Tourism in Putumayo

The department of Putumayo is the gateway to the Colombian Amazon from the southern Andes. Its territory ranges from the cold Sibundoy valley, home to the Kamentsá and Inga peoples, to the lowland Amazon jungle of lower Putumayo. The End of the World Waterfall near Mocoa and La Paya National Natural Park in lower Putumayo are top-level ecotourism destinations. Wellness tourism with medicinal plants —yagé (ayahuasca) in traditional shamanic ceremonies with indigenous taitas— attracts travelers from all over the world.

MAIN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS OF PUTUMAYO

The most visited and unmissable destinations and experiences in Putumayo:

Attraction	Type	Description
Ecological Trail — Mocoa	Nature / Adventure	14 km route through jungle and rivers with over 15 waterfalls. The most visited tourist corridor in the department.
Sibundoy Valley	Indigenous culture	Andean valley at 2,100 m. Kamentsá and Inga indigenous market. Carnival of Forgiveness and Joy (February).
La Paya National Park	Ecotourism	Pristine Amazon jungle with pink dolphins, manatees, tapirs and over 400 bird species.
Shamanic Tourism — Yagé	Ancestral wellness	Yagé (ayahuasca) ceremonies with certified taitas from the Inga and Kamentsá people. Only with legal operators.
Lake La Cocha (Putumayo edge)	Nature	Andean lake on the border with Nariño. Andean cloud forest and wetland ecosystems.

ECOTOURISM AND NATURE IN PUTUMAYO

Putumayo harbors one of the greatest biodiversities in Colombia: over 600 recorded bird species, 150 mammals and thousands of plants. The transition between the Andes and the Amazon creates unique endemisms. The Andean Belt Biosphere Reserve protects the ecological corridor between Nariño and Putumayo.

CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL HERITAGE OF PUTUMAYO

The Kamentsá and Inga peoples of the Sibundoy valley are recognized for their taitas (shamans) and the ritual use of yagé. The Carnival of Forgiveness and Joy (February 2) is the most important celebration of the indigenous peoples of upper Putumayo. Bead crafts and wool weavings are unique to this region.

TYPICAL GASTRONOMY OF PUTUMAYO

Fried or juiced chontaduro, Putumayo River trout, minguí broth (river crab), river shrimp soup, Amazonian fruits (borojó, copoazú, arazá), yucca and corn chicha.

HOW TO GET THERE

Flight from Bogotá to Mocoa (1.5 h, Satena) or from Pasto (30 min). Bus from Pasto (3.5 h) or Popayán (6 h). To lower Putumayo (Puerto Asís): flight from Bogotá or bus from Mocoa (4 h).

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