The Park is located west of the city of Popayán, in jurisdiction of El Tambo, on the western slope of the Western Cordillera of the Colombian Andes. It comprises 44,000 hectares and is composed mainly of sharply undulating mountains cut by several tributaries of the San Juan del Micay river. The reserve takes its name from the Munchique mountain which rises 3012 meters above sea level. Preservation of the park is vital due to numerous water sources that originate several streams. The altitude range allows for temperatures to vary between 8°C at the peaks to 27°C at the lowest points.