Puracé National Natural Park, located in Colombia’s southwestern Andes, is an expanse of volcanic peaks, cloud forests, and páramo ecosystems. Dominated by the active Puracé Volcano, the park is the source of several of Colombia’s major rivers, including the Magdalena and Cauca. Its landscapes host a rich array of biodiversity, from towering wax palms and rare orchids to elusive spectacled bears and reintroduced Andean condors. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the park is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a vital cultural and spiritual landscape for the indigenous peoples who inhabit it.
Among these communities is the Coconuco ethnic group, whose ancestral territory overlaps with much of the park. Historically speakers of a now-extinct Chibchan language, the Coconuco maintain a spiritual connection to the land, viewing the volcanoes, rivers, and forests as living entities imbued with sacred power. Their traditional governance is organized through cabildos, or councils, and their economy revolves around small-scale agriculture, livestock, and communal labor practices known as mingas. Despite centuries of colonization and cultural pressure, the Coconuco have preserved many of their customs and continue to play a central role in the stewardship of the park.
Also residing in the region are the Guambiano people, who refer to themselves as the Misak. Centered in the town of Silvia and surrounding highlands, the Guambiano are known for their traditional dress and their commitment to cultural preservation. Their language, Wampi-misamera-wam, is still actively spoken, and their social organization emphasizes collective work, education, and reverence for nature. Guambiano settlements are often structured around sacred sites and ancestral trails, and their agricultural practices reflect a deep ecological knowledge passed down through generations.
Together, the Coconuco and Guambiano peoples embody a living heritage that enriches the ecological and cultural fabric of Puracé National Natural Park. Their presence challenges conventional conservation models by demonstrating how indigenous knowledge and spiritual values can coexist with—and even enhance—environmental protection. Through community-led tourism, cultural revitalization, and land reclamation efforts, these groups are not only safeguarding their traditions but also shaping the future of one of Colombia’s natural landscapes.
Paletará Indigenous Council «We continue to resist, preserving our Mother Nature.» |
Panorama of Purace National Natural Park |
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