juan.

Price Description:

The park entry fee is $8.50 for foreigners, $3.50 for Colombians.

Relative price: Mid-Range

Travel Skills: intermediate/somewhat difficult.

You Need to Bring:

Camping equipment (tent, camp stove--no open fires are allowed, sleeping bag), water, high-energy food, warm clothing, hat, gloves, rain gear, strong footwear.

Parque Nacional Natural Puracé has other trekking opportunites to waterfalls, lagoons, thermal springs and volcanoes, as well as birdwatching. Paletará and Coconuco villages have good rainbow trout fishing. In San Agustín and the surrounding areas are many archaeological sites.

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By Lorraine Caputo

Upon re-declaring her independence at age 29, Lorraine Caputo packed her trusty Rocinante (so her knapsack's called) and began...

Updated: 17 Aug 2011