Puracé: When to go

Climate & Geography

By Lorraine Caputo

November, December and January are the best months to visit Parque Nacional Natural Puracé and the surrounding region. The clear weather brings the highest daytime temperatures (14-16C/57-61F) but likewise, the coldest nighttime temperatures, sometimes dropping below freezing.

The windiest months are July and August, when it is also cold. The rest of the year, be prepared for rain that can last all day and all night.

The wettest months are September-October, and February-March (when rains are heaviest).

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS

The hamlets neighboring the national park all have their festivals. Puracé village's patron saint is San Miguel Arcangel, celebrated from the 24-30 of September with sporting, cultural and culinary events, processions, pyrotechnic vacas locas and castles, and cock fights.

Coconuco honors San Pedro and San Pablo in June.

The second weekend of October is the annual rainbow trout fishing tournament in Paletará.

Coconuco and Puracé celebrate Semana Santa (Easter Week) with indigenous processions. In homes, foods such as corn, potatoes and rice, along with a wallet, are placed before a small light, a petition that food and money never be scarce for the family.