Things To Do
in Pasto
Pasto is the capital of Colombia’s Nariño department, sitting high in the southern Andes near the active Galeras volcano and within striking distance of the Ecuadorian border. The city blends colonial architecture, indigenous and Afro‑Andean cultural influences, and lively traditions—most famously the Carnaval de Blancos y Negros each January. Pasto’s streets are steep and cool, with a compact historic center full of churches, plazas and artisanal markets.
The surrounding region offers dramatic landscapes — lakes, páramo and volcano trails — making Pasto a gateway for nature and cultural experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Plaza de Nariño, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and the iconic monument of the Colombian hero Antonio Nariño. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at a local café, sampling arepas and fresh coffee while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Take a stroll through the cobblestone streets, where colorful murals and colonial buildings tell the story of Pasto's rich history.
After lunch at a nearby restaurant serving authentic Pastuso cuisine, make your way to the Church of San Juan Bautista, a stunning example of Baroque architecture. Spend time exploring the local artisan markets, where you can find handcrafted items and witness the skills of local artisans. As the afternoon winds down, relax in Parque de los Estudiantes, a popular spot for locals to unwind.
As the sun sets, head to a local eatery to enjoy a hearty dinner featuring traditional dishes like cuy (guinea pig) and ajiaco. After your meal, join the locals in the bustling nightlife, where you can find live music and dance in various venues around the historic center. Finish your evening with a leisurely walk to appreciate the illuminated beauty of the city's historic buildings.
Travel to La Cocha Lagoon, one of the largest high-altitude lakes in Colombia, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning mountain views. Take a boat ride on the tranquil waters while observing the diverse bird species that inhabit the area. Stop at a lakeside café to enjoy a refreshing drink and local snacks as you take in the natural beauty.
Explore the nearby town of El Encano, where you can visit the local market and learn about the indigenous culture of the region. Enjoy a traditional lunch featuring fresh trout from the lagoon, prepared with local ingredients. After lunch, hike along the scenic trails that wind through the surrounding forests, offering breathtaking views of the lagoon and its wildlife.
Return to Pasto in the early evening and unwind at a local bar, sipping on a delicious cocktail made with Colombian fruits. Engage with locals and fellow travelers as you share stories about your adventures. As the night unfolds, consider trying your hand at salsa dancing at a nearby dance club.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1-2 |
| 🍽️Mid-range dinner for two | $20-35 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $25-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural traditions (notably the Carnaval de Blancos y Negros)
- Close access to unique Andean and lake landscapes (Laguna de la Cocha, páramos)
- Compact historic center ideal for walking and photography
- Strong indigenous and artisanal crafts and local cuisine
- High altitude and steep streets may challenge some visitors
- Limited international flight options—usually requires a domestic connection
- Weather can be damp and changeable, affecting outdoor plans
- Smaller-city amenities for nightlife and high-end dining are limited compared with larger Colombian cities
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
Places to Visit in Pasto
Visit one of these nice places.
Dramatic views of an active stratovolcano that dominates the skyline—photograph from safe, designated viewpoints or surrounding high ground.
A stunning highland lake with boats, reed beds and island views; excellent for sunrise or misty morning photography and birdlife shots.
Colonial facades, colorful streets and the cathedral provide classic architectural and street photography opportunities, especially during festivals.
A spectacular riverside basilica built into a canyon—about a 2–3 hour trip from Pasto and worth the journey for iconic photos.
Wide-open páramo scenes with unique vegetation and dramatic skies—great for landscape and sunrise/sunset photography.
Food in Pasto
Pasto Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thick potato-and-cheese soups (locros) and caldo-type broths are common comfort foods; find them at markets and neighborhood fondas.
Must-Try!
Corn-based tamales and a variety of empanadas are available from street vendors and market stalls throughout the day.
In some traditional restaurants or rural eateries you may find cuy (guinea pig) or roasted mountain meats prepared in Andean style—ask beforehand if you’re unsure.
A spicy local salsa typical to Pasto that accompanies many dishes—try it in small amounts until you know the heat level.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The city market is the best place to sample local snacks, soups, fresh cheese, fruit and street food; vendors sell hearty regional breakfast and lunch options.
Look for arepas, empanadas, buñuelos and hot soups near plazas and transport hubs—good for quick, inexpensive tasting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common in formal situations; among acquaintances a single cheek kiss is usual. Be polite, address people with courtesy titles (Señor/Señora) when in doubt.
Respect local religious and indigenous customs, especially during festivals and religious observances; ask before taking photos of people or ceremonies.
Conversations may be warm and indirect; avoid aggressive confrontation and be mindful of sensitive topics like politics or crime.
Safety
Tipping in Pasto
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: a standard restaurant tip is around 10% if service isn’t already included; round up taxi fares or add small change, and tip guides and drivers for good service.
Cash (Colombian pesos) is useful for markets, small vendors and remote areas; credit/debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants and shops. ATMs are available in the city—notify your bank before travel and carry a backup card.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect clearer skies and easier outdoor conditions for hiking and lake trips; daytime is cool and sunny, evenings chilly—bring layers and sun protection.
Showers are more frequent and trails can be muddy; plan flexible itineraries and pack a waterproof jacket and quick‑dry clothing.
Experience the Carnaval de Blancos y Negros with parades, music and street celebrations—book accommodations early and prepare for festive crowds and lively street scenes.
Pasto at Night
Hiking in Pasto
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle lakeshore walks and island visits with structured trails and boat access—good for birdwatching and scenic photos.
Guided hikes and observation points around the volcanic area offer dramatic views; always check volcanic alert levels and use a licensed guide.
Páramo hikes above the tree line showcase unique flora, rugged landscapes and panoramic views—bring warm clothing and a guide if unfamiliar with high-altitude trekking.
Shorter cultural walks that connect Pasto with neighboring rural communities for market visits, local meals and countryside scenery.
Airports
How to reach Pasto by plane.
The regional airport serving Pasto with domestic flights to Bogotá and other Colombian cities; it’s the most convenient air gateway for the city.
Colombia’s main international hub; most international travelers connect here and take a domestic flight to Pasto, or travel overland by bus for longer journeys.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People of mixed indigenous and European ancestry form a large portion of Pasto’s population, shaping mainstream urban culture.
Local indigenous groups (including people of Pastos ancestry and neighboring indigenous communities) contribute to cultural traditions, crafts and festivals.
Universidad de Nariño and other institutions bring a visible student presence, influencing arts, nightlife and cultural activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
As throughout Colombia, football is the most popular sport—local clubs, youth leagues and community matches are common.
The Andean terrain attracts cyclists and mountain-biking enthusiasts for road and off-road routes around the highlands.
Horseback riding is popular in rural areas for both work and recreation; tourists can often arrange rides into nearby valleys.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pasto.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (cheese-and-potato dishes, vegetable soups and arepas) but proteins often center on meat; ask for dishes without meat stock and look to markets for fresh produce.
Vegan and strict gluten‑free choices are limited in traditional eateries—larger restaurants and some cafés can adapt dishes if you explain restrictions in Spanish; carry snacks if you have strict needs.
Eat at busy stalls and places with high turnover, drink bottled or filtered water if you have sensitive digestion, and avoid uncooked street salads if unsure.