Gazing up at El Azufral, have you ever wondered about the secrets hidden within its slopes? El Azufral isn’t just a volcano; it’s a story etched in stone and sulfur. This stratovolcano, standing tall in Nariño, Colombia, is unique. It’s the only volcano in the Western Ranges of the Colombian Andes. Its name, derived from the Spanish word for sulfur, whispers of the vibrant green lake nestled within its crater. El Azufral is a semi-dormant giant, breathing fumaroles from its summit. High above, at 3,970 meters, lies Laguna Verde, the Green Lake. This crescent-shaped lake, 1,100 meters long and 600 meters wide, owes its striking color to sulfur and iron deposits. El Azufral holds more than just Laguna Verde. Two smaller lakes, Laguna Negra (Black Lake) and Laguna Cristal (Crystal Lake), add to its mystique. Since 1990, El Azufral and its surrounding area have been protected within the Reserva Natural del Azufral, a nature reserve spanning 5,800 hectares. The volcano’s semi-dormant state makes it accessible to visitors. A road leads close to the summit, and a trail completes the journey to Laguna Verde, allowing a close encounter with this natural wonder.
Mirador de Cerro Salaverry
Can you picture it? The sun dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues of orange and purple,