pasto colombia tourism

Green Mochila

Budget Backpacking in South America

🇨🇴 Pasto, the Well-Kept Secret of Colombia

Who wants to stay all the time on the beaten path? Pasto, the westernmost biggest town in Colombia, hardly features on any route plan. Truth is, the places in the north take the fame: postcard-perfect Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, the tropical paradise Tayrona Park or backpackers’ favourite Medellin. But in fact, Pasto is blessed with amazing nature around, Colombia’s most beautiful churches and laid-back vibes. So don’t miss this hidden gem, especially on your way to or from Ecuador.

Well, I know most travellers have limited time: that’s how I’ve been in the past…erm…many years. But imagine a city where people are friendly, there’s no tourist crowd (except once a year – read further to discover), and with a lot of possibilities for days out in gorgeous nature. Sounds convincing? Then add Pasto to your ever-growing list of places to visit in Colombia and read on for some concrete ideas.

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Where is Pasto and Nariño department

Let’s start with the basics. Pasto is the capital of the Nariño department of Colombia. In fact, its full name is San Juan de Pasto . Have you noticed that many South American cities have a long obscure name that hardly anyone uses?

Pasto was the theological center of Colombia. I wasn’t surprised to learn this, seeing the many beautiful churches the city boasts. (More about this later.) During the American Independence Wars , it was a bastion of the royalist forces (read: the Spaniards). So after the independence, the city lived in relative isolation from the rest of Colombia.

Why visit Pasto in Colombia

Current day Pasto is a city of extremes (as one of our Couchsurfing hosts had said, spot on). Located near the border with Ecuador, you can find a mix of cultures there.

For example, if your biggest wish is to taste a roasted guinea pig , here’s your chance. Pasto is the only Colombian town where you can find them in restaurants (and on the street). We won’t tell you how they taste, being vegetarians. However, we can tell you that it’s a common food in Ecuador and Peru. So if you travel southbound you’ll see it often on the menu. Look out for the word ‘ cuy ‘.

Apart from typical culture, the other highlight of the area is the great outdoors . Nature lovers won’t be disappointed, as the Andes Mountains lie in the Nariño department and is home to many beautiful hiking spots which are hugely off the path of most travelers. Pasto and Nariño are a great change from the most famous crowded hikes of South America, like Machu Picchu.

Your must-see visit near Pasto: Lajas sanctuary in Ipiales

On our way from Otavalo to Pasto, after a tedious border-crossing from Ecuador, we headed to Ipiales. This small unremarkable town is the gateway to the Lajas sanctuary. I had to motivate Anthony to do the detour; he’s always affected by the administrative hassle of border-crossing, so he just wanted the day to be over.

But the Lajas sanctuary ( Santuario Virgen de Las Lajas ) is very near the Ecuadorian border, so if you are travelling from / to Ecuador, you must visit it.

You don’t often see the word “must” on Green Mochila – our advice are usually rather “shoulds” and “woulds”. But in this case, I’ll be fearless and unsheathe a “must”. Just look underneath at pictures of this majestic church and you’ll understand why.

Visiting the Lajas sanctuary

The Lajas sanctuary is a small church built in the valley above the Guaitara river . The road leading down to it is pedestrianized, so prepare for a steep way down and a steep back up. Or you can take a cable car to skip the steep slopes but that won’t bring you to the church itself.

The most beautiful neo-Gothic church in Colombia is a national pilgrimage place for religious people and tourists alike. The many spiky towers and ornaments reminded me of Neuschwanstein castle in Germany, which was made world-famous by Disney’s logo. In fact, if Neuschwanstein is the Disney castle, Lajas could well be the Disney church. But psst… don’t tell Disney about this million-dollar business idea!

The interior of the church left me just as astonished as the outside: instead of the traditional religious elements like saint sculptures and exquisitely carved wooden altar, the decoration was rather modern, with abstract shapes and bold colours. The interior is completely in contrast with the traditional exterior.

The best views of the sanctuary are from the many lookouts further on the other side after crossing the bridge. You’ll also appreciate the surrounding green hills and the river. Apart from the famous picturesque photo you should also take a 360 degrees picture to include the two waterfalls a few meters down. It’s really a scenery worth a million [insert your currency here]!

As I sat down at the end of the bridge to draw a picture of the church, a sweet local child came to me out of curiosity. He told me that he was on holiday too, with his parents, from a neighbouring department. In fact, we saw at Lajas more national visitors than foreign tourists.

Things to do in Pasto, Colombia

After a full day spent crossing the border hop on hop off, we finally arrived in Pasto. We felt like indulging in Colombia, the country we were so looking forward to set foot on! This city is a perfect place to start, and we didn’t expect it to have such a variety of activities.

Church-hopping

What truly mesmerised us on the first day was the many beautiful churches in Pasto. Colombia (like the rest of South America) is a very catholic country, where indigenous beliefs are not as strongly present as in other countries of the Andes, like Peru and Bolivia.

The ancient indigenous belief system is still very much alive today. Want to know more? Read our article about it .

On a nice sunny afternoon we went church-hopping and visited a great many number of them. They are surprisingly built in quite different styles. Luckily, most of them were open, so we didn’t have the issue of closed doors as often happened during our trip.

For some reason, we really like visiting churches. We admire them from an artistic point of view, and get lost in the local peculiarities of the decoration. They also tell much of the history of a place, the hazards of wealth, the battles for power. Here are my favourite churches in Pasto:

Pay a visit to the local market

If my church visits are purely platonic, I am a strong believer in markets. I mean I strongly believe that markets are great spots to really learn about the local life.

We always stop by on our first walk in a new city, sometimes merely to have a look. Colombian markets are just the thing, and Pasto is no exception to that! They not only sell delicious fruit and veggies, they also have a super local canteen area where individual booths sell breakfast, lunch, and freshly prepared juice made from regional fruits.

If you are a responsible traveller and a zero waste fan, markets will be an important shopping place for you too, as they sell most of the things package-free. You can even find things such as cheese and butter package-free – what a heaven! Don’t forget to bring your own shopping bag.

The Pasto market (called “ Dos Puentes “, Two Bridges) is small, but has all the essentials: we got an introduction to all the fruits and veggies we would see all along in Colombia. It’s an atmospheric and authentic local life-spotting place. We had a juice made of borojo and maracuya – both are typical exotic fruits from the region.

Nature, nature, nature

Now, the big thing in this region really is the nature that surrounds Pasto. Travellers often arrive unprepared and miss this beautiful paradise.

Honestly, this was exactly our mistake (facepalm). But hopefully you, dear reader, will plan sufficient time after this post to wander out and about. For sure, next time we visit Colombia, we’ll discover the beautiful spots in the great outdoors of Pasto. Until then, I gathered the below information from these Colombian websites: Colparques , Experience Colombia , Colombia.travel.

So let’s see which places we wish we had heard of before setting foot in Colombia…

La Cocha lake ( Laguna de la Cocha )

Alright, we actually did hear about this lake before crossing the border, but decided not to visit it. Just the day before, we hiked around the Cuicocha lake in Ecuador. We thought it was enough -cocha lakes for now.

However, if you feel the hikers’ boogie, Colombia’s second biggest lake offers very pleasant activities for your day out from Pasto: hike around the lake, take a boat tour between the small islets, rent a kayak, eat regional meals in a local restaurant.

Being only an hour bus ride away from Pasto, you don’t even need to wake up that early! This area is actually part of the Amazonia, so if you don’t have any other trip planned to the rain forest, I believe this should be on your list.

Read about our unforgettable camping trip to the Peruvian Amazonia . The best hike in my life!

And if you’re still not convinced: some indigenous groups consider this area specifically high in positive and healing energies . In fact, they say that this is the place with the second highest amount of energy after the famous Machu Picchu, where human and nature are in perfect harmony.

Skip the headache of the organisation by opting for this comprehensive 4-day Nariño-tour on Viator , that also includes La Cocha lake.

Lake of the Azufral Volcano (or Laguna Verde )

Have you ever seen a lake and thought you must be hallucinating? The Azufral volcano lake in Nariño brings this feeling to the next level.

The lagoon that’s aptly also called “Green Lake” is at a spinning 3900m altitude and is hugged by three volcanoes: Chiles, Cumbal and Azufral. The water is close to boiling point at certain places, since the volcano heats it up. If you can still breath, it’s also possible to hike up to the top of the Azufral volcano. It just takes an additional 100m to enjoy stunning views of the region .

Hopefully by now your eyes are sparkling with excitement (Hungarian expression), so here’s the practical info. There are two starting points:

• from Túquerres (70 km from Pasto) following the Los Tanques path, which is a 12 km dirt road type of path;
• from Espino (82 km from Pasto) with the Cementerio (cemetery) path.

Starting from Pasto, you first need to get to one of these two villages to begin the hike, or book a tour. There are plenty of local tour agencies offering this hike, just book on the spot.

Camping in the area: there’s no camping at the lake, but wild camping is allowed. Make sure you have enough warm clothes and reliable tent and sleeping bag. The average temperature by day is 8 degrees celsius and it can drop even lower at night.

Also, remember that the lake is at high altitude , so prepare yourself with acclimatisation and coca leaves / tea if necessary. A few years ago the trail was closed as irresponsible tourists damaged this fragile ecosystem. Please take extra precaution to leave no trace and keep on the hiking path. Go green, go to the Green Lake!

Juanambú Canyon Park ( Parque Cañon de Juanambú )

This adventure park is set in a beautiful valley with a river, rolling green foothills of the Andes and a climate that is said to be one of the healthiest in the world. It can be the favourite spot of those who like outdoor sports , like rafting, kayaking, rappelling, hiking, climbing and canyon tours.

Apart from this, there are three thermal pools to enjoy after an active day, and a camping to stay at. The park is an hour north from Pasto, ideal for adventure travellers and families.

Tajumbina thermal spring

Those who are up for a hot-cold challenge shouldn’t miss the Tajumbina thermal springs. The water temperature reaches 62 degrees celsius, while the air is only 10-12 degrees.

We had similar fun in Baños, Ecuador where I (almost literally) jumped between the 18 and 45 degrees celsius pools. Such a quick temperature change is good for the blood (so they say). The spring is located among the volcanoes Galeras, Azufral and Doña Juana, so your eyes can relax on the beautiful, green scenery too.

Read more: Hot baths and more in Baños, Ecuador

Galeras volcano

And finally, another volcano – the symbol of Pasto – which is so near that you can see it on a clear day from the city. It’s home to 100 species of birds, out of which 16 are different types of hummingbirds! Test your eyesight: are you able to make out the different types?

Just a small warning though: this volcano near Pasto is the most active in Colombia and it erupted in 1993 the last time, killing a team of volcanologists and tourists. Don’t mean to scare you off…

Do you love hiking? Discover other wonderful hikes in Colombia , in our post.

The carnival of blacks and whites

If you are lucky to travel to Colombia in January, don’t miss the Carnaval de Blancos y Negros which takes place every year in Pasto. This is one the most famous festivals in Colombia. The UNESCO-listed carnival is held between 2-7 January in Pasto and it draws a huge amount of national and international visitors.

The origins of this carnival goes back to the black and white ethnicities of the country, and nowadays it’s the celebration of diversity. Local and national groups work on their elaborate costume for months just to parade on these days, and the results are amazing, colourful and… messy!

The city becomes a huge party for the days of the celebration, people throw foam and rainbow coloured powder at each other, so better not wear clothes that are valuable to you.

Go easy with the logistics and book your organised tour to Pasto that includes the Carnival of blacks and whites on Viator .

If your dates don’t match with the carnival, you can still get a sneak peak into the carnival world. Visit the Museum of Carnival in Pasto where you can see traditional costumes and learn about the background of the celebration.

What to eat & drink in Pasto, Colombia

As with many towns close to country borders, Pasto enjoys a varied cuisine with both Ecuadorian and Colombian dishes.

One of the region’s specialities is the guinea pig that they prepare fried or roasted. If you travel north, this is your last chance, since they don’t eat guinea pigs in the rest of the country.

Being super fans of street food, in Pasto we quickly discovered the Colombian arepas. It’s a corn flour fried disc filled either with cheese or with meat. Those of you who are travelling longer in Colombia will find arepas EVERYWHERE, and will notice that their type, size and price change from town to town. Psst! Let me tell you that the arepas of Pasto were the best value for money we found in Colombia; they are big, cheap and the quality is good.

Our other vice regarding food are bakeries. So we were very happy to find a nice bakery very near our accommodation, the Panaderia Sabropan bakery. It’s a great place for breakfast. We quickly discovered the local savoury speciality, called almojábana: a palm-sized soft scone baked with cheese. It’s best enjoyed warm, so make sure you ask at the bakery to warm it up.

Colombia is famous for its tropical fruits coming from the Caribbean coast and Amazonia. The best place to drink a delicious juice made of local fruits is the local market; so go get a cheap juice and watch people buying, selling, gossiping.

Read more about our favourite Colombian snacks , that you should try on your trip.

Where to stay

Pasto has numerous accommodations bookable upfront, and all of them are pretty affordable for Western wallets. If you are staying in Pasto during the Carnival of Blacks and Whites, make sure to book your accommodation well in advance.

Budget option

Casa Hospedaje La Bohemia : rated at 9.5 on Booking, this colourful and sustainable accommodation with city and mountain views, is conveniently right in the center. Its quiet atmosphere is perfect for travelers who are keen to explore the area instead of partying. It offers free wifi.

A local Couchsurfer recommended us a cheap hotel next to the central square, the Hotel Koala Inn . It’s a two-storey building with an elegant inner patio. Unfortunately, it’s not on Booking.

Mid-range options

Hotel Cafe y Miel : rated at 9.4 on Booking, this comfortable hotel offers calm vibes and proximity to nature, being on the outside edge of town. Its facilities includes free wifi, relaxation area, flat-screen TV and private bathrooms. Breakfast is included.

Hotel San Blass Boutique : rated at 9.4 on Booking, this level 2 sustainability hotel is right in the city center, but due to the inner courtyard, it offers peace and quiet. The rooms are tastefully decorated, they have flat-screen TV and private bathroom. Breakfast and airport shuttle is available.

High-end options

Hotel Cuellars : rated at 9.0 on Booking, this level 3 sustainability hotel offers a great location, being right in the center. It’s time to pamper yourself in the on-site fitness center, restaurant and spa! The rooms are spacey, and there’s breakfast & free parking included, should you have your own car.

Villa De Los Sueños : if you have ever dreamed of staying in a chalet, this is the time when you can do that in a super affordable and stylish manner! This beautiful, wooden decorated, level 3 sustainability chalet is situated on the shore of La Cocha lake (one of the most beautiful nature spots near Pasto), which means: mountain view, terrace, barbecue, hammock to relax – and wifi.

Safety in Colombia: is Pasto safe?

Colombia has a long tradition of violence, and even today gangs are not uncommon in towns. Many travel books and resources highlight safety, especially in big cities in Colombia, and Pasto is a medium-sized town. So safety in Pasto is definitely not a topic to overlook.

Having said that, w e felt safe in Pasto in general. Only the area between the bus station and the town centre looks somewhat seedy.

To stay safe in Pasto, and in general in Colombia, it’s important that you follow these rules:

• Don’t walk on the streets outside of the tourist area at night, especially not alone
• Don’t walk alone on empty streets even during the day
• Right upon arrival, ask a policeman or at your accommodation which areas to avoid and avoid them day and night
• Don’t “ give papaya ” and show any valuables: don’t carry your phone or your camera in your hands

From Ecuador to Colombia

Given that Pasto is situated at the south of Colombia, it’s the most popular towns to reach upon crossing the border from Ecuador. Apart from this route (Otavalo, Ibarra, Tulcán, Pasto), there are 2 other roads to cross the border between Ecuador and Colombia, but they are far less popular. When planning our border crossing, we chose this route as there was more info available about it.

Crossing border from Otavalo in Ecuador to Pasto in Colombia

The way from Otavalo in Ecuador to Pasto was one of our longest border-crossing days. Our route was the following:

Stage 1 : from Otavalo to Ibarra (Ecuador) Stage 2 : from Ibarra to Tulcán, on the border. Stage 3 : we took a minibus from Tulcán main square (20 min walk from the bus station) to the border. It runs very frequently, just walk to the cars, take a seat inside the car and wait until it gets full. The driver collects the price right before starting the engine.

At the border

The minibus might drop you off at the Colombian border, which is technically after the Ecuadorian border, in the no man’s land. But in order to get your exit stamp you need to walk back to the Ecuadorian side. Don’t be afraid to walk back, the border police will let you pass.

We had to queue long at the Ecuadorian customs window just to be told to go and photocopy our passports . There’s a photocopy shop on site, but you need to pay yourself, so keep some dollars! Luckily we managed to skip the queue upon returning, but the customs officer took our passports to do some manual controls*. After about half an hour waiting, we could cross to Colombia.

On the Ecuadorian side we saw a lot of Venezuelan refugees who seemed to be waiting there for ages, lying on blankets and in small tents. There were UN workers on site too. Then, on the Colombian side of the border, everything was faster. After a short queuing we got our entry stamp and could leave without any bag checks.

*If you enter Ecuador in La Balza , south of Vilcabamba, the customs don’t have any computer and register you manually. Then, upon exiting Ecuador again, controls will have to check your entrance date.

Stage 4 : from the border to Ipiales. The only way to get away from the border is with a taxi. Choose the cheaper variation, the taxi colectivo, a taxi that people share. Team up with fellow travellers for a cheaper individual price. Stage 5 (detour): from Ipiales to Lajas sanctuary; then back. Another taxi colectivo ; there again, build up a team! The good thing is that Colombian taxis list their prices in the car. Stage 6 : from Ipiales to Pasto, we took a bus for 10,000 COP. When we bought our bus ticket, we found out that it’s also possible to haggle bus prices at the official ticket counter! Really didn’t expect this…

Check out my haggling technique , used and perfected on the Otavalo market

Responsible tourism in Pasto and Colombia

Anywhere we travel, keeping true to sustainable habits is important. In South America, this is not easy. Some measures we take for granted in the Western world just don’t exist there.

Still, there are many basic practices we should be able to keep to, such as buying local fruits and veggies at the market,  bringing our own bag to the shop, picking up your rubbish and the one you find in nature.

See a list of our recommendations for responsible tourism in South America

Apart from that, there are other, location specific things we can do. For example, buy local art! Pasto has its own painting style , often applied to wood. This elaborate painting technique is a pre-columbian, indigenous tradition in Pasto.

The paint is made of a certain wild bush – called mopa-mopa – found in the forest of the Amazon basin. Nowadays local woodcraft artists sell their works in the city. You can find jewellery boxes, trays and plates made with this technique.

If you decide to take a piece home, rather buy it from a local craftsman – the best place to find them is at local craft markets.

What kind of traveller are you? Do you travel on a tight schedule, or give yourself time to wander? Tell us in the comments below!

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Anna is a world citizen, an avid traveller, a passionate environmentalist and a digital nomad. Writing about her year backpacking through South America, she tries to encourage everyone to discover this beautiful continent as a traveller or a digital nomad and pass on her love for responsible travel.

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Another information-packed post! I really enjoyed the church photos. The interiors are stunning and the Lajas sanctuary’s reflection in the water in fantastic. Thank you for continuing your focus on sustainable travel. I have a lot more to learn about that.

Thank you so much Kevin for being our loyal reader 🙂 I’m also happy to hear that you agree with our focus on sustainable travel and that you find the tips helpful. This type of traveling is so important and has so many aspects of it, much to learn for us too.

Happy travels and see you around!

What an interesting place! I’m not into the roasted Guinea Pig though, haha!

We completely agree with you, Molly 😀 We encountered with guinea pig so much on the menu and for sale on the markets throughout the Andean countries that it was a refreshing change not to see them anymore after Pasto. But to tell you the truth, being a very curious traveler and vegetarian… sometimes these are in contrast during the trip.

In San Agustín Huila, you will find a restaurant serving CUY, Guinea pig. While walking up to the main Archeological site you will se a big sign on the road beside the restaurant.

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Top Things to See and Do in Pasto, Colombia

The southern Andean city of Pasto is somewhat off-the-radar for most travelers in Colombia , who often see the city as nothing more than a stop-off before crossing the nearby Ecuador border. However, Pasto has a rich history and culture and is surrounded by stunning Andean nature, and there’s easily enough to see and do to warrant staying for a few days.

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Take a trip to La Cocha Lake

The huge lake of La Cocha is located less than an hour from Pasto and is the perfect place for a day-trip to get away from the city. You can take a boat tour out to several beauty spots around the lake – including La Corota Island, Colombia’s smallest protected area – and then sample some delicious fresh trout dishes in a lakeside restaurant.

Climb Cumbal Volcano

The largest volcano in southern Colombia is located just outside of Pasto, and climbing it is one of the most exciting and extreme activities you can enjoy on a trip to the city. On a clear day, you can even see the distant Pacific Ocean from the summit! It’s not an easy climb to attempt solo, so make sure to try it with a guide.

Visit Colombia’s most beautiful church

Las Lajas Sanctuary is often called Colombia’s most beautiful church, and has even popped up on lists of the world’s most beautiful churches! It’s located just outside of the small border town of Ipiales and can be visited easily enough on a full day trip from Pasto. And it really is highly recommended that you visit: even if you think you’ve seen a thousand churches, you’ve never seen one like Las Lajas.

Try a plate of cuy

Cuy – or Guinea Pig – is a typical dish of the southern Colombian Andes and not one you will find in any other major Colombian city. So if you fancy sampling the unusual local delicacy, you’ll have to make sure to seek it out in a Pasto restaurant.

The Blacks and Whites Carnival

Pasto’s annual Carnaval de Blancos y Negros – or Blacks and Whites Carnival – is one of Colombia’s most famous and celebrated traditional festivals. Taking place in early January, the festival is a riot of colour and raucous parades, as locals wear both black and white makeup on consecutive days, a practice designed to highlight the racial diversity of the region.

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Visit the Carnival Museum

If you are unable to travel to Pasto in January but still want to learn more about Pasto’s most important cultural celebration then you can pay a visit to the Carnival Museum. Centrally located, with exhibits of traditional carnival costumes, the museum will tell you everything you need to know about the history and traditions of carnival in Pasto .

Visit the green lake of Azufral Volcano

The stunning green lake of Azufral Volcano is one of the most surreal and beautiful natural wonders of Colombia and is an extremely popular day-trip from Pasto. The hike through the mountains to reach the lake – formed by sulphurous emissions from Azufral Volcano – is a tough one, but it’s easily worth the effort for the sight of the stunning lake deep in the southern Andes.

Explore the historic centre of Pasto

Pasto’s historic centre is home to some spectacular old colonial architecture, and a number of beautiful churches, old houses, and museums. Among the highlights are Narino Square, the Pasto Cathedral, the Narino government building, San Felipe Church, and many more important churches and museums.

Hike in the Galeras Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

This protected high-altitude Andean sanctuary is one of the most important protected ecosystems in southern Colombia and is the ideal day-trip from Pasto for anyone with a love of nature and the great outdoors. Dominated by the imposing Galeras Volcano, the reserve protects important paramo ecosystems as well as almost 200 species of birds.

Visit the Taminango Museum

The Taminango Museum (or Taminango Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions of Narino, to give its full name) is housed in a beautiful building which was declared a National Monument in 1971. Focusing on the traditional artisan products from the department of Narino, the museum is not very well-known but a fascinating insight into the region’s cultural heritage.

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Pasto: Discover the wonders of the Surprise City

S an Juan de Pasto serves as the vibrant capital of Nariño, nestled in southwest Colombia. It offers an array of extraordinary experiences. Expect to be captivated by its rich cultural tapestry, blending indigenous heritage, Spanish legacies, theological influences, and Andean folk traditions.

Their culture is very similar to the Equatorial, Peruvian, and Bolivian ones because they share an old original heritage from the Andean Mountain Rage. 

Sharing a deep-rooted heritage from the Andean Mountain Range, Pasto offers majestic volcanoes, a renowned carnival, unique gastronomy, and very impressive religious architecture.

For your arrival, consider these tips from Medellin Guru :

Guidelines for Arriving in Pasto by Plane

You will arrive at Antonio Nariño Airport, situated in Chachagüí , a small town near Surprise City (approximately 30 km away). This is akin to other major Colombian cities, such as José María Córdova International Airport in Rionegro for those heading to Medellín or Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport in Palmira for connections to Cali.

Don’t be alarmed if you observe numerous mountains during your descent to the runway. The airport was built atop a plateau, offering an impressive yet safe landing experience. Occasionally, flights may struggle to descend due to crosswinds. Rest assured, pilots will attempt multiple landings (at least twice or three times) until successful.

While cancellations are infrequent, in the event of severe winds, you may be diverted back to Cali or Bogotá to refuel before attempting another landing later the same day.

Connecting to Pasto from Chachagüí

Take a private taxi.

These are available in the airport parking lot. Descend the stairs and select one. The taxi driver will inquire if you prefer a private service. This option gets you directly to your chosen place in Pasto. The fare is 50,000 COP (15 USD).

Opt for a shared service

This alternative also involves private taxi cabs. However, you’ll pay less in this case as the driver may pick up additional passengers.  The cost is 21,000 COP (5 USD) per person, and drop-offs are typically made at Carnival Square.

In the second option or if you decide to use an app as Didi, Cabify or Uber, each passenger shares the cost of the service. Up to four people can share the taxi. Occasionally, drivers may depart with fewer passengers. Regardless of the number of passengers, the fare remains the same.

Exploring the Surprise City: Pasto

Pasto has cultural variety, impressive biodiversity, and interesting architecture. The principal natural attraction is the Galeras Volcano . A huge ash ejector eminence that you can see from many parts of Pasto. It’s nine kilometers away from the city and measures 4,200 meters above sea level. The Galeras represent the Pastusos people’s identity .

Spiritual & Arquitectural Tourism: A Journey of Faith and Design

In addition to its natural, cultural, and gastronomical wonders, Pasto is well-known for its rich arquitecture and religious legacy, making it a popular destination for Catholic and historic tourism. The city boasts numerous museums, old houses, churches, cathedrals, and religious sites renowned for their history, design, and vibrant colors.

One of the most iconic landmarks is Pasto’s Cathedral, better known as the Temple of the Sacred Heart. This magnificent colonial-era church stands as a testament to the city’s religious devotion.

Another highly popular church is the Cristo Rey Temple , celebrated for its Gothic architecture, making it a marvelous and photogenic stop. Visitors will be impressed by its interior, reminiscent of old European styles.

For those seeking spiritual enlightenment, Pasto offers opportunities for reflection and contemplation at its many convents, monasteries, and religious retreat centers. Visitors can also explore other churches, such as San Ignacio, San Felipe Neri, San Andrés, and Santiago Temple.

Laguna de la Cocha

Just a short distance from Pasto (+/- 30 km), if you’re traveling by rental or private car, you’ll need to take the road to Mocoa, Putumayo , and reach the town of El Encano. There are signs that will guide you to divert towards the lagoon.

This stunning heritage site offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. At Laguna de la Cocha, you’ll be transported into a Swiss-like atmosphere. The typical houses in this area are constructed with wood and boast beautiful gable roofs.

All of the houses are constructed with wood and built on fern trunks because the terrain in the area is soft and cannot support heavy concrete constructions. This architectural design was first introduced in the middle of the last century by Walter Sulzer, a Swiss chef who came to Colombia to work at the Sindamanoy Hotel after fleeing World War II.

Visitors can enjoy boat rides, birdwatching and explore La Corota Island , a natural sanctuary teeming with biodiversity. The cost of the journey varies depending on the chosen plan. To explore the sanctuary, head to the El Puerto district and purchase a complete package in an official booth (+/- 70,000 COP / 20 USD). The boat driver will then accompany you and wait for your return.

Black and White Carnival

Celebrated from January 2nd to 7th, this carnival stands as one of Colombia’s largest and most vibrant. With parades, live music, dances, and elaborate floats, the Black and White Carnival is an unforgettable celebration of Pasto’s cultural diversity. This festival was declared an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO . There are two special events that will impress you:

Canto a la Tierra Parade (January 3rd):

This parade showcases artistic groups performing about Andean culture. They dance through the downtown streets and play typical instruments of popular music from the Andean Mountain Range.

The Great Parade (January 6th):

This parade has the potential to be recognized worldwide. It is an eight-hour spectacle featuring performances, traditional music, and enormous conceptual floats inspired by myths, legends, and Catholic histories and traditions.

Medellin Guru Guides

Download the guide Colombia: a must-see destination from ProColombia with helpful information about Medellín and Colombia

Cuy and Other Delicacies: Sharing Pasto's Cuisine

The gastronomy of this part of Colombia has been influenced by indigenous, Spanish, and African flavors, resulting in a diverse array of dishes that tantalize the taste buds and reflect their history.

Corn holds a special place in many dishes, commonly used as a complement such as popcorn, in soups, and as a beverage called “champus,” a drink made from fermented corn infused with pineapple chunks and spices, resulting in a thickened juice popular in the Pacific area.

You have to TASTE

The importance of guinea pig (cuy), frito pastuso and hornado, watch these amazing colombian cities to visit.

From our article about Pasto, we share with you these very attractive Colombian cities to enjoy

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The Botton Line: Pasto: Discover the wonders of this captivating destination

Pasto combines numerous activities to indulge in, ranging from natural adventures to theological and popular festivities. The Surprise City emerges as a destination you’ll never forget, offering a vibrant tapestry of traditions, resilience, and creativity. Pasto isn’t just a place to visit; it’s an experience that will stay with you long after you’ve departed, leaving an indelible mark on your memories and igniting a desire to return again and again or probably stay there forever.

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Pasto , the southernmost major city in Colombia, sits high in the Andes. It’s a six hour bus ride from Popayan on a road offering a look at some of the most dramatic mountain landscapes Colombia has to offer. Founded by the Spanish in 1537, the city’s name, Pasto, refers to the indigenous people, the Pastos , who inhabited the region at the time. It is one of Colombia’s oldest cities. Capital of the Narino province , it is called Colombia’s surprise city.

Since Pasto is halfway between Quito and Cali, most people just breeze through, stopping in Pasto for a transitory one night stop on their way to Ecuador or Colombian destinations north. Even guide books dismiss the city in a paragraph or two. This makes the locals feel short changed and ignored. There is so much to see and do here, they insist. You must stay longer. For the people who enjoy traveling off the beaten path, the locals are right. Pasto and its surroundings offers plenty of activities.

The historic center has some beautiful buildings and impressive colonial architecture. There are some handsome plazas in the center. Centrally located, Plaza Constitucion is the largest. But equally impressive is Plaza Narino and Plaza Carnaval . Pasto seems to have a church on every street corner. Our Lady of Mercy and the Temple Cristo Rey are the most impressive. There’s also a gold museum Museo del Oro Narino , a carnival museum, the Casa Taminango art museum and numerous parks. Plaza Bombona has a nice indoor artisans market featuring Narinese handicrafts : wood carvings, embossed leather, stone sculptures and hand-made wool clothing.

A medium size city of 500,000, Pasto sits at an altitude of 8,290 feet (2,897 meters) which is almost at high as Bogota. The city has a cool, median temperature of 55 degrees F. (13 centigrade). Tourists from the warm weather climates walk around all bundled up. The elevation causes visitors to come up a bit winded. Unless previously acclimated to the altitude in Popayan or Quito, it’s normal to be out of breath the first couple days in Pasto. Visitors who suffer acute altitude sickness may experience extreme headaches, swelling, aches, pains and nausea. The cure is to drink some of the local fruit teas like Chapil di Lulu to help ease the ill effects.

One can see most of the city sights in a day or two but don’t leave just yet. Pasto offers a good base from which to visit memorable nearby natural attractions like Volcano Galeras , Lake La Cocha and Las Lajas – the most beautiful church in Colombia.

The Volcanoes

Pasto is in the foothills at the base of the Volcano Galeras . At 14,029 feet (4,276 meters) it can be seen on a clear day towering above the town. The locals call the volcano ‘the sleeping giant’ . It is Colombia’s most active volcano and has erupted in 1934, 1989 and 2006. The crater is currently off-limits after 9 people, 6 of whom were British geologist studying the volacano, perished in the crater back in 1992. But one can still explore the base of the volcano where there are numerous ravines, rivers, lagoons and a trail leading to the Galeras Flora and Fauna Sanctuary.

But if hiking up steep volcanoes in a low oxygen environment remains high on your list, there are a couple of volcanoes nearby where where scaling the crater is allowed. The Azufral Volcano has a beautiful, green hued, crescent shaped lake, aptly named Laguna Verde , on the northwest side of the crater. And on a good day, the distant Pacific ocean can be seen from the summit of Cumbal Volcano .

Lake La Cocha

One can also take a trip to Lake La Cocha . It is the largest lake in South Colombia, which sits in the crater of an extinguished volcano just 25 km. (a 1.5 hour bus ride) from Pasto – a pleasant day trip. The village has been called Colombia’s Venice , due to the numerous canals running through the town. It’s also called Colombia’s ‘ Little Switzerland ‘ due to the affluence of Swiss styles chalets in lakeside town of Puerto El Encanto .

Boats will ferry you to Corota Island in the middle of the lake where there is a floral sanctuary to explore. The port town El Encanto is touristy. Nearly all the homes on main street function as restaurants. Their specialty is fresh lake trout, either caught in the lagoon or raised in neighboring trout farms. It is prepared fried or grilled but the best version is trucha ahumada (smoked trout ). Best to visit during weekdays as this is a popular, local destination fills up on the weekends.

For more see the article: Lake La Cocha

Las Lajas Church

Las Lajas Sanctuary , a catholic church located about seven miles from the Ecuadorian border, is considered the most beautiful church in Colombia. It was voted the most beautiful church in the world by the English newspaper ‘The Telegraph’ in 2015.

It’s a day trip from the southern Colombian city of Pasto to the Colombian border town of Ipiales . Though only 80 kilometers from Pasto, it may take up to 4 hours to travel each way due to current construction on the Pan-American Highway .

Some may find it a bit excessive for a day trip. But if you’re en route to Ecuador then the church is just a ten-minute taxi ride from the bus station in Ipiales. A visit to Las Lajas can be completed in couple hours. To continue onto Ecuador return to the bus station in Ipiales, a grab another taxi to the border (the crossing takes 2-3 hours). Coming from Ecuador, catch a bus at the terminal north-bound to Pasto.

For more see article on Las Lajas

Black and White Carnival January 2-7

If you’re in Colombia during the month of January one must see the Black and White Carnival called Carneval de Negros y Blancos. It takes place every year from Jan 2 – 7 when this mountain city comes to party. The six-day celebration draws tourists from Colombia and around the world. People take to the street in droves. Parades of floats and holiday revelers wind through the city. Everyone is dressed in colorful costumes, paint themselves with vivid creams and shower each other with white foam, flour and talcum powder.

The carnival is over 100 years old and it’s the largest carnival in southern Colombia; a fun and noisy way to bring in the new year. The day of January 5th is the black’s day and the people color their face and bodies with black cream parading through the streets shouting: ‘ Viva los negros’ or long live the blacks. January 6th is the white’s day and everyone is dusted white powder. The idea is to make all classes and ethnic groups the same for at least a day.

Local delicacies

There are unique local specialties to savor. Cuy , or guinea pig, is served fried. Or try it flattened and impaled on a spit and put on a rotisserie till golden brown. Tastes like chicken and a bit like rabbit. Also try their smoked trout, sweet baked goods, ice creams and hervidos – fresh fruit juices boiled with sugar and anise flavored liquor guaranteed to warm one up.

Access to the Pacific Coast

Pasto is also connected via paved road 250 kilometers to the coastal town of Tumaco.   Tumaco is a poor town and is also one of the  world’s rainiest areas.  There are beaches north of town where swimming is safe.  The area is one huge mangrove swamp and boatmen offer tours to a myriad of villages and settlements located within the mangroves.  The beautiful island-tourist resort of Boca Grande is just off shore. To get there take a boat from Tumaco for $6.

See article on the road from Pasto to Macoa – the most dangerous road in Colombia – called ‘the trampoline of death’

See also the article on Travel in Southern Colombia – Cali-Popayan-Pasto

Jon McInnes

My Favorite Photos of Colombia

Raquira – Saturday’s Market in Colombia’s City of Pots

Vueltiao Hats of Tuchin – An Emblematic Symbol of Colombia

About this site.

This is a blog with over 85 articles with photos on Colombian destinations. For a traveler, Colombia is the best kept secret of the continent. It’s affordable and relatively undiscovered.

It is a country with so much to offer: history, beautiful scenery, mountains, coastlines, beaches, rainforests, abundant greenery, raging rivers, caves, sleepy colonial towns, hip, hot metropolitan cities, friendly and sophisticated people, archeological sites, excellent coffee and a wide array of fruits and vegetables to discover.

Hopefully the information provided herein will help convince more travelers to  visit Colombia.

– Jon McInnes

Design by Maria Parada - Text and photos by Jon McInnes

Things to do in and around Pasto, Colombia

Pasto is the capital of the south-western department of Nariño with a population of around 400 thousand people. While the major tourist locations in the wider area are the cities of Cali and Popayán located north of here, Nariño also has a lot to offer, but not that many people seem to be aware of that, which gives it a certain “off the beaten path” vibe. Pasto is actually located on a Pan American Highway and quite a few travellers use the city as a stopover when travelling between Ecuador and Colombia, but not that many of them explore the beauty Nariño province has to offer. This post will therefore try to highlight a few possible attractions and things to do in and around Pasto to tempt you into extending your stay in the region by a few days.

Life in Pasto and Nariño province

The province’s territory was occupied during the Pre-Columbian era by numerous Andean tribes, including the Pasto tribe, which obviously gave the name to the province’s capital. Founded in 1537, Pasto itself is one of Colombia’s oldest cities. The settlement quickly established itself as a cultural, religious as well as trade regional centre.

One of the major events that affected the city is the fact that it stood by royal Spanish forces during the independence wars (1810-1816), which together with the mountainous nature of the region played a role in Pasto ‘s partial isolation from the rest of Colombia in the post-war period.

The twentieth century however took the region out of isolation, mainly upon competition of the Pan American Highway that cuts through it. At the height of the Colombian Civil War , given its remote/border location Nariño suffered under influence of numerous rebels-turned-drug traffickers badly. Those influences are presently rare but not entirely non-existent. For instance, in 2020 a tragic massacre took place in the region.

When it comes to the local economy, more than 1/2 of its volume is still based in the trade industry. Local people often work in agriculture, mostly growing potatoes, wheat, barley and beans. Services, mining and famous local craft manufacturing are also quite common ways to make living around here.

Things to do in Pasto

Like many other settlements in this region, San Juan del Pasto is also a colonial Andean city, which means that it is often located at the foot of a volcano and at a high altitude. In this case, Pasto ticks both boxes, although we’re talking about a relatively mild altitude of 2527 metres (82890 ft) above the sea level and the volcano is Galeras is also a bit lower than its friends south of here (4276m/14 029ft).

Most Andean cities also come with rich cultural diversity, mainly due to the high concentration of the indigenous population. All of these properties usually mean that a visitor can expect some beautiful colonial architecture with many churches, stunning nature and various festivals celebrating the indigenous culture.

Blacks and Whites Carnival

For people keen on festivals and carnivals, Pasto is a destination known for its Blacks and Whites Carnival ( Carnaval de Negros y Blancos ) which celebrates the local Andean, African and Hispanic traditions. To experience this giant party that lasts six days, you’d have to plan your trip to visit the city in early January.

Please note that booking your accommodation in advance is recommended as this event attracts a considerably large number of many Colombians, Ecuadorians as well as numerous tourists from around the globe. To boost your curiosity, please note that in 2009, UNESCO recognised the carnival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity for its emphasis on the multicultural aspect of the region. FYI, the carnival has also its own museum in the city’s centre.

Historical centre and the museums

As for the non-carnival activities in the city itself, there isn’t exactly much to explore. Well, it’s certainly worth checking out Centro Historico with well-preserved colonial architecture and colourful facades and plenty of shops. During your stroll in the centre, do not miss out on Plaza del Carnaval , the city’s main square Plaza de Nariño where you can enjoy a beverage in one of the cafés.

And then there are churches. Even for Latin standards, there are quite a lot of them in Pasto . Another rather significant thing about the region is the local artisanal craft skills, which you could appreciate in the local shops and markets. There are, of course also a few museums around. The most popular appear to be Taminango Museum , in case you wanted to learn about the art and culture of Nariño province.

Things to do around Pasto

Except for the Blacks and Whites Carnival, most of the beauty and fun Nariño province has to offer is located outside of its regional capital. If you are into rural tourism, I believe you could find a few places to enjoy around here, especially if you like volcanoes and wetland habitats.

Lake La Cocha and National Park Corota

La Cocha lake (also called Guamuez Lake), is a 20 x 5 km lake of a glacier origin located at 2 280 meters above sea level, about 20 km from Pasto . Except for the beautiful landscape of mountains that surround the lake, this is a superb location for visitors keen on wetland habitats. Since 2000, the lake is registered as a landmark of international importance within the Ramsar Convention , which is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. One of the lake’s small islands has been declared as a National Park ( La Corota ).

To get there, take a collectivo for 5000 COP (€1,15) from Pasto (your hotel receptionist should be able to tell you where to catch it), which will take you to the lake in under an hour. Boat ride to as well as around the island is 40000 COP (€8,95) to be split between passengers. Park entrance is further 1000,- COP. Depending on how much time you have available, you could either visit the island in a short day trip from the city or stay for the night in one of the numerous hotels on the lake’s shore, where you could enjoy the stunning landscapes together with the local hospitality for a bit longer.

Las Lajas Sanctuary in Ipiales

One of the major border crossings between Ecuador and Colombia is Tulcán – Ipiales and if you’re travelling to southern Colombia from Quito by road, you will most likely end up passing by here. From the tourism point of view, Ipiales is a gateway to one of Colombia’s national monuments: Sanctuary Las Lajas . The picturesque gothic church from the early 20th century that is built in a place where Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in 1754 to a mother with her half-deaf daughter, is built over the Guáitara river canyon.

Logistic-wise, once you arrive in Ipiales , you’d have to take either taxi or a collectivo . About 15-20 minutes drive for only 2200,-COP (€0.70) from the Ipiales ‘ bus terminal would get you to a spot that is about 15 minutes walk away from the site. You don’t need to pay to get in unless you want to see the museum below the church, which will cost you 1500,-COP.

Vulcanos Galeras, Azufral and Cumbal

One of the popular activities nearby Pasto is visiting the Galeras Flora and Fauna Sanctuary to enjoy the local wildlife and get some amazing views upon hiking up Galeras Volcano (4276m), which is only 9km away from the city. Due to the fact that the volcano is active, a guide for this trek is required. People often opt for combining this trek with visiting Laguna Mejía del Volcán Galeras .

If you were into volcanoes, you are in a treat, because except Galeras , you could also check out Azufral (4070 m) with rather popular Laguna Verde and/or Cumbal (4764 m) volcano, both located south of Pasto . FYI, both of these volcanos are a good option for a stopover between Ipiales and Pasto , if you’ve based yourself for the night at a small town of Túquerres , where you taste the authenticity of the “off the beaten path” rural tourism even further.

Other possible attractions and/or activities nearby Pasto

In case you liked the region, there are a few nice options to explore the area even further. Staying in the “off the beaten path” vibe, north of the city, there’s quite a spectacular Cañon de Juanambú as well as Tajumbina Central Park with cute thermal springs . West of Pasto , you could opt to visit “ a jewel in Nariño “, the small picturesque village Sandoná with a gothic cathedral and stunning surroundings.

Go out and events

Except for the Blacks and Whites Carnival, there are also other occasions you could experience the local hospitality on a large scale. One of them is the city’s anniversary which once again brings up various cultural events on the streets of Pasto in June. If you are a religious person, you could perhaps consider visiting the city during Easter. Holy Week is a huge occasion around Latin America and it is celebrated with various pilgrimages to nearby mountains and, of course with church visits and proceedings.

In case you wanted to get social outside the carnival days, well there are plenty of opportunities to experience authentic Colombian nightlife. In case you didn’t know already, Colombians are very social. However, in the of Pasto , I’d recommend finding a local person to take you around as I’m not entirely sure about the safety in the city when the night falls. If I were you, I’d check out the Showaround website to find a local friend who can do what the name of the website says.

As I’ve just said, I wasn’t exactly 100% sure about safety in the city at night. I mean Pasto isn’t exactly a place that’s packed with tourists so those few around are quite visible. When it comes to the daytime, I’ve felt perfectly safe but when I was heading out in the evening, I was told that the area around my hotel was seguro . And it was. But I didn’t know where precisely the area’s borders were and being the only gringo around, I hung around a few blocks, had a few beers and headed back to the hostel.

Furthermore, in the light of being a rather forgotten region when it comes to President Duque’s policies of regional development, certain echoes from the Colombian Civil Conflict resurfaced in the region in 2020. It has manifested itself in the tragic massacre of young people in Samiengo town not far from Pasto. Now, I am not sure about the impact of such horrible incidents affect the tourism and safety in the province, but one thing is for sure: it’s horrible news not only for the families of the deceased students but also for the locals, who suffered enough in the past.

When it comes to short-distance regional traffic, there are either taxis or the complicated system of much cheaper collectivos , which is a fixed-journey shared taxi sort of thing, in case you didn’t know. Well, being a considerably large city, Pasto also naturally has its public transport service system but it’s even more complicated to work it out than the collectivos .

To get to the locations outside the city, I’d advise you to talk to your hotel receptionist about where to grab the right collectivo . It always worked for me. As for the city itself, if you stay in the centre, you shouldn’t need to use any of it because the centre is easily walkable on foot.

How to get there

• Quito to Ipiales: As far as I know there’s no direct connection between Quito and the Colombian towns of Ipiales or Pasto . One has to get off in the last Ecuadorian border town of Tulcan , take a taxi to the border and then take a taxi from the border to the nearest Colombian town of Ipiales . In practical terms, we’re talking about a 5hrs bus ride from Quito ‘s North Bus Terminal ( Terminal Carcelen ) to Tulcán @ $6 USD. Taxi from Tulcán to the border @ $3.5 USD. Taxi to Ipiales Bus Terminal @ 10 000,-COP (€2.85). A word of advice: Check if there are any local festivals or national holidays that could turn your day at the border into a cue marathon
• Ipiales to Pasto: The alleged 2,5 Bus/van from the bus terminal took 4,5 hours (due to the 2019 road construction work) @ 9000,-COP (€2.55). Word of advice: sit on the right-hand side if you have a chance to enjoy the views 😉
• Pasto to Antonio Nariño Airport : 45mins taxi @ 45000,-COP (€12.80)
• Pasto to Popayán: There is a relatively frequent connection between the two cities. The alleged 5,5hrs journey will cost you 35 000,-COP (€7.85) and can take up to 7hrs

The city has a somewhat mild and stable climate that’s similar to for instance Quito , Ecuador. While the average temperatures vary very little though-out the year, it could sometimes get a wee bit cooler so having a jumper or a jacket would be a good idea. The driest months are June to September but the rainy season isn’t exactly horribly wet down there either.

While all major online platforms show a decent amount of accommodation options, but by not being a major tourist destination outside the carnival period, I’m not sure if they would be open 24/7 on an everyday basis. For that reason, in case you were to arrive late at night, I’d advise you to book your hotel in advance so they’d know you were arriving. The same would apply, if not to a larger extent for the rural accommodation options.

As for myself, I have “risked” staying in one of South America’s cheapest hostels Colombian House Hostal which had no reviews at the time and I was lucky. Run by a friendly dude who’s got a band and his attentive girlfriend, the place was spacious, offering a kitchen, a large terrace and a very friendly atmosphere. It’s not Hilton but you’ll get a clean private room for only $6,- USD per night. I would recommend the place to my mates on a budget.

Sort of conclusion

I’d say that if you were into “off the beaten path” locations, especially with quite a strong rural vibe, you could most certainly find Nariño province charming. Furthermore, the low level of tourism makes the experience of visiting the region rather authentic because, for the most part, you’ll be interacting with locals only.

If you however prefer taking up activities in groups with other Western travellers and stay in busy hostels, where you’ll also have your social life concentrated around other (Western) backpackers as opposed to interacting with locals, I’m not entirely sure if this would be the place for you to explore. But you never know – you might just grow to like such a way of travelling one day because interacting with other cultures has a high potential to learn new things and to enrich your soul – this could be the start 😉

As for how long you should plan your visit to the area for, except the busy 6-day carnival period, I wouldn’t stretch it to longer than a night in Pasto , plus 3-4 days in the country to check out some of the highlights of the region mentioned above. Well, that is unless you wanted to take things very easy and chill by on the La Cocha lake’s shore for a few extra nights.

Useful and interesting links

• Turismo Pasto: a tour operator’s informative website about local tourism with news, info, blog and so on…
• Carnaval de Negros y Blancos: UNESCO’s page on the carnival
• Sandoná: City Paper Bogotá article about Sandoná village and Nariño department
• Colombian Conflict explained: a humble attempt to explain the complex nature of the bloody Colombian Civil War.

Other popular destinations nearby

Only a few hours north of Pasto , there’s one of the more visited destinations in Colombia. Dubbed “White City” because of the facades of its old colonial houses, Popayán undoubtedly belongs to a group of the most picturesque cities in Latin America. The city also has a strong and well-reputed coffee and restaurant scene and some decent nightlife options. If you are in the region, it is definitely worth your visit for a few days. Read more about Popayán here on Wikitravel , in case you were interested.

Heading even further north, you’d enter the even more popular city of Cali , AKA “the world capital of salsa” that also comes with a massive party scene. There’s however much more to this large 2 million-people city in the cosmopolitan centre of southern Colombia than just party, salsa and a troubled past.

The city has numerous impressive sites and museums to visit, plus at about 1000m elevation only, that is combined with the Pacific winds it has a nearly ideal climate for your hangovers, not to mention the nature that surrounds the city. Read more about Cali here on Wikitravel , in case you were interested.

For a traveller that is keen on the “off the beaten path” location, here’s a true gem I was recommended by a few local friends: Guaviare province. Due to its remote character, this previously guerilla-held Amazon-bordering area which was considered a no-go zone just a few years ago is now open to be explored by curious travellers. Whether it’s the hospitality of the friendly locals, mysterious cave pictograms in Serranía La Lindosa or Caño Cristales AKA the river of seven colours, one can apparently expect priceless memories. More info could be found here , in Encyclopedia Britannica .

Tatacoa Desert

Another little place I was told about by my Colombian friends is Desierto de la Tatacoa . It’s a magic little place with beautiful rock formations that is worth checking out if you were in the area, especially if you are in need to take a little break. More information, including some useful practical tips could be found here .

Due to its incredible beauty, Quito was among the first two cities declared a UNESCO site ever. I must personally approve UNESCO taste as well as demanding criteria because the Ecuadorian capital is truly breathtaking and charming. In case you were interested, click here for the complete Guide of Quito that lists places of interest, areas to stay, safety and other travel tips.

Latin American locations covered on Quaint Planet

Santiago de Chile ► Valparaíso ► Santiago de Chile ► Punta Arenas – Ushuaia – Punta Arenas ► Puerto Natales – Torres del Paine – Puerto Natales ► El Calafate ( Perito Moreno Glacier , Arg) ► El Chaltén (Los Glaciares National Park) ► Chile Chico (Ch) – Puerto Rio Tranquillo ( Marble Caves ) ► Coyhaique – Puyuhuapi – ( Carretera Austral ) ► Puerto Chacabuco – Quellón/Castro ► Puerto Varas – San Carlos de Bariloche (Arg) ► Buenos Aires ► Colonia (Ur) ► Montevideo ► Punta del Diablo – Cabo Polonio ► Montevideo ► Salto ► Concordia (Arg) ► Puerto Iguazú ( Iguazú Falls ) ► Salta ► San Salvador de Jujuy ► Tilcara ► San Pedro de Atacama (Ch) ► Uyuni Salt Flats Tour (Bol) ► Uyuni ► Sucre – La Paz ( Death Road Tour ) ► Copacabana ( Lake Titicaca ) – Isla del Sol – Copacabana ► Cusco (Per) ► Aguas Calientes ( Machu Picchu ) ► Cusco ► Lima ► Máncora – Montañita (Ecu) ► Puerto López ► Quito ► Ipiales (Col) – Pas to ► Tatacoa Desert ► Bogotá ► Medellín ► Villa de Lleyva ► Santa Marta – Cartagena – Rincón del Mar Necoclí ► Capurganá ► Puerto Obaldía (Pan) ► Panama City ► Las Lajas ► Cerro Punta ► David ► Bocas del Torro ► San José (Costa Rica) ► San Juan del Sur (Nic) – Ometepe ► Granada ► Managua – El Rama – Bluefields – Corn Islans ► Léon ► El Tunco (El Salvador) ► La Antigua Guatemala – Lake Atitlán ► Lanquín (Semuc Champey) – Flores (Tikal) ► Belize City ► Bacalar – Tulum – Playa del Carmen – Mérida – Valladolid – Cancún ✈️ .

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Plan Your Trip to Pasto: Best of Pasto Tourism

Pasto, Colombia

Essential pasto.

Pasto Is Great For

Multi-day tours.

Eat & drink

• Hotel Fernando Plaza
• Hotel V1501
• Hotel Frances La Maison
• Hotel Don Saul
• Migrante Restaurante y Cava de Vinos
• La Catedral Café
• Sushi Lounge Cocina Fusion
• La Vereda Cocina de Origen
• AvLilah by Caffeto
• La Laguna de la Cocha
• Black and Whites' Carnival
• Casa Museo Taminango
• Centro historico de Pasto
• Laguna de la Cocha
• Tour the best of Narino 3 days with accommodation
• Excursion in Nariño for 3 days
• Tour to the Carnival of Blacks and Whites of Pasto 7 days
• 3 day tour nariño. accommodation and transportation
• Private 4 Days Tour of Nariño with Artisan Women

Home » Travel Guides » Colombia » 15 Best Things to Do in San Juan de Pasto (Colombia)

15 Best Things to Do in San Juan de Pasto (Colombia)

San Juan de Pasto, also known as “Pasto,” is the capital of the Nariño Department of Colombia, located in southwestern portion of the country. Though many tourists give it a miss, Pasto is in a prime location for exploring dramatic natural sites in the countryside like volcanoes, crater lakes, canyons, and the beautiful La Laguna de la Cocha.

The locals of this city are friendly and the town itself has a laid back vibe. Try regional Pastuso specialties like roasted guinea pig while you’re here, or just have an ice cream as you stroll through the city streets with the ever-present Galera Volcano as your backdrop. Famous for their Carnaval de Blancos y Negros, you’re in for a treat if you’re here in late December or early January for those rowdy festivities.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Pasto :

1. La Laguna de la Cocha

A main attraction of the city, La Laguna de la Cocha is one of the biggest lakes in Colombia.

Surrounded by rolling green mountains and Andean meadows, head to the village of El Encano on the shores of the lake where you’ll find a community of around 200 families and restaurants serving up the local specialty – rainbow trout or trucha. Have it served any way you like (creamy, grilled, with garlic sauce, etc.) alongside a beer before wandering through the town’s colorful Swiss-style wooden houses.

Then take a boat – or lancha – out on the lake to La Isla Corota where you can hike around the trails and viewpoints of this tiny national park reserve.

2. Casa Museo Taminango de Artes y Tradiciones

You might notice a lot of traditional indigenous handicrafts being sold around Pasto, and this museum is a commemoration of that.

It houses a mix of antiques, wood carvings, traditional mopa mopa (Pasto varnished items), straw weavings, and wool garments.

Located in a restored colonial casona dating back to 1623, this museum has been declared a National Monument as it’s rumored to be the oldest standing two-story house in the country.

Take a tour and visit the interior courtyard where you’ll also find plants and flowers used in customary Nariño medicines.

3. Carnaval de Blancos y Negros

The event the city is known for, if you’re lucky to be around in late December or early January, plan to party at the city’s Carnival of Whites and Blacks.

It’s a celebration that dates back to the few days under Spanish rule each year when slaves were given the day off to celebrate.

Now it’s a celebration of the multicultural community, tolerance, and mutual respect within the city and country.

The festivities begin with the Carnival of Water, when people throw water on each other, homes, and anything and everything in the streets.

For New Year’s, attendees make satirical figures representing the past year and then burn them.

In the final days, everybody dons black makeup one day and then white talcum powder the next, and all throughout there are colorful parades, floats, costumes, and partying in the streets.

4. Santuario Las Lajas

Just near the Colombian border with Ecuador, you’ll find this breathtakingly ornate church perched on a cliff.

One of the most iconic churches in the country, Our Lady of Las Lajas is located right next to the Rio Guaitara canyon – you can arrive via teleférico for the best views and photos.

Built in a fairytale Neo-Gothic style on the site of a supposed miracle, there are now gift shops and restaurants that line the path down the valley.

It’s free to enter and roam the trails around the sanctuary, but there is a small fee if you want to check out the church museum.

5. Museo del Carnaval

Learn a little more about Pasto’s main attraction, the Carnaval de Blancos y Negros, at this museum dedicated to its heritage.

It’s small, but you can read all about the history and evolution of the carnival even if you can’t attend in person, and you can see lots of things from prior carnavales.

Some of the exhibits include past winners of the float contest (updated each year) with their giant colorful faces and painted wooden figures.

There are photographs and bright costumes on display so you can get an idea of what the party is like in full swing.

6. Centro Historico

Take a stroll through Pasto’s historic center and you’ll find cathedrals, winding narrow streets, colonial architecture, and lots of cafes and heladerías to keep you occupied.

Wander through the city’s main square, the Plaza de Nariño, where you’ll find lots of pigeons and a statue of the man himself, Antonio Nariño, an important figure in Colombia’s fight for independence.

The nearby yellow government building is also named for him, and outside you might even find people sitting at old school typewriters, ready to create documents and important legal forms for a fee.

Grab an ice cream, have a wander, and do some people watching.

7. So Many Churches

After you’ve visited the main event – Santuario Las Lajas – there are plenty more churches in town if you’re into religious architecture and artwork.

The Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, located on the Plaza de Nariño with its white facade, arches, and green domes, is an example of the colonial baroque style and its inside is filled with gold decor.

Nearby the Catedral de Pasto looks more like other cathedrals in Colombia, but the inside is dramatic and ornate with tons of religious art.

The Iglesia San Felipe has an intricate almost birthday-cake like exterior of blue and white, while the imposing Iglesia del Cristo Rey with its towers and stained glass, was built by the Jesuits.

The Templo de la Merced and the Iglesia de San Andres are a couple others you can visit in the city as well.

8. Museo del Oro Nariño

Like many other cities in Colombia, Pasto has its own gold museum.

Situated in the Bank of the Republic building, pay a visit to learn about the first indigenous inhabitants of Pasto, their culture, lifestyle, pottery techniques, and of course, their metalworking skills and all the ways they used gold.

There are many gold pieces on display that have been discovered through archaeological digs along the Andes and Pacific coast, as well as other metals and materials used by native peoples.

Entrance is free, guides are available, and it also contains a library and a children’s room.

9. Taste Some Pastuso Cuisine

For the adventurous tourist hoping to try some truly local delicacies, be sure to seek out the asado de cuy, or grilled guinea pig.

Asadero de Cuyes Pinzon serves up a whole roasted guinea pigs and hands you a pair of plastic gloves – you get to eat the meat right off the bones using your hands! Other Pastuso dishes include empanadas de añejo, which are fried empanadas made with a fermented corn dough.

Try the empanadas de pipián, popular along the Pacific and filled with meat, potatoes, and peanuts.

As for sweets, try quimbolitos – cakes made with raisins, corn, and vanilla, wrapped and cooked in canna leaf.

Salon Guadalquivir is a good place to try traditional dishes in Pasto.

10. Santuario de Flora y Fauna Volcán Galeras

This wildlife sanctuary surrounds the Galeras Volcano which you can see all the way from Pasto when it’s not surrounded by clouds.

The reserve is part of the cloud forest and it contains over 7,500 acres of land filled with rivers, lakes, and streams.

Home to hummingbirds, endangered frogs, and 100 species of birds like eagles, owls, and wrens.

Due to seismic activity you can no longer climb to the top of the volcano, but typically you can still hike, bike, and go birdwatching along the paths and lagoons – check to see if you’ll need a guide before entering.

11. Shop for Artisan Handicrafts

You’ll no doubt see local handicraft vendors throughout your time in Pasto and the surrounding villages.

Buying the authentic stuff is more expensive, but worth it if you’re into collecting.

Pasto is most famous for barniz, a local resin made from seed pods called mopa mopa which is used to create intricate and colorful designs.

This resin is typically layered to decorate wooden crafts and jewelry, and you can purchase these at shops like Barniz de Pasto Obando or La Casa del Barniz de Pasto.

Leather and woodworking are also popular in the region, and you can find often them together in exquisitely engraved leather-covered wooden furniture around town.

12. Laguna Verde and Volcan Azufral

Less than two hours outside of Pasto in the town of Tuquerres, Laguna Verde is a vivid green lake which fills up the crater made by the Azufral Volcano.

From the park entrance it’s a six-kilometer hike up to the rim of the volcano (3.7 miles), but the exertion is worth it for these unique views.

The crater lake is located 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level in an area of several of creeks, streams, and foothills.

The park is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and it makes a great stop on your way to Ipiales if you’re headed that way.

It’s a challenging trek, but you’ll be rewarded with incredible scenery – be sure to bring enough water, food, sunscreen, and warm clothes.

13. Parque Cañon de Juanambú

An area known for its natural pools and green landscapes, Juanambú Canyon Park is located about an hour north of Pasto.

Visitors can try adventure sports like climbing, kayaking, rafting, rappelling, and ziplining here.

Hike through these verdant hills of Colombian countryside and check out a little history – you can still see the trenches used when Nariño fought the Spanish.

Then have a soak in the healing natural pools – they’re supposed to be therapeutic for the body. This park is the perfect place for a picnic and some relaxing in nature with your family.

14. Visit the Village of Sandoná

There are several settlements surrounding the Galeras Volcano that you can visit, and perhaps the most popular of those is Sandoná.

It’s an indigenous town where they make Panama hats and hold a busy Saturday market.

You’ll see the finished hats drying on the streets here – they’re named for where they were originally sold, not where they’re made.

Basket weaving is also a specialty here, as are the traditional sweets made of sugar cane.

In addition to the market and the palm tree-lined square, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Rosario is outstandingly ornate and the artisanal ice cream (helado de paila) is fantastic.

15. Museums Surrounding Parque Infantil

There are a couple more museums within the city if you’re interested in packing a lot of knowledge into your Pasto stay.

Start with a stroll through Parque Infantil where you’ll find lots of green space, kids playing, and locals exercising.

Within a couple of city blocks, you’ll see the Museo Taller Alfonso Zambrano and its private collection of colonial and indigenous artwork, especially woodcarvings.

There’s also Museo Madre Caridad Brader which is filled with religious art and relics, as well as the Museo Juan Lorenzo Lucero, home to artifacts from indigenous groups and colonial times.

15 Best Things to Do in San Juan de Pasto (Colombia):

• La Laguna de la Cocha
• Casa Museo Taminango de Artes y Tradiciones
• Carnaval de Blancos y Negros
• Santuario Las Lajas
• Museo del Carnaval
• Centro Historico
• So Many Churches
• Museo del Oro Nariño
• Taste Some Pastuso Cuisine
• Santuario de Flora y Fauna Volcán Galeras
• Shop for Artisan Handicrafts
• Laguna Verde and Volcan Azufral
• Parque Cañon de Juanambú
• Visit the Village of Sandoná
• Museums Surrounding Parque Infantil

• 1.1 Culture
• 1.2 Climate
• 2.1 By plane
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Churches
• 4.2 Museums
• 9.2 Mid-range
• 9.3 Splurge

Pasto is a city in the southwest of Colombia .

City of the South Colombian West, with a population superior to the 400,000 inhabitants and capital of the department of Nariño. Pasto is one of the oldest cities of Colombia, located in the Atriz Valley, in the middle of the Mountain range of the Andes in the denominated mountainous bulk of the Pasto on the foot of Galeras volcano. The region is mountainous and surrounded by several indigenous towns.

Pasto is a city where different cultures are mixed. The dominant one, without a doubt, is the Andean culture. Unequivocal evidence of this is the Black and White Carnival, in which 'pastusos' (People from Pasto; local denomination) celebrate with colors and joy the incredible richness of their culture. The city is located in the Atriz Valley, at the foot of the Galeras Volcano, which can be observed from any angle of the city.

Pasto is a very religious city, with beautiful temples that certainly represent the architectural wealth of the city. Some of them are very ancient and have been mixed with the modern and colonial styles simultaneously.

Crafts are an important tradition in Pasto, from which the so-called Pasto varnish is the most well-known. Leather, ceramics, and wooden products also constitute the historical and cultural legacy of the city.

• Black and White Carnival , January 2nd-7th

The Black and White Carnival is a celebration that was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on 2009 , in addition to its previous title of Cultural Heritage of the Nation honored by the congress of the Republic of Colombia in April 2002.

The Black and Whitre Carnival consists of various popular festivities that are held every year between the 2nd and the 7th of January by the extremely friendly and welcoming people from San Juan de Pasto (Pasto). During these days the streets of Pasto become an urban playground where men, women, children of all ethnicities and background use black, white and colour cosmetics to paint each other as a symbol of communion and joy in their ethnic and cultural differences. Besides the "painting each other" game, people enthusiastically join street parades which are the main highlight of the Carnival. Parades take place on January 4th (Castaneda family arrival), 5th (Black's day) and 6th (White's day) featuring floats artcrafted by local artisans and traditional dances and bands from other villages and in some cases countries like Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.

Today the Black and White Carnival in Pasto attracts a considerable number of tourists from several parts of the world and became a "must see highlight" featured in the calendar of Colombian and World festivities. Joining the kind people from Pasto in their houses and streets to participate in parade floats and traditional dances is a togetherness experience that was treasured in the memories of lucky few and now is open to the world!

Unlike some areas in Colombia, Pasto has a 'cold' climate, with day-time temperatures oscillating between 13°C and 20°C most of the year. Occasionally, temperatures can drop to 10°C and rise to 25°C. It is a good idea to carry a sweater with you.

• Average Temperature: 14ºC
• Annual average precipitation: 700 mmts
• Altitude: 2527 meters over the sea level
• Humidity: approximately 88%

The Antonio Nariño Airport receives Flights from Bogota and Cali. The airport is 30 min away from the city, and enjoys frequent transportation by bus or taxi.

• Avianca [2]

Pasto is connected with paved roads, such as the Panamerican highway to the rest of the country. You could rent a car an enjoy the beautiful scenery in the area surrounding the city. Airport Car Rental [dead link] .

Direct buses run from Bogota, Cali, Popayan, and Ipiales (close to the Ecuadorian border). Connections are easy to make in any of these cities for any further destinations.

You could get your tickets in the web page of some companies. Below are some of the most common ones

• Expreso Bolivariano [3]
• Transipiales

Approximate ticket prices:

• Pasto - Popayán COP$50,000 (Oct 2023)
• Pasto - Cali COP$35,000
• Pasto - Tumaco COP$24,000
• Ipiales - Pasto : COP$15,000
• Pasto - Mocoa : COP$50,000

You can also buy your tickets in the Terminal de Transportes de Pasto.

A short taxi run in the city costs around COP$5000. If going from one end of the city to the other it can cost up to COP$6000. Those prices are fixed! You can request a taxi by calling 7320000 or 7323743.

• 1.1307 -77.1527 1 La Cocha Lake ( 20 km from Pasto ). 2,800 m above sea level, La Cocha Lake offers a most wonderful landscape of mountains, colors and water. It is 20 km long and 5 km wide. The name "La Cocha" originates in Quechua language, meaning lagoon. It is also known as Guamués Lake. The lake encounters several obstacles such as the Encano River. In 2000 and by means of Decree 698 of the 18 of April, the lake was registered as a landmark of international importance within the Ramsar agreement, being the first with this qualification in the Andean zone. The tourists can visit by boat one of its islands, from which "La Corota" is the one that stands out the most, due to its "Santuario de Flora y Fauna" (administrated by the University of Nariño). ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 1.2243 -77.3538 2 Galeras Volcano ( 9 km from Pasto ). Between the limits of the central mountain range and the Patía River, within the Santuario de Flora y Fauna Galeras, it reaches 4,276 meters over the sea level. It can easily be seen from Pasto city. Access near the mountaintop is forbidden due to continuing volcanic activity. Of the Santuario only the Telpis sector with the Laguna De Telpis is open. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• Laguna Verde - 72 km form Pasto in the city of Tuquerres, this is a beautiful green lake located in the crater of the volcano Azufral. You can hike from the bus terminal (16 km), get an hourly bus to San Roque (COP$1000 then 10 km walk) or a taxi to the park entrance (COP$20,000 or less). Register at the park entrance and then the walk is 6 km. The entrance is around 3700 m high and the volcano reaches 4,070 meters over the sea . To get to Tuquerres, get a bus from the terminal in Pasto (COP$6000) or a shared taxi (COP$9000). This is also easily accessible from Ipiales and makes a great stop between the 2 cities. As of April 2018, the park is closed until further notice.
• 1.21461 -77.27825 3 Plaza de Nariño . Town square where people will help themselves to your cell phone. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 1.21499 -77.27669 4 Templo De Cristo Rey , St.20 # 24-64 . Wow, the inside of this one, like being in a medieval European gothic cathedral. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 1.21505 -77.27873 5 San Juan Bautista , St 18 # 25 . ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 1.21413 -77.28525 6 Templo de San Felipe . Nice cruciform shape. Turquoise and white design. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 1.21346 -77.27959 7 San Agustin ( K 24 ST 16 ).  
• 1.21743 -77.28164 8 Iglesia de San Andres . Interesting architecture if you like the little domes scattered about. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 1.20433 -77.27284 9 Church of Our Lady of Fatima , Cl. 19 #14-29 . A Byzantine style design. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• San Ignacio ( St 15 K 32 ).  
• 1.21982 -77.27899 10 Museo Alfonso Zambrano , St 20 23-90 floor 5 . Mostly about an artist's woodwork. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 1.21518 -77.28429 11 Museo Taminango , Carrera 29 . 08:00-18:00 M-F, 09:00-13:00 Sa, closed Su . Museum about artisanal culture. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 1.21819 -77.2804 12 Museo Juan Lorenzo Lucero , Cl. 18 #28-87 , ☏ +57 2 7314414 . 08:00-11:00, 14:00-17:00 M-F; 08:00-11:00 Sa, closed Su . Displays about history and cultural heritage of southwest Colombia. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 1.23015 -77.28681 13 Centro Cultural Pandiaco Museo Del Carnaval , Cl. 19 #42-60 . 08ː00-18ː00 Tu-F, 08ː00-15ː00 Su, closed Sa and M . Museum about the Carnival. ( updated Oct 2020 )
• 1.2116 -77.2767 14 Museo del Oro Nariño , Cl. 19 #21-27 ( in Banco de la República ), ☏ +57 2 7213001 . 10:00-17:00 Tu-Sa, closed Su-M . A museum about ways of life and history of ancient cultures of the area, with exhibits such as pottery and metal works. Some gold pieces as well. free . ( updated Oct 2020 )

They are plenty of shops around the city to buy handcrafts. They are expensive but worth to have it. Some of them are listed below.

• Artesanías de Colombia S.A , Cr 19 # 26-66.
• Artesanías Jaramillo , Commercial center "Bombona".
• La Casa del Barniz de Pasto , St 13 # 24-92.
• Ciclovía . Every Sunday and Monday holiday from 7AM to noon Avenida de los Estudiantes and other streets are closed to cars and hundreds of people turn out to bicycle, skate, jog and walk. You can join up on foot.  

Eat outside is really cheap. But, some dishes could be quite expensive like Cuy . Anyway, you could try nice empanadas and tamales they are very cheap and different than in other places.

• Cuy or Conejillo de Indias . Animal of the Cavia sort and Porcellus species used in the department of Nariño and specially in its capital, Pasto, as nutritional source. With a high protein content 21%, and a low fat content, this animal is the typical and favorite dish of Pastusos. In Pasto the guinea pig is mainly fed with grass, and sometimes with concentrate. The cooking procedures for the traditional cuy is the roasted guinea pig, and it is obtained in different restaurants in the city or places nearby.
• Empanadas : These are made of fermented-corn dough. In all Nariño, especially in the Andean zone, they can be filled with meat, rice and green beans. The texture of the dough gives them their characteristic sharp flavor. Also try quimbolitos , juanesca , and frito
• Asadero de Cuyes Pinzon , Crr 40#19B-763, 7313228.
• Casa Vasca , St 12A # 29-10 San Ignacio Neighborhood , Tel 7230242.
• Gualcacuy , Av Panamericana # 19-66 tel, 7222093.
• Juanambú , St 25 # 17-83, tel 7235216.
• La Cabaña , St 16 # 25-20, Tel 723862.
• Sausalito , St 35A # 20-63, Tel 7230908.

You could find chicha and Guarapo in many places in south america. But you should try ' Hervidos They are unique!

• Chicha  : Homemade fermented drink. It is made with the fermentation of maize.
• Guarapo : Homemade fermented drink, sometimes it is just juice of raw sugar cane.
• Hervidos = fruit juice + aguardiente
• Aguardiente, Nariño

It is magic to sleep in a city which is laying in the base of a volcano. If you are lucky may be you could be able to see some ashes or even more spewing lava. There are many places to stay safe since you are in the city. E.g. an abundance of budget hotels are located near the bus terminal, for instance hotel 'Paola' ask for COP$12,000 (single).

• Hotel Torre del Bosque . Cra 44 No 18-12. This is a modern hotel with comfortable rooms from US$17.  
• Hotel Chambu Plaza , Crr 20#16-74, 7213129-7213645.
• Koala-Inn , Calle 18 No 22-37. Set in an old mansion, offers basic rooms for COP$25,000 per person (Oct 2022). Administrator "Luis" is an extremely friendly host and acts as a great source of local information and for other parts of the country. WiFi and breakfast included, no kitchen access.
• Hotel Torre Ideal , Calle 18A #6-20 av. Idema , ☏ +57 2 7214410 , [email protected] . Nice clean place with comfy beds close to the bus terminal. After a bit of negotiation, it is possible to pay COP$30,000 for a double room with TV and private bathroom for one night. There's a free computer with Internet in the lobby, but no WiFi. A good place to break down the journey to/from Ipiales.  
• 1.213235 -77.279635 1 hotel don saul , ☏ +57 6027224480 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:000 , check-out: 12:00 . Calle 17#23-52, 6027224480. A.A 615. 209000COP . ( updated Jul 2023 )
• Hotel Americana , ☏ +57 2 7238413 , [email protected] . Crr 22A # 15-51  
• Hotel El Dorado , ☏ +57 2 7233260 , [email protected] . Calle 16A # 23-42  
• La Maison del Ejecutivo Hotel , ☏ +57-2-7310043 , [email protected] . Calle 19 #37-16,  
• Metropol Hotel Calle 15#21-41, 7212498.
• Loft Hotel - Hoteles en Pasto .  
• Agualongo Hotel , [email protected] . Crr 25#17-83, 7235216, A.A 313.  
• Cuellar`s Hotel , ☏ +57-2-7232879 , [email protected] . Crr 23#15-50,  
• Morasurco Hotel , [email protected] . Avenida de los Estudiantes,.  

Mocoa via the trampolín de la muerte

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San Juan de Pasto & nariño: Travel Guide

Pasto is the capital city of the Nariño department. It is an Andean city located at 2527 metres altitude in the south-west of the country, 55 miles far from the Equator.

San Juan de Pasto: a little history

Very close to the famous Qhapaq Ñan , the Royal Inca Road that then linked the Pasto region to Santiago de Chile for more than 6,000 km, San Juan de Pasto was founded in 1537 , in the fertile Atriz valley, at the foot of the volcano Galeras , still active. Initially populated by the Indian Quillacingas and Pastos , the territory was federated by the Inca Empire .

The Spaniards went to this region because they were looking for land crossing points to be able to trade with the Inca empire, which was very rich at that time. It was therefore quite natural that they decided to found the city there, in order to trade with the masters of the Andes . Very quickly, the city turns into an important cultural and religious center , you can admire many and superb churches and colonial buildings . The city is known for the Pasto varnish, a vegetable resin processed to paint wooden pieces with bright colors and for its great shamanic pilgrimages .

Heirs to a thousand-year-old culture and two great empires, the Pastusos are considered the most valiant of Colombians.

Unfortunately, earthquakes have destroyed part of its architectural heritage although a handful of churches and palaces have been rebuilt in their original styles. The indigenous people of the department of Nariño are the descendants of the Inca empire.

When to go to San Juan de Pasto and Nariño?

Wondering when to go? The city of Pasto can be visited all year round with a preference for the months of July and August during which there is less rainfall.

Equipment needed to go to San Juan de Pasto and Nariño?

During your stay, bring cold weather clothing.

What are the main events of San Juan de Pasto?

• December 28: the Day of the Innocents , a pre-carnival tradition during which everyone throws water on the streets.
• January 2-7: Don’t miss the Black and White Carnival if you are in the area on those dates!

This carnival, listed as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage in 2002 includes 4 stages: Carnavalito, where children between the ages of 6 and 14 demonstrate their creativity and the cultural heritage of the region; the Castañeda Family Parade, where people are seen dressed in period outfits; Black Day, where people dye themselves black from head to toe; and White Day, during which people dress in white and watch parades of floats topped by huge figures made by artisans.

This national event is really worth a visit and we strongly advise you to participate.

How to get to Pasto

BY PLANE : Antonio Nariño Airport is located 30 km from the city. Avianca and Satena airlines offer daily direct flights to Bogotá and Cali, and with stopovers to other major cities in the country.

BY BUS : The Pasto bus terminal provides connections to several major cities such as Popayán (6:00 am), Cali (9:00 am), Manizales (12:00 pm), Medellín (4:00 pm) and Bogotà (8:00 pm).

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Mini Guide Pasto & Nariño | Discover the diverse south of Colombia

The city of Pasto is sometimes called the surprise of Colombia, and for a good reason. Pasto, located in Nariño, is a particularly nice place to stay with beautiful architecture, interesting museums and impressive surroundings. In fact, one of Colombia’s must-sees can be found just a few hours from Pasto. The south of Colombia is surprisingly diverse and definitely worth visiting during your round trip Colombia. In this mini-guide you will find all the information you need for a great stay in this still fairly unknown part of Colombia.

Pasto | The surprise of Colombia

The city of Pasto is located in the department of Nariño. In the far southwest of Colombia. The city is just eight kilometers from the Galeras volcano, at an altitude of 2527 meters. The Galeras volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Colombia. Pasto was founded in 1537 and inhabited by the Pastos Indians. Hence the name. Today, more than 460,000 residents live in Pasto. Known as the theological center of Colombia, the city has many churches that are very much worth visiting, because of their unusual architecture. In Pasto, you can also enjoy interesting museums and beautiful street art.

Pasto is famous for the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos that takes place every January. But even beyond these days of celebration, there is much to see and do in the city and the department of Nariño.

What to do and see in Pasto Colombia?

Pasto is not called the surprise of Colombia for nothing. A particularly nice city with beautiful architecture, lovely people, good food and interesting museums. In addition, the surroundings are spectacular. A visit to Pasto is absolutely worthwhile!

Carnaval de Negros y Blancos

Not only Barranquilla is known for its carnival. Indeed, every year between January 2 and 7, Pasto is home to the most important and largest carnival in southern Colombia: Carnaval de Negros y Blancos. Locals paint their faces black one day and white the next to reflect the racial diversity in the region. The festival is a festival of colors and has been on the UNESCO Cultural World Heritage List since 2009. Click here to read more about the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos .

Did you miss the carnival? Then visit the impressive Carnival Museum (see below).

Beautiful architecture and churches

The beautiful architecture in Pasto amazed me. Many beautiful churches of different colors and old buildings that you don’t see much in other parts of Colombia. Take a stroll through downtown Pasto and enjoy the beautiful architecture.

Among other things, visit the Cathedral of Pasto. In addition, the churches Templo de Cristo Rey, Our Lady of Mercy, Iglesia Santiago Apostol and Iglesia de San Andrés are also worth visiting.

Visit a museum

There are three very interesting museums in Pasto, all worth a visit.

The Museo del Carnaval

An absolute must-see! As if you have entered a fairy tale. The museum tells the story of the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos in Pasto and is a true celebration of color. Masks, dolls, carnival floats, you can find everything. You’ll find the museum in the north of the city and I promise you: you’ll be amazed.

Location : Calle 19 # Cra 42 – Centro Cultural Pandiaco. Cost : free.

Museo del Oro Nariño: the Gold Museum in Pasto

There is a gold museum in many cities in Colombia, with the most famous in Bogotá. And Pasto couldn’t be left behind either. In the Banco de la República you will find this small but beautiful museum that is interesting to visit. The museum offers a contemporary view of pre-Hispanic societies in the Pasto region. You will find 432 pieces of gold, ceramics, stone, shell, wood and fabrics. More information can be found here .

Location : Calle 19 # 21 – 27, Banco de la República. Cost : free of charge. Opening hours : Tuesday to Saturday 10AM – 5PM. Closed on holidays.

Please note that as of March 14, the museum will be closed indefinitely due to the current crisis.

The Taminango Museum

Baptized a National Monument in 1971, this old house was once inhabited by a writer and you can now visit it. The museum gives a glimpse of traditional products from the department of Nariño. Although the museum is not very well known, it gives a nice picture of the traditional culture of the region. The museum is something you don’t expect in Pasto and worth learning something about the history of the region. Here you read more about the background of the museum.

Please note that the museum is located on the edge of downtown against a more unsafe neighborhood. After your visit it is best to walk back to the center, do not go further into this neighborhood.

Location : Calle 13 # 27 – 67. Cost : free. Guided tour required.

Hostel in Pasto: Hospedaje La Bohemia

There are not many hotels and hostels in Pasto. But that doesn’t matter, after all, you only need one. I traveled alone to Pasto and chose the most popular hostel in Pasto: Hospedaje La Bohemia . Perfectly located, a beautiful view, very nice owners who provide you with all the information you need, and close to everything. From here you can visit all of Nariño and explore Pasto itself well on foot.

I stayed in this hostel for 5 days and it was excellent. The hostel is very cozy and equipped with everything. Good wifi, hot water and a kitchen to cook your own food. You can choose from a private room or dorm, both very clean. If you want to meet fellow travelers, this is the place to be, especially as a backpacker. In fact, all the backpackers who come to this area seem to stay here.

The owner will arrange a cab to anywhere without a problem and help you plan your days in Nariño. You will also find information on the current security situation in the area.

Discover the department of Nariño from Pasto

Nariño is a very versatile department. From unknown villages to the spectacular Las Lajas to the Little Switzerland of Colombia. And I have by no means seen all that Nariño has to offer. The influences from Ecuador are very noticeable, including the strange eating habits. If you’ve ever wanted to eat guinea pig, you can do it here.

Las Lajas in Ipiales: the most spectacular cathedral in Colombia

And that’s no exaggeration. Las Lajas is truly amazing. To die for, so beautiful. This cathedral, which is not actually a real cathedral, can be found in Ipiales on the Ecuadorian border. This place is the tourist attraction of Nariño, but is mostly visited by travelers on their way to Colombia or Ecuador. Las Lajas is built against a rock above a river, resulting in a rather unusual structure. In the evening, the church is illuminated and that too is quite impressive. If I had to name a must-see in Colombia, it would be Las Lajas. Here you can read all about Las Lajas in Ipiales and how to get there.

Just across the border to Ecuador: visit the extraordinary cemetery in Tulcán

On a day trip from Pasto to Las Lajas, you can immediately cross the border into Ecuador. Indeed, there in the border town of Tulcán you will find a special cemetery: Cementerio de Tulcán . Here you can wander for hours past some 300 figures carved from cypress trees. In various shapes that show something about Ecuador’s flora and fauna and Roman, Greek, Inca, Aztec and Egyptian cultures. And that’s a pretty beautiful. Here you can read all about the cemetery in Tulcán and how to get there.

Take a look at the village of La Cocha: the Little Switzerland of Colombia

A little closer to Pasto you will find the lake Laguna de la Cocha. High altitude and therefore quite cold. A beautiful lake with a small island where you will find Colombia’s smallest national park. On the lake is the village of La Cocha, and that in particular is why more and more (domestic) tourists visit this place. After all, La Cocha is called Little Switzerland, and for a good reason. Indeed, the many canals, narrow boats and wooden houses filled with balconies with flowers resemble Switzerland or Austria. In any case, La Cocha is a totally different village than you are used to from Colombia. And worth a visit for that reason alone. Here you can read all about La Cocha, the lake and how to get there.

Go off the beaten path in Colombia and visit Sandoná

Although this whole region is pretty off the beaten path; you can go even more off the beaten track . Near Pasto are several small villages that are interesting to visit. I chose Sandoná. This village has a beautiful waterfall more or less in the middle of the village, cute colored houses, beautiful views, an impressive cathedral and beautiful street art. Its lower elevation makes it much warmer than Pasto, so it is also perfect to escape the cold for a moment. Here you can read all about Sandoná and how to get there.

And there’s more…

About 8 kilometers from Pasto is the Galeras Volcano (4267 meters high), one of the most active volcanoes in Colombia. Here you will find the national park Santuario de Flora y Fauna Volcán Galeras that you can visit, an important páramo area in southern Colombia with some 200 bird species.

There is also the Azufral volcano, further south to the west of the village of Túquerres. The volcano is 4070 meters high and on the northwest side of the crater is the small lake Laguna Verde at 3970 meters altitude. This is a popular day trip into nature and is said to be spectacularly beautiful. The volcano is located in the Reserva Natural del Azufral nature reserve and is open for visits. There is a road to the top that you can travel by car. You have to walk the last 1.5 kilometers to Laguna Verde. Make sure you are somewhat accustomed to the altitude if you are going to do this, and bring warm clothing.

Both, unfortunately, I was unable to do. Ask at the hotel where you are staying how to get there.

Flying to Pasto: landing on Colombia’s most dangerous airstrip

Flying to Pasto is quite an adventure, as the runway is known to be the most dangerous in Colombia. Coincidentally, I saw this just before departure and it caused me quite a lot of nerves at the moment before leaving. And not just me. The passenger next to me said he flies to Pasto almost every week, but never gets used to the last ten minutes. Fortunately, I was not at the window side…

Pasto’s runway is on the edge of a cliff, so you only see mountain peaks before you hit the ground. This location also means that flights are quickly canceled or diverted to Popayán, for example, when there is a lot of wind or it rains very hard.

Curious about that scary landing? Watch the video below. If you dare, of course.

Practical information

How to get to nariño.

Few flights go to Nariño and in particular they fly to Pasto. No matter where you are coming from in Colombia, it is likely that you will have to make a transfer in Bogotá. Only Avianca flies (so far) to Pasto, so little choice and therefore quite pricey. 600,000 pesos for a round trip Bogotá is a normal price for this route. From Bogotá, it is a one-hour flight. The airport is about an hour away from Pasto, so upon arrival you have to take a cab for an hour to get into town. No punishment by the way: it’s a beautiful ride!

Do you prefer to travel by bus? Then it is best to choose an itinerary Colombia that more or less passes by Pasto. Nariño is in such a remote corner that a bus ride from Bogotá takes about 22 hours. From Popayán it is a lot more manageable in about 6 hours. From the border with Ecuador, you are about 2 to 3 hours away depending on whether there are roadworks.

Keep in mind that traveling by bus between Ecuador and Cali is not always safe, especially at night. Travel during the day whenever possible and read up on the situation at that time just before your trip.

Driving through Colombia by car is fun, and Nariño is also great to explore by car. Here you can read all about car rental in Colombia, the rules, itineraries and more. Be aware that the distances in Colombia are huge and it takes you much longer to get from A to B than in, say, the Netherlands. Take plenty of stops and plan enough time to drive to Pasto by car. And again, only drive during the day.

Border crossing Colombia Ecuador

Many travelers in Nariño come from Ecuador or are transiting to Ecuador from Colombia. While that is the easiest way to discover this beautiful Colombian department, it is also definitely worth a detour if you are not going to Ecuador.

From Nariño you can easily take a day trip to Ecuador or in a few hours to this famous cemetery in Tulcán.

The border between Colombia and Ecuador is called Puente Internacional de Rumichaca. If you only cross the border for a few hours you don’t have to show your passport anywhere and within 10 minutes you are on the other side of the border. How: From where you are in Colombia you first go to the bus terminal in Ipiales. From Pasto this is about 2 to 3 hours by bus. In Ipiales you take a colectivo to Puente Internacional de Rumichaca. Duration: 15 minutes, 3,500 pesos. There you transfer to an Ecuadorian cab or colectivo to Tulcán or wherever you want to go (15 to 20 minutes, 3500 pesos).

No need to change money if you’re not going to eat, drink or sleep anywhere. Of course, exchanging money is handy if you cross the border to travel through Ecuador and do not return to Colombia.

Climate in Nariño

Nariño is a very versatile department with diverse climates. As you can see in this article about the climate in Colombia , the climate depends on the altitude you are at. And that is no different here. That means it can be quite chilly in Pasto and you’ll be walking there in clothes for US autumn or spring. The same goes for Ipiales and Las Lajas. La Cocha is a bit fresher, especially going up the lake. Bring a raincoat and possibly a hat and gloves. You can buy these anywhere there, by the way. When the sun is shining it is a little warmer, but you never know in advance.

As in all of Colombia, it warms up considerably as soon as you drive down the mountain. For example, if you go from Pasto (2527 meters altitude) to Sandoná (1848 meters altitude), in the 1.5 hours it takes you have quite a temperature difference. Pasto is chilly, Sandoná is quite warm.

Want to climb a volcano? Then you need clothing for about 0 degrees or colder.

So decide in advance where you are going: the higher you go the warmer your clothes should be.

Safety Nariño Colombia

Nariño is not known as the safest region of Colombia, but it very much depends on the time and the exact location. For example, there are often problems in the coastal town of Tumaco, but there’s no way you’ll get there if you visit everything described above. The main attractions, such as Las Lajas and La Cocha, can also be visited without difficulty. Pasto itself is a safe city with no problems.

On the major roads between Pasto and Ecuador and Pasto and Popayán, it is best to travel only during the day.

If you visit Pasto. ask at your hotel if there are any special things in terms of safety to consider.

By the way, I visited Nariño on my own and as a woman alone experienced no problem. I do speak fluent Spanish, something that always helps to stay safe.

How many days do you need for Pasto and Nariño?

All the foreign travelers I spoke to at the hostel were in transit from Ecuador into Colombia, or just on their way to Ecuador from Colombia. And stayed only 1 or 2 days in Pasto. In this short time, however, you can see little of the surroundings. If you want to see everything described above from Pasto, you will need at least 4 days. If you also want to visit other villages and/or climb the volcano, you can add another day. If you have few time I would at least visit Las Lajas and try to see the Carnival museum.

Continue your round trip Colombia from Pasto

Pasto is literally in a remote corner of Colombia and should be well planned during a tour of Colombia. For example, you could fly from Bogotá to Pasto and then travel to Medellín via Popayán, Cali and Salento.

If you want to see more destinations south of Bogotá, such as San Agustín, you can also stick to this itinerary:

Bogotá – Piscilago – the Tatacoa Desert – San Agustín – Mocoa – Pasto – Popayán – Cali – Salento – Medellín – and then to Barichara or on to the Caribbean coast .

Obviously, for the above roundtrip Colombia you need time, three weeks is not enough for this.

If you’re coming from or going to Ecuador, it’s easy: make a stopover in Pasto to explore Nariño.

Discover the beautiful south of Colombia! Is Pasto on your Colombia wish list?

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At the end of 2014, I (Sabine; 1985) decided to emigrate from the Netherlands to Colombia. After living in Bogotá for almost 3 years, I moved to the nice village of Sopó, Cundinamarca. To move back to Bogotá in early 2022, where I still live. From there I will passionately take you on a journey into beautiful Colombia and share all kinds of useful tips & itineraries. As a local, I know the best spots and provide up-to-date information. I also share everything about sustainable travel off the beaten track worldwide.

Special stay in Colombia | Hostal el Bugambil in Sopó

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