Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex National Park

Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex Overview

Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex National Park, or Parque Nacional Complejo Volcánico Doña Juana-Cascabel, is a protected area in the Nariño and Putumayo departments of southwestern Colombia.

Encompassing approximately 166 square miles (431 square kilometers), the park is part of the Andean cloud forest and paramo ecosystems. It is located within the Central Andes, with an elevation range that spans from 1,200 to over 4,200 meters (3,937 to 13,780 feet), creating a rich diversity of climates and habitats.

The park is dominated by the Doña Juana, Ánimas, and Cascabel volcanoes, with Doña Juana being the most prominent at 4,250 meters (13,944 feet). This rugged volcanic terrain features steep slopes, deep valleys, and high-altitude lakes formed by glacial and volcanic activity. Several rivers, including the Guambuyaco and Mayo Rivers, originate within the park, feeding lush cloud forests and cascading waterfalls such as the El Encanto and Las Lajas waterfalls.

The vegetation within the park varies with elevation, transitioning from dense humid forests at lower altitudes to high-altitude paramo ecosystems above the tree line. The cloud forests are filled with towering wax palms, moss-covered trees, and a dense understory of ferns and orchids.

In the paramo, visitors will find frailejones (Espeletia spp.), which are crucial for water retention in these high-altitude ecosystems. The rich volcanic soil supports an abundance of plant life, providing habitat for many endemic and threatened species.

Wildlife is abundant in the park, with a mix of Andean and Amazonian species. Mammals such as the spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), and puma (Puma concolor) roam the forests and highlands. Other notable species include the Colombian woolly monkey (Lagothrix lugens), an endangered primate, and the Central American agouti (Dasyprocta punctata).

The park is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 400 bird species, including the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus), the black-and-chestnut eagle (Spizaetus isidori), and the striking toucan barbet (Semnornis ramphastinus). Hummingbirds, tanagers, and rare mountain species make this park an essential site for avian biodiversity.

One of the most popular features of the park is the Doña Juana Volcano, which remains semi-active and serves as a geological wonder. The diverse landscapes allow visitors to explore multiple ecosystems within a single visit. Hiking and birdwatching are among the most common activities, with well-maintained trails leading through cloud forests and paramo landscapes.

Camping and guided nature tours offer deeper immersion in the park’s biodiversity. The numerous waterfalls provide excellent photography opportunities, while the rivers and natural pools attract those looking for a refreshing dip in the pristine waters.

Conservation efforts in Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex National Park have been largely focused on protecting its unique biodiversity and maintaining water resources. The park plays a crucial role in regulating regional hydrology, supplying fresh water to surrounding communities.

However, challenges such as deforestation, illegal mining, and encroaching agriculture pose ongoing threats. Conservation initiatives have had success in reforesting degraded areas and increasing awareness among local communities.

The presence of indigenous groups and local conservation organizations has helped reinforce sustainable practices, making this park an example of Colombia’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.

Park Map

Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex National Park is an important birdwatching destination, home to a mix of Andean and cloud forest species.

Andean Condor
One of the largest flying birds in the world, the Andean condor is a symbol of Colombia’s high-altitude ecosystems. It soars over the park’s peaks, scavenging for carrion.

Black-and-chestnut Eagle
A powerful bird of prey, the black-and-chestnut eagle is an expert hunter of small mammals and birds in the park’s cloud forests.

Sword-billed Hummingbird
This fascinating hummingbird has an extremely long bill, which it uses to feed on nectar from deep flowers. It is an essential pollinator in the region.

Masked Trogon
With its striking red and green plumage, the masked trogon is one of the most visually stunning birds in the park. It inhabits the cloud forests, feeding on insects and small fruits.

Golden-fronted Whitestart
A brightly colored warbler species, the golden-fronted whitestart is commonly seen flitting among the shrubs and trees of the park’s montane forests.

Chestnut-bellied Flowerpiercer
This high-altitude bird has a uniquely curved bill that allows it to pierce flowers and extract nectar, making it an important pollinator in the páramo.

Andean Guan
A large, turkey-like bird, the Andean guan forages for fruits and leaves in the cloud forests. It is an essential seed disperser that helps maintain plant diversity.

Buffy Helmetcrest
This rare hummingbird species is found exclusively in páramo ecosystems. It has adapted to feeding on high-altitude flowers, making it a key pollinator in this fragile environment.

Purple-backed Thornbill
One of the smallest hummingbirds in the park, the purple-backed thornbill is recognized by its iridescent plumage and rapid flight.

Rufous-bellied Nighthawk
A nocturnal species, the rufous-bellied nighthawk is often seen gliding over the páramo at dusk, hunting for insects.

Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex National Park’s mix of volcanic landscapes, cloud forests, and páramo ecosystems makes it one of Colombia’s most spectacular and ecologically significant protected areas. Its diverse wildlife and bird species, along with its dramatic terrain and active volcanoes, make it a must-visit destination for hikers, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservationists.

Doña Juana-Cascabel Volcanic Complex National Park, located in southwestern Colombia, is a breathtaking protected area that encompasses active and dormant volcanoes, cloud forests, páramo ecosystems, and pristine rivers. The park is centered around the Doña Juana Volcano, which, along with the Cascabel and Ánimas volcanoes, shapes the rugged terrain. This diverse environment supports a rich array of wildlife, including rare and endemic species, making it one of Colombia’s most important biodiversity hotspots.

Spectacled Bear
As the only bear species in South America, the spectacled bear thrives in the park’s cloud forests and páramo regions. It is an important seed disperser, feeding on fruits, bromeliads, and small vertebrates.

Puma
A highly adaptable predator, the puma is one of the top carnivores in the park. It preys on deer, rodents, and other small mammals, maintaining balance within the ecosystem.

Andean Tapir
This endangered species, also known as the mountain tapir, is a keystone herbivore in high-altitude forests. It feeds on a variety of plants, playing a crucial role in seed dispersal and forest regeneration.

Neotropical Otter
This semi-aquatic mammal inhabits the park’s rivers and streams, where it preys on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans. Its presence is an indicator of clean, healthy waterways.

Andean Fox
A versatile omnivore, the Andean fox can be found across the park’s high-altitude regions. It preys on small mammals, birds, and insects while also scavenging for food.

Western Dwarf Red Brocket Deer
A small and elusive deer species, it is primarily nocturnal and feeds on fruits and foliage in the dense understory of the park’s forests.

Mountain Coati
A relative of the raccoon, the mountain coati is an agile and social mammal that forages for fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. It is often seen in family groups exploring the park’s forests.

Colombian Weasel
One of the rarest and least-studied mammals in South America, the Colombian weasel is a small but highly effective predator that hunts rodents and amphibians in humid forested areas.

Andean Frog
Numerous species of Andean frogs inhabit the park, many of which are endemic to Colombia. They thrive in the cool, moist conditions of the cloud forest and páramo.

Glass Frog
Known for its translucent skin, the glass frog allows observers to see its internal organs. These amphibians live near streams, where they lay their eggs on leaves above the water.