Colombian Massif

The Colombian Massif, also known colloquially as Nudo de Almaguer, refers to a group of mountains within the Andes of south central Colombia. The massif is mainly within the area of the Cauca, Huila, and Nariño Departments. To the south is the Nudo de [los Pastos|Pasto Massif] and to the north begins the Central |Central] and Cordillera [Oriental |Eastern Andes].

Geography

The total area is, which is distributed as follows: of forests, of agroecosystems, of páramos, of snow zone, have xerophytic vegetation and of urban settlements. The altitude varies between and.
This area is identified as the source of 70% of the Colombian freshwater for human consumption and irrigation. It embodies the headwaters of the Magdalena and Cauca Rivers, Caquetá and Putumayo Rivers and the Patía River.
The massif contains 362 high mountain bodies of water, 13 páramos and other ecosystems rich in flora and fauna. From south to north are the páramos of Cutanga, Letero, Las Papas, Apio and Buey as well as high altitude valleys like the Valley of Potatoes and Valley of Paletara. The Sotará and Puracé are the prominent volcanoes of the area, the latter being within the Puracé National [Natural Park].
Very few people have traversed the mountains of this region because it is covered by rugged terrain and an impenetrable and cold páramo environment, both of which are natural guardians which preserve the water sources that provide water for half of Colombia before emptying into the sea.