Cascada de Río Bedón

Location:
Popayán-La Plata road, Kilometer 35, Parque Nacional Natural Puracé.
Colombia

National Park

By Lorraine Caputo

More or less parallel to the Popayán-La Plata road, which passes along the north edge of Parque Nacional Natural Puracé, is the Bedón River. Just past Kilometer 35 the río plunges from 3,060 meters (10,037 feet) altitude to less than 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) before continuing its course eastward through large-leafed foilage. The waters of Cascada de Río Bedón foam white not from the 60-meter (197-foot)-plus fall, but from the sulfur swirling within its depths. You witness its force from the overlook built just 10 meters (33 feet) from the road.

Getting There
Take a bus from passing along the road to Kilometer 35, or walk from one of the other attractions along the north road.

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Water, high-energy snacks, rain gear; if going to Laguna San Rafael, rubber boots.

Along the north road of Puracé National Park are a number of natural wonders, including a condor lookout point, Laguna de San Rafael, Termales San Juan (just two kilometers/1.2 miles from this waterfall) and Cascada San Nicolás. All these and more can be included in a 15-kilometer walk, a good day trip.