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PURACE & SILVIA
Termales San Juan, Purace
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Silvia, Community Misak (Guambiano)
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Popayan, Cauca
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Condor watching, Purace
Termales San Juan, Purace
Silvia, Community Misak (Guambiano)
Popayan, Cauca
Condor watching, Purace
It is an expedition the “mountain of the fire”. That´s how the indigenous people call the Purace Volcano which is part of the “Serrania de los Coconucos” with 11 volcanos between 4400-4700 masl. The hikes lead through the magical ecosystems of the Paramo and high Andean forest, which is home of the spectacled bear, the Andean Condor and the endemic Frailejones, among many other species.
Its guardians are the Misak indigenous people, also called Guambianos, which we will share their traditions and cosmology with us.
Arrival in Popayan and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, city tour through the historical city centre with its beautiful White colonial buildings. Hotel: La Plazuela.
Early in the morning, we will visit one of the most beautiful places in the Andes, the national park Puracé. The park covers impressive waterfalls, rivers, flora y fauna, at an altitude between 2500 and 4800 m. Also spectacular are the hot springs of San Juan, as well as the beautiful landscape of the Páramo with the special Failejones and over 200 different kinds of orchids. There is also the possibility to see the rare Andean condor. In the afternoon, return to Coconuco. Hotel: Comfandi.
Today, we will climb the volcano Puracé. It is recommended for experienced hikers, you can choose between a shorter, 4-hour hike and a longer, 8-9-hour hike. The volcano is about 4.650 masl and usually covered by mystical clouds. Coming back to Coconuco, you can enjoy a relaxing bath in the hot springs close to the hotel. Hotel: Comfandi.
After breakfast, we continue to Silvia, about 2,5 hours from Coconuco by car. It is the home of one of the most interesting indigenous communities of Colombia, the Misak (or also known as the Guambianos). They are still conserving their ancient traditions and are living there in an indigenous reserve, where they are allowed to live by their own laws. Upon arrival, we will visit the village of Silvia and afterwards enter into the territory of the Misak. We will stay with one of the families, which allows us to get to know their customs and cosmology. In the afternoon, visit of the local medicine man who is working with natural plant extractions. Dinner and accommodation in a Miska family.
After breakfast, we will hike about 3 hours into the mountains to the ceremonial places the Lagoon of Ñimbe and Piendamo at 3.200 masl. We will have sacred rituals of harmonization there and leave some offerings for “Pachamama”. In the afternoon, return to Popayan (about 1.5 hours). End of program.