La Cocha Lagoon: How to Get There, What to Do & Tourism in Nariño
The La Cocha Lagoon is one of the loveliest outings from the city of Pasto.
The La Cocha Lagoon area has beautiful scenery for a day out of the ordinary.
In the department of Nariño lies La Cocha Lagoon, where you can enjoy the lake and the attractions around it.
How to get to La Cocha Lagoon
La Cocha Lagoon is 25 kilometers from the city of Pasto, reached on a road in good condition in a trip of under an hour.
There are bus companies that run the route from Pasto to the lagoon.
Visitor information
La Cocha Lagoon sits at 2,830 meters above sea level in an area ringed by mountain ranges. The crystal-clear lake is 14 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide. Its shores are home to farming families who raise animals and tend crops.
A road runs along part of the lagoon, lined with small restaurants and eateries serving typical regional dishes. There are also some places to stay the night.
What to do at La Cocha Lagoon
You can explore the lagoon by boat, departing from the small, picturesque dock. The boats cross the lagoon, where the highlight is La Corota Island, an 8-hectare nature reserve protecting the local flora and fauna (mainly birds).
The lagoon also has some beach areas you can use to enjoy the water on warm days.
Map of La Cocha Lagoon
Frequently asked questions about La Cocha Lagoon
In the department of Nariño, 25 km from Pasto, at 2,830 m above sea level. It is one of the largest lakes in Colombia, surrounded by mountains.
From Pasto, on a road in good condition, in under an hour. There are buses that run to the Puerto / El Encano area.
Take a boat ride on the lagoon, visit La Corota Island (a nature reserve), wander the picturesque dock of colorful houses and try the trout at the lakeside restaurants.
A small nature reserve (about 8 hectares) in the middle of the lagoon, with high-Andean forest and birds; you reach it by boat and it has a trail to explore.
On the shore there are restaurants famous for trout and some picturesque places to stay for a night beside the lagoon.
Cold mountain climate because of the altitude; bring a coat and something waterproof for the boat ride.