Things To Do
in Nariño
Nariño is a department located in the southwestern part of Colombia, known for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems. The region is home to the Andes Mountains, providing breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. Nariño's capital city, Pasto, is known for its cultural heritage, including traditional festivals and gastronomy.
The department is also renowned for its coffee production, with many small farms cultivating high-quality beans.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo te va?" - How's it going?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $15 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $4 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic Plaza de Nariño, surrounded by colonial architecture. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a nearby café to fuel your exploration.
Visit the beautiful Santuario de Las Lajas, a stunning basilica built over a gorge. Take your time to appreciate the intricate details and breathtaking views.
Head back to Pasto and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Andean cuisine. Stroll through the vibrant streets to soak in the evening atmosphere.
Wake up early and travel to El Encenillo Nature Reserve. Enjoy a guided hike through lush forests, spotting unique flora and fauna.
Have a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, taking in the tranquility of the reserve. Explore some of the well-marked trails at your leisure.
Return to Pasto for a relaxed dinner. If you're up for it, check out local music performances in the town square after your meal.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and diversity, with a mix of indigenous and colonial influences.
- Stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and the Pacific coastline.
- Pleasant climate, particularly in the highlands, which is conducive to agriculture and outdoor activities.
- Gastronomic variety, known for delicious local dishes and traditional foods.
- Growing tourism opportunities with festivals, crafts, and adventure activities.
- Limited infrastructure in some rural areas, affecting transportation and access to services.
- Social and economic challenges, including poverty and unemployment in certain regions.
- Potential for violence and insecurity due to the presence of illegal groups in some areas.
- Environmental concerns, including deforestation and effects of climate change on agriculture.
- Health care access can be inconsistent, especially in remote areas.
Best Activities in Nariño
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the breathtaking trails of the Andes mountains in Nariño, offering stunning views and diverse ecosystems.
Enjoy birdwatching and picnicking at Potosí Lake, a beautiful natural reserve ideal for a day out with family or friends.
Experience the thrill of paragliding over the scenic landscapes of Pasto, providing an exhilarating view of the region.
Engage with local culture through outdoor events and festivals that celebrate the unique traditions and history of Nariño.
Experience the serene beauty of La Cocha Lagoon, where you can enjoy canoeing, fishing, and scenic walks.
Visit the Las Marias Nature Reserve to witness diverse flora and fauna, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
Tour the stunning architectural marvel of Las Lajas Sanctuary, a basilica built into the canyon of the Guaitara River.
Tours
Uncover the best of Nariño with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Nariño
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning high-altitude lagoon surrounded by lush landscapes, perfect for capturing reflections of the mountains.
A viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the Tumaco coastline and the surrounding hills, ideal for sunset photography.
An isolated beach destination with unique rock formations and vibrant sunsets, great for coastal photography.
Known for its colonial architecture and the famous 'Pasto' landscape, this area provides beautiful urban and rural contrasts.
A breathtaking church built over a gorge, making it one of the most photographed religious sites in Colombia.
An active volcano with accessible trails that provide stunning views and unique geological landscapes.
Natural hot springs set in a serene forest, offering opportunities for capturing the beauty of nature and relaxation.
Food in Nariño
Nariño Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional dish featuring roasted guinea pig, typically seasoned with herbs and spices. It can be enjoyed at local markets and traditional restaurants in the region.
Must-Try!
A platter of assorted fried meats such as pork, chorizo, and chicharrón, accompanied by potatoes, plantains, and aji sauce. It's a popular street food option in Nariño.
A nourishing chicken soup with plantains, yuca, and corn, simmered in a flavorful broth. It's a staple dish served in many local eateries and homes.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Nariño better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market in the city of Pasto offers a wide variety of local treats, from fresh fruits and vegetables to traditional street foods like tamales, empanadas, and arepas.
Located in the heart of Pasto, this vibrant street is renowned for its food stalls serving fritanga, arepas, and other regional delights, providing a true taste of Nariño's street food scene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Nariño, it's important to respect personal space, especially when meeting someone for the first time. A firm handshake accompanied by a smile is common. Close friends may greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek.
Politeness is highly valued in Nariño. Use formal titles such as 'Señor' or 'Señora' when addressing elders or people you don't know well. Always say 'por favor' (please) and 'gracias' (thank you) to show respect.
Show appreciation for local customs and traditions. Participate in local festivals, and be respectful when discussing cultural topics. Avoid making negative comments about customs, as this can be considered disrespectful.
Safety
Tipping in Nariño
Ensure a smooth experience
In Nariño, Colombia, tipping is customary, especially in the service industry. It is common to leave a tip of around 10% of the total bill in restaurants, and similar practices are observed in cafes and bars. Taxi drivers may also be tipped, though it is less formal, and rounding up the fare is appreciated. In hotels, small tips for bellhops and housekeeping staff are encouraged, reflecting appreciation for good service.
Payment methods in Nariño include cash and credit/debit cards. Many small businesses and markets may prefer cash due to the higher fees associated with card transactions. In urban areas, electronic payments are becoming more prevalent, but it is advisable to have cash on hand for smaller vendors. Mobile payment apps are also gaining traction among younger populations.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit Nariño as the weather is generally warm and dry, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploration of the beautiful landscapes and quaint towns.
During this period, Nariño experiences higher rainfall, particularly in the afternoons. While it may not be the best time for outdoor activities, this season brings lush greenery and vibrant flora, making it perfect for nature enthusiasts.
Nariño hosts various cultural festivals throughout the year, so visitors can expect rich cultural experiences during any season. Key events include the Festival of the Black and White and the San Juan Carnival, which celebrate local traditions and heritage.
Nariño at Night
Hiking in Nariño
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and diverse flora and fauna.
This area features several trails that lead through lush vegetation and provide opportunities for birdwatching.
A beautiful lagoon surrounded by towering peaks, perfect for a day hike and enjoying nature.
An adventurous trek that takes you to the summit of one of Colombia's volcanoes, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
A scenic area with a variety of trails that meander through pines and other unique plant species.
A natural reserve with multiple hiking paths that allow for exploration of wildlife and the region’s rich biodiversity.
Aiports
How to reach Nariño by plane.
Located in San Diego, California, this airport is approximately 1,100 miles from Nariño, Colombia, and serves as a major international gateway to the region.
Situated in Los Angeles, California, LAX is about 1,200 miles from Nariño and is one of the largest airports in the world, offering numerous international flights.
Located in Miami, Florida, this airport is roughly 1,800 miles from Nariño, serving as a major hub for flights between North America and Latin America.
Bogotá's main international airport is about 400 miles from Nariño. It serves numerous international destinations and is the closest major international airport to Nariño.
Located near Medellín, Colombia, this airport is approximately 500 miles from Nariño and offers several international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Nariño, constituting a mix of Indigenous and European descent.
Including various indigenous communities such as the Pastos and Quillasingas, they maintain distinct cultural identities and traditions.
A significant community primarily located in rural areas, contributing to the region's cultural diversity.
A smaller demographic group consisting of descendants from European settlers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Nariño, with many local teams and a strong following among the population.
Nariño has a rich cycling culture, with many cyclists training in the mountainous terrain and participating in local and national competitions.
Volleyball enjoys popularity in schools and communities, with numerous amateur tournaments held throughout the region.
Basketball is widely played in urban areas, particularly among youth, with community courts available for games.
Traditional indigenous games and sports, reflecting the cultural heritage of the region, are still practiced in some communities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nariño.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Nariño cuisine heavily features meat and fish, many restaurants and markets offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Some dishes to look out for include vegetarian tamales, plantain-based snacks, and fresh fruit juices.
In Nariño, rice-based dishes are prevalent, providing gluten-free options. Additionally, many establishments are accommodating to gluten-free dietary requirements and can offer suitable meal choices upon request.