LAGUNA DE LA
COCHA
A Hidden Gem in the Colombian Andes
MY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Have you ever visited a place that took your breath away?
Laguna de la Cocha is a stunning lake located near Pasto, in the department of Nariño. It is surrounded by mountains and cloud forests, and it is one of the most beautiful natural destinations in Colombia. You should definitely add it to your travel bucket list!
Two years ago, I visited this magical place with my family. When we got there, I was surprised to see many foreign tourists walking around El Encano village. Local vendors used to offer them handmade stuffed cuy toys as souvenirs, which was a very charming and funny sight.
We got on a lancha and headed out to explore the lake. The water was calm and the scenery was breathtaking. After the boat ride, we sat down at a small restaurant by the lake and tried out the local fish. It was huge and incredibly fresh — I had never seen such a big fish on my plate before! We looked around the area, took many photos, and enjoyed every moment.
WHERE TO GO (Places to Visit)
The Best Places to Explore at Laguna de la Cocha
When you visit Laguna de la Cocha, you must start at
El Encano Village
When you visit Laguna de la Cocha, you must start at El Encano village, where you can walk around and explore the local shops and vendors. The atmosphere is warm and friendly, and you could talk to locals and pick up a handmade souvenir to remember your trip.
You should get on a lancha to discover the hidden spots of the lake. If you take a boat ride, you will see beautiful landscapes that you simply cannot find from the shore. The views of the mountains reflected on the calm water are absolutely stunning.
WHAT TO DO (Activities)
Top Activities You Can't Miss at Laguna de la Cocha
There are many wonderful things to do at Laguna de la Cocha, and you should make the most of every moment.
First, you must take a lancha ride to explore the lake and discover its most beautiful corners. If you bring a camera, you will get stunning photos of the water and the mountains around it. The scenery changes as you move across the lake, so every photo will look different.
You must also try out the local fish at one of the restaurants in El Encano. The fish is very large and incredibly fresh — you don't have to order extra food because one serving is more than enough! If you enjoy local cuisine, this will be one of the highlights of your trip.
You could also buy a handmade stuffed cuy toy from one of the local vendors as a souvenir. It is a unique and traditional craft from the region that you won't find anywhere else. If you walk around the village, you might come across other interesting local crafts and very friendly people.
Finally, you should go birdwatching near the lake in the early morning, when the mist is still on the water and the birds are most active.
TRAVEL TIPS
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Laguna de la Cocha
Before you visit Laguna de la Cocha, here are some important tips to help you have the best experience possible.
First, you have to bring a warm jacket because the weather is very cold, especially in the morning and at night. If you don't dress warmly, you might feel uncomfortable during the lancha ride. You must also wear comfortable shoes if you want to walk around El Encano or explore Isla La Corota.
You should leave Pasto early to make the most of the day. If you arrive in the morning, you will see the lake covered in a beautiful mist that makes everything look magical. From Pasto, you can take a bus to El Encano at the main bus terminal — they leave regularly and the trip is short.
You must bring cash because many local vendors and restaurants do not accept cards. You don't have to bring a lot, but it is important to have enough for the lancha ride, food, and souvenirs.
Finally, you must respect the environment. You must not throw garbage near the lake or in the forest. Laguna de la Cocha is a protected natural area, and we all have to take care of it for future visitors.
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