The ultimate 5 day Nariño, Colombia itinerary

Located in southwestern Colombia along the border with Ecuador, Nariño is a department known for its extraordinary geographical diversity and rich cultural heritage. Nariño is perhaps one of Colombia's most underrated regions, and with this itinerary, my goal is to help you discover its breathtaking scenery while guiding you through some of its most remarkable highlights.

Even as a Colombian myself, I have to say I was absolutely amazed by what I saw. Colombia is an incredibly diverse country, and each of its regions has its own unique people, traditions, and culture, which made this trip especially enriching.

Is Nariño safe?

If I am being completely honest, there were times where we did not feel safe in Ipiales, right in front of the Sanctuary as well as in Pasto. I would not recommend you go alone but rather you travel in a group and avoid flashing your phone or valuable objects because the area is known for pick-pockets. That being said, if you are careful, you should be able to enjoy your trip overall.

The perfect 5 day Nariño, Colombia itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

To go to Nariño, the easiest way is to take a flight to Pasto, the capital of the department. Most flights depart from Bogotá, Colombia's capital, so if you are travelling from any other city, you will probably have a layover in Bogotá. What truly amazes me about this region is the size of the mountains. I come from Medellín, a city surrounded by the Andes, and yet those mountains they don't compare to the mountains farther south. The mountains in Nariño feel truly gigantic and monumental. It is beautiful.

Instead of stopping in Pasto, I recommend you head directly to the city of Ipiales. Ipiales is located right next to Colombia’s border with Ecuador. The city sits at an altitude of over 2,900 meters above sea level, so it can get quite cold. It is best known for the Sanctuary of Las Lajas, one of Colombia’s most iconic landmarks and the place you will visit on day two. I also find it really interesting that, since it is so close to Ecuador, the way people speak and even some cultural traditions differ quite a bit from those in other parts of Colombia. You truly feel like you are in a different country and it is something fascinating to see.

How to go to Ipiales from Pasto

If you are arriving at Pasto Airport, the easiest way to reach Ipiales is to first take a taxi from the airport to the Pasto Transport Terminal. The ride takes around 40 minutes. From there, frequent buses depart throughout the day for Ipiales. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. The route is very scenic, crossing the highlands of Nariño and offering impressive views of the Andes Mountains along the way. There again the mountains will feel gigantic.

Once in Ipiales you can relax for the rest of the day.

Day 2: Santuario Las Lajas

On your second day I recommend you visit Santuario Las Lajas. From Ipiales you can take a taxi ride which usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes. From the main road, you can then either walk down to the sanctuary or take a small cable car, which offers great views of the canyon and the church as you descend.

The Sanctuary of Las Lajas is a basilica located in the canyon of the Guáitara River. The site has been a place of pilgrimage since the 18th century, and the reason for that is a local legend linked to a miracle. According to the story, an Indigenous girl, deaf and mute, was traveling with her mother when they were caught in a storm near the canyon. They sought shelter among the rocks, and the girl later indicated that she had seen the Virgin Mary there. When her mother tried to understand her, the girl was suddenly able to speak. Over time, the basilica that exists today was built.

The Sanctuary of Las Lajas is considered one of the most beautiful and unique churches in the world, and with good reason. The architecture is gorgeous, and the natural surroundings are just as impressive.

The place feels truly magical

In the afternoon you can head back to Pasto by bus and stay the night there

Days 3-4: Laguna de la Cocha

How to go to Laguna de la Cocha from Pasto

To be honest, I didn’t find many things to do in Pasto aside from seeing the Galeras volcano in the distance, so I recommend skipping the city altogether and taking a bus to El Encano or directly to Laguna de la Cocha from the bus terminal. The bus ride usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Laguna de la Cocha is one of the largest natural lakes in Colombia. The place sits at a high altitude and is known for its traditional wooden chalets built along the lake. It is a place to relax and I personally found the chalet ambiance really cozy.

The activity to do there is walk around, enjoy the views and get immersed in the local culture.

Day 5: Departure

On day five, you can have a slow morning in your chalet and then take a bus back to Pasto to eventually head to the airport.

I hope you have enjoyed this guide. Don't hesitate to take a look at other posts that might interest you!