In the far southwest of Colombia, on the border with Ecuador and between the waters of the Pacific and the peaks of the Andes, Nariño is a land of striking geographical and cultural contrasts. Its landscapes range from moorlands crowning the mountain range to humid jungles, pristine beaches, and volcanic lagoons. Home to Indigenous, Afro-descendant, and mestizo communities, Nariño preserves a strong identity expressed through its music, weaving traditions, cuisine, and festivities. Among them, the Carnival of Blacks and Whites, celebrated every year during the first week of January and recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is one of the region’s most vibrant cultural expressions.
Among its natural treasures stands La Cocha Lagoon, a vast mirror of water surrounded by forests and traditional houses, as well as the imposing Galeras Volcano, guardian of the city of Pasto. The Sanctuary of Las Lajas captivates visitors with its neo-Gothic architecture suspended dramatically over a canyon. Nariño is a destination where natural diversity intertwines with a living cultural heritage, offering travelers experiences that range from contemplating highland lan dscapes to immersing themselves in communities that keep their traditions alive.
