Tourism in Nariño

The department of Nariño is one of the most underrated and most beautiful destinations in Colombia. Las Lajas Sanctuary —a neo-Gothic basilica built over a canyon on the border with Ecuador— is one of the most photogenic religious buildings in the world. The Blacks and Whites Carnival in Pasto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, fills the city with colors and foam in January. Lake La Cocha, Colombia's highest lake, and the Galeras Volcano complete an exceptional nature and culture destination.

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF NARIÑO

The most visited and unmissable destinations and experiences in Nariño:

Attraction	Type	Description
Las Lajas Sanctuary — Ipiales	Religious / Architecture	Neo-Gothic basilica built on a stone bridge over the Guáitara River canyon. 1 km from Ecuador.
Blacks and Whites Carnival — Pasto	UNESCO Festival	January 2–7. Monumental floats, talcum powder, black and white paints. UNESCO Heritage.
Lake La Cocha	Nature	Andean lake at 2,830 m. La Corota Island (fauna sanctuary), otters, birds. The largest lake in the south.
Galeras Volcano	Nature / Adventure	Active volcano overlooking Pasto. Visit to the volcanic area with special permit.
Tumaco — Pacific Coast	Beach / Afro culture	Southern Pacific beaches, marine biodiversity, whales in season, Afro-Colombian gastronomy.

ECOTOURISM AND NATURE IN NARIÑO

Lake La Cocha and La Corota Island are a Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar site. The Galeras Fauna and Flora Sanctuary surrounds the volcano with Andean cloud forest. Sanquianga National Park in the Nariño Pacific protects unique mangroves and corals.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF NARIÑO

The Pasto carnival is the most important cultural event in southern Colombia and the only Andean carnival in Colombia on the UNESCO Heritage list. Pasto varnish (indigenous decoration technique with mopa-mopa) is a unique craft in the world. The Ipiales market is the largest in southern Colombia.

TYPICAL GASTRONOMY OF NARIÑO

Roasted guinea pig (star dish of the Colombia-Ecuador border), choclo with cheese, corn mote with chicharrón, peanut soup, paila ice cream, lulo champús, Pasto confections. Guinea pig in Ipiales and Pasto is a symbol of celebration.

HOW TO GET THERE

Antonio Nariño airport 35 km from Pasto, flights from Bogotá (1 h) and Cali. Bus from Cali (8 h) or Popayán (5 h). Las Lajas: 2.5 h by bus from Pasto to Ipiales.

Also check the climate of Nariño and the list of municipalities of Nariño to plan your visit.