Puracé National Park Tour: Condor Sighting & Waterfalls Day Trip

Summary

Andean Condor Watching & Páramo Adventure in Puracé

If you want to see wild condors up close and wander through Colombia’s unique páramo landscapes with locals who know every trail, this tour’s for you. Expect waterfalls, rare plants, thermal springs—and a real sense of connection to nature at high altitude.

What’s the experience like?

Fog clung to the grass as we stepped out of the van, boots crunching on frosty ground. Our guide from the Puracé indigenous community handed out steaming cups of tinto—Colombian coffee that somehow tastes even better at 3,400 meters. The air felt thin but fresh, carrying hints of wet earth and wild herbs. We started our walk toward San Antonio waterfall, following a narrow path lined with frailejones—those fuzzy plants that only grow a centimeter a year. You can actually feel the altitude here; my breath came short, but the sound of water crashing ahead kept me moving.

I’ll never forget standing just ten meters from an Andean condor as it spread its wings—honestly, you don’t realize how massive they are until you’re right there. Our guide explained how these birds are sacred to the local people and pointed out their favorite perches along the cliffs. The silence was broken only by wind and distant calls. Later, we hiked to Bedón waterfall, where mist soaked our faces and moss covered every rock. There’s something about watching all that water tumble down that makes you feel small but alive.

We stopped at the Andulbio lagoon overlook—if you’re lucky with clear skies, the reflection is almost glassy. I dipped my hands in one of the crystal-clear springs nearby (locals call it Pozo de los Deseos) and it was freezing but oddly refreshing. Lunch was simple but hearty: hot soup and rice served picnic-style while we traded stories with our guide about life in the highlands. Before heading back, we passed bubbling thermal springs streaked with blue and orange—no swimming allowed here, but just seeing those colors against the grey rocks was wild.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Puracé Natural Park

• Visit San Antonio Waterfall
• Watch majestic condor flight
• See frailejones plants
• Admire Bedón Waterfall
• Relax at Andulbio crystal waters
• View colored thermal springs

Top questions

How close do we get to the condors?

You’ll usually be within 10-20 meters if conditions are right—the guides know their habits well so sightings are common.

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

The walks aren’t too tough but there is some uneven ground and altitude; most ages do fine if they’re reasonably fit.

What should I bring for weather or comfort?

Layers are key—it can go from chilly mornings to sunny afternoons fast. Waterproof shoes help too since trails can get muddy.

Can I swim in any of the springs or waterfalls?

No swimming is allowed in the thermal springs or main waterfalls due to safety and conservation rules—but you can touch some of the cold streams along the way.

What’s included

Your day includes private transport from Popayán or nearby towns, entry tickets to Puracé National Park, lunch (usually hot soup and local fare), coffee or tea breaks along the way, plus guidance from a native expert who knows these mountains inside out. Safety insurance’s also covered so you can just focus on exploring.