Colombia is a country full of geographic and cultural contrasts, and the department of Nariño, located in the southwestern region, is a gem still largely unexplored by international tourism. Its mix of volcanoes, lagoons, colonial architecture, and Indigenous communities makes it an unmissable destination for those seeking authentic experiences. If you’re planning a trip to southern Colombia, here are five towns in Nariño you shouldn’t miss, along with the most recommended activities in each one.
Five towns in Nariño, Colombia you must visit
La Cocha Lagoon in El Encano, Nariño
La Cocha, also known as Lake Guamuez, is the second largest natural lagoon in Colombia. Its Andean landscape, surrounded by green mountains, constant mist, and calm waters, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking nature and tranquility. On its shores lies El Encano, a picturesque village that looks like it came out of an alpine fairy tale, with colorful wooden houses and steep gabled roofs.
Things to do:
- Take a boat ride to La Corota Island, a natural reserve with great biodiversity, where you can hike eco-trails and go birdwatching.
- Try freshly caught trout, the local specialty, served with fried plantains or rice.
- Stay in rustic cabins overlooking the lagoon and enjoy a romantic, relaxing atmosphere.
- Participate in religious festivities like the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes in February, an event of great importance to the local community.
@valu.zam Conocido como ✨EL ENCANO✨en la Laguna de la cocha 💚 #lagunadelacocha #pasto #pueblitosmagicos #lugaresparavisitar #lugaresincreibles #colombia🇨🇴 ♬ Vale la Pena – Live – Juan Luis Guerra 4.40
Ipiales, Nariño
Ipiales is one of the most important towns in Nariño, located at more than 2,900 meters (9,500 feet) above sea level, right on the border with Ecuador. It’s known for its binational commerce and, above all, for housing one of the most stunning religious monuments in Latin America: the Las Lajas Sanctuary.
Things to do:
- Visit Las Lajas Sanctuary, a neo-Gothic church built over a natural bridge that spans the Guáitara River canyon. It is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the world.
- Explore the Sanctuary Museum, which tells the story of the Virgin’s apparition in the 18th century.
- Shop at the binational markets and try Ecuadorian products without leaving Colombia.
- Ride the Las Lajas Cable Car, offering panoramic views and a unique perspective of the canyon.
@nosvamosdeviaje_ GUÍA PARA VISITAR LA IGLESIA MÁS LINDA DE COLOMBIA😍 ⛪️Santuario Nuestra Señora de Las Lajas 📍Ipiales, Nariño, Colombia🇨🇴 🚗A 2 horas de Pasto ✈️Tiquetes Bogotá – Pasto: desde 4000.000 COP/ 95 USD (ida y regreso) . 🚍Bus desde Pasto a Ipiales: 25.000 COP/ 6 USD 🚐Bus desde Ipiales al santuario: 4.000 COP/ 1 USD 💡Entrar al santuario no tiene costo. 🏨Nosotros nos hospedamos en el @hotelv1501 en Pasto. Es el mejor de la ciudad y ofrece habitaciones desde 350.000 COP (84USD) #Colombia #Viajes #Ipiales #Nariño #santuriodelaslajas #laslajas #ipialesnariño #pasto #pastonariño #iglesias #viajar #nosvamosdeviaje #travel ♬ sonido original – Mayra 👸🏼👸🏼 🇲🇽🇲🇽
Barbacoas, Nariño
Located in the Pacific region of Nariño, Barbacoas is surrounded by tropical rainforests and crossed by the majestic Telembí River. It is the heart of Nariño’s Afro-descendant culture and a place full of history—founded in 1540, it’s one of the oldest towns in southwestern Colombia.
Things to do:
- Take a river tour along the Telembí River and its tributaries—a natural and cultural experience in one.
- Learn about the history of resistance of the Black and Indigenous communities that have lived in this region for centuries.
- Join the January 20 celebrations, known as the Carnival of Forgiveness, a unique expression of the region’s cultural syncretism.
- Try traditional dishes like encocado de jaiba (crab in coconut sauce), tapao de pescado (fish stew), and boiled chontaduro (palm fruit).
@wilsonangulo887 #barbacoas ♬ sonido original – JDMF
Tumaco, Nariño
Tumaco is a port city on Colombia’s Pacific coast. Its mostly Afro-Colombian population has developed a rich culture full of music, dance, cuisine, and spirituality. It’s one of the Pacific’s most attractive destinations, known for its scenery, mangroves, and unspoiled beaches.
Things to do:
- Enjoy beaches like Bocagrande, El Morro, and Playa del Bajito—perfect for relaxing, surfing, or savoring fresh seafood.
- Take an eco-tour through the mangroves, home to thousands of marine and bird species.
- Attend the Petronio Álvarez Festival – Tumaco Edition, a local version of the famous Cali event that celebrates Afro-Pacific roots.
- Savor dishes such as arroz con piangua (clam rice), shrimp ceviche, or fish stew with coconut.
@el_pacifico0 San Andrés dé Tumaco #pacificocolombiano #nariño #playas #mar #tumaco_nariño🥰😍🥥🌴 #tumaco #colombia ♬ disfruto – moiseslyricsss
Sandona, Nariño
Nestled in the mountains of western Nariño, Sandoná is known for its agricultural heritage and as the birthplace of iraca palm hats, handwoven using techniques passed down through generations. Its mild climate and terraced crops make it especially photogenic.
Things to do:
- Visit artisan workshops and see how the famous iraca palm hats are made—some so fine they’re sold at international fairs.
- Stroll through the town center, where the neo-Gothic Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary stands out.
- Take part in the Hat Fair, held every December.
- Enjoy local cuisine like bizcochuelo nariñense (a sponge cake), ají de maní (peanut sauce), and sugarcane-based drinks.
@sebastiianch2 #sandonanariño #sandona #nariño #nariño_colombia ♬ Desde Que Te Me Juistes – Los Ajíces