Inspection Trip to Southern Colombia

In mid-May, Christopher went on an inspection trip to southern Colombia to take a closer look at the departments of Nariño and Putumayo, both bordering the neighboring country of Ecuador. These two departments are classic "destinos emergentes," meaning emerging tourist regions in Colombia that have not been widely represented on the tourist map but are wonderful to explore.

 The department of Nariño and its capital, Pasto, located at 2,600 meters, showcase different facets of Colombia. Many aspects here resemble Andean culture in Ecuador or Peru. This part of Colombia was once part of the Inca Empire. Andean music with its typical flute sounds, a high percentage of indigenous population, and typical dishes such as Cuy (giant guinea pig) are evidence of the Inca heritage.

Pasto is easily accessible through a variety of domestic flights from Bogota, Medellin, and Cali. The hotel infrastructure in Pasto is well-established.

Here are some impressions from the surroundings of Pasto:

Foto: Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Las Lajas

Not far from the border with Ecuador lies the spectacularly located church Las Lajas. It can be reached by cable car, and one floats almost towards one of the most important Colombian places of pilgrimage. 

Foto: Laguna de la Cocha

La Cocha lagoon is a 39,000-hectare volcanic crater lake, beautifully situated and rarely visited. Boat trips and kayak tours are offered, and rainbow trout is commonly served for lunch.

Foto: The Canyon de Juanambu.

 

 

Alongside the Chicamocha Canyon, the Juanambu Canyon is considered the second deepest canyon in Colombia.

Through the "Trampolin de la Muerte," a spectacular Andean road, one can reach Mocoa, the capital of Putumayo, within five hours from Pasto. Mocoa is located at an elevation of approximately 600 meters on the eastern edge of the Andean mountain range. It has a pleasantly warm climate and abundant water resources. There are numerous spectacular waterfalls and canyons in the area. The Putumayo department serves as the gateway to the Amazon.

Photo: "Trampolin de la Muerte

This mountain road between Pasto and Mocoa winds down from over 3,500 meters to Mocoa, crossing various climatic zones. The biodiversity rate is extremely high, which also makes the region popular among birdwatchers.

Photo: The waterfall "El fin del mundo"

At the waterfall of the "end of the world", water plunges 70 meters into the depths. What a spectacular view! From this part of the waterfall you can also see the city of Mocoa.

Photo: Cañon del Mandiyaco near Mocoa.

The Mandiyaco Canyon was formed by the force of water carving through volcanic rock over millions of years.

Mocoa and Putumayo are easily accessible by plane. Puerto Asis is only about 1-1.5 hours' drive from Mocoa. There are many small hotels and lodges surrounded by nature.

Soon, we will provide you with various programs in both regions that will be available for booking. 

Until then... buen viaje!