Nariño, Colombia Travel Guide

Explore Nariño, Colombia: A blend of Andean peaks, Pacific shores, and vibrant cultural heritage waiting to be discovered.

Nestled in the southwestern region of Colombia, Nariño is a hidden gem that offers a wealth of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences. With its diverse landscapes ranging from the Andean mountains to the Pacific coastline, Nariño promises a unique adventure for every traveler. The capital city of Pasto is known for its vibrant festivals, including the famous Blacks and Whites' Carnival, a UNESCO Cultural Heritage event. Here, visitors can explore colonial architecture, bustling markets, and sample local delicacies such as cuy (guinea pig) and empanadas de pipián. For nature enthusiasts, Nariño boasts stunning destinations like the La Cocha Lagoon, a serene high-altitude lake surrounded by lush forests. The Galeras Volcano, one of Colombia's most active volcanoes, offers hiking opportunities with breathtaking views. The coastal town of Tumaco provides a tropical escape with pristine beaches and rich Afro-Colombian culture. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Nariño has something to offer. Its warm and welcoming people, combined with its diverse attractions, make it a must-visit destination in Colombia.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nariño.

Visit during the Blacks and Whites' Carnival in January for an unforgettable cultural experience.
Try the local delicacies, especially cuy and empanadas de pipián, to get a true taste of Nariño's cuisine.
Pack layers and waterproof clothing as the weather can vary greatly between the mountains and the coast.
Consider hiring a local guide for hikes around the Galeras Volcano to ensure safety and learn more about the area.
Spend a night or two at La Cocha Lagoon to fully enjoy its tranquility and natural beauty.

Top City Travel Guides in Nariño

The cities of Nariño, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Popayán

Pasto

Explore Nariño: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Nariño

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Catedral Primada de Colombia

Discover Bogotá's Catedral Primada, a neoclassical landmark with centuries of history, art, and religious significance on Plaza de Bolívar.

4.7

Gold Museum

Discover Colombia's rich pre-Columbian heritage at the Gold Museum in Bogotá, home to a dazzling collection of ancient gold artifacts.

4.8

Plaza de Bolívar

Discover Bogotá's main square: a historical, political, and cultural hub surrounded by iconic landmarks and vibrant city life.

4.6

Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Las Lajas

Discover the breathtaking Santuario de Las Lajas, a neo-Gothic basilica nestled in a stunning canyon near the Colombia-Ecuador border. A pilgrimage of faith and architectural wonder.

4.8

Best landmarks in Nariño

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San Felipe de Barajas Fort

Discover the rich history and breathtaking views at San Felipe de Barajas Fort, Cartagena's iconic colonial fortress and a must-see tourist attraction.

4.7

Parque de los Novios

Discover the tranquility of Parque de los Novios, Bogotá's beautiful urban park, perfect for relaxation, picnics, and cultural experiences.

4.6

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Explore the breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity of Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, a stunning national park on Colombia's Caribbean coast.

4.7

Cocora Valley

Explore the breathtaking beauty of Cocora Valley, home to Colombia's iconic wax palms, stunning hiking trails, and vibrant biodiversity.

4.8

Best restaurants in Nariño

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Restaurante La Merced Aurora

Experience authentic Colombian cuisine at Restaurante La Merced Aurora in Pasto – where local flavors meet a warm dining atmosphere.

4.4

Restaurante La Merced

Discover exquisite Colombian flavors at Restaurante La Merced in Ipiales—an unforgettable dining experience awaits.

4.5

CUYQUER RANCHO

Experience the authentic flavors of Nariño at Cuyquer Rancho in Pasto - where tradition meets culinary excellence.

4.4

Figo

Experience the vibrant flavors of Pasto at Figo - where local cuisine meets contemporary dining in an inviting atmosphere.

4.4

Best bars in Nariño

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Capitán Nirvana

Experience the vibrant flavors of Nariño at Capitán Nirvana, Pasto's premier grill restaurant, where every meal is a celebration of local culinary traditions.

4.5

BLACK SHEEP PUB

Discover the lively ambiance and diverse drink offerings at Black Sheep Pub, a must-visit destination in Pasto for fun and relaxation.

4.5

BBC- PUB PASTO

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Pasto at BBC - PUB PASTO, where delicious food and drinks come together in a lively atmosphere.

4.5

Rey Lagarto Café Bar

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Rey Lagarto Café Bar in Pasto, where local spirits and live music create unforgettable nights.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Nariño

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La Santa Restrepo

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Bogotá at La Santa Restrepo, where music, dance, and fun come together in an unforgettable atmosphere.

4.0

Embrujo Andino Peña Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Pasto at Embrujo Andino Peña Bar, where music, culture, and fun come together in a lively disco atmosphere.

4.3

Rylax Club

Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Pasto at Rylax Club, where music, dancing, and unforgettable experiences await.

4.0

Casa Vieja club

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Pasto at Casa Vieja Club, the ultimate karaoke destination where every night is a celebration of music and fun.

4.2

Best shops in Nariño

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Plaza de Nariño

Discover the cultural heart of Pasto at Plaza de Nariño, where history, nature, and community converge in a vibrant park setting.

4.5

Pasto Unicentro Mall

Discover Pasto Unicentro Mall, where shopping meets entertainment in a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for tourists exploring the beauty of Pasto, Colombia.

4.5

Unico Outlet Mall

Discover unbeatable deals and unique experiences at Unico Outlet Mall in Pasto, Colombia - your ultimate shopping getaway!

4.5

Alkosto Pasto Bolívar

Explore the vibrant shopping experience at Alkosto Pasto Bolívar, where local culture meets a diverse range of products in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.3

Explore Nariño on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Nariño, mapped for you.

Nariño Essentials

Nariño is located in the southwestern part of Colombia, with its capital being Pasto. The nearest international airport is Antonio Nariño Airport (PSO), situated about 35 km from Pasto. You can reach Nariño by flying from major Colombian cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali. Alternatively, you can take a bus from these cities, although it is a longer journey due to the mountainous terrain.
Within Nariño, transportation options include buses, taxis, and shared vans known as 'colectivos.' Public buses are the most economical way to travel between towns. Taxis are readily available in larger towns like Pasto and Ipiales, but it's advisable to negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is used. Renting a car is also an option, though driving can be challenging due to the region's mountainous roads.
The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major towns, but it's advisable to carry cash when traveling to remote areas. ATMs are available in cities like Pasto and Ipiales. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.
Nariño is generally safe for tourists, but it is crucial to remain cautious. Avoid traveling alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded places such as markets and bus stations. Some areas, particularly near the border with Ecuador, have higher crime rates; always seek local advice before traveling to these regions.
In case of an emergency, dial 123 for immediate assistance. Major towns have police stations and medical facilities. It's highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, pharmacies (farmacias) are readily available where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting churches, dress conservatively and maintain a respectful demeanor. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Use formal titles like 'Señor' or 'Señora.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as Cuy (guinea pig) and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.
To experience Nariño like a local, visit the local markets such as the Galeria Central in Pasto, where you can buy fresh produce and traditional goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the region’s history and culture. Don’t miss visiting the Laguna de la Cocha, a stunning high-altitude lake, and the Santuario de Las Lajas, an impressive basilica built into a canyon.

When is the best time to visit Nariño?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Nariño

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Nariño. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHola
  [OH-lah]
- GoodbyeAdiós
  [ah-DYOS]
- YesSí
  [SEE]
- NoNo
  [NO]
- Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-VOR/deh NAH-dah]
- Thank youGracias
  [GRAH-syahs]
- Excuse me/SorryDisculpe/Lo siento
  [dis-KOOL-peh/loh SYEN-toh]
- How are you?¿Cómo está?
  [KOH-moh eh-STAH]
- Fine. And you?Bien. ¿Y usted?
  [BYEN. ee oos-TED]
- Do you speak English?¿Habla inglés?
  [AH-blah een-GLES]
- I don't understandNo entiendo
  [NO en-TYEN-doh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMe gustaría ver el menú, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah BEHR el meh-NOO, por fah-VOR]
- I don't eat meatNo como carne
  [NO KOH-moh KAR-neh]
- Cheers!¡Salud!
  [sah-LOOD]
- I would like to pay, pleaseMe gustaría pagar, por favor
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah pah-GAR, por fah-VOR]
- Help!¡Ayuda!
  [ah-YOO-dah]
- Go away!¡Vete!
  [BEH-teh]
- Call the Police!¡Llama a la policía!
  [YAH-mah ah lah poh-lee-SYAH]
- Call a doctor!¡Llame a un doctor!
  [YAH-meh ah oon dok-TOR]
- I'm lostEstoy perdido
  [es-TOY per-DI-doh]
- I'm illEstoy enfermo/a
  [es-TOY en-FER-mo/a]
- I'd like to buy...Me gustaría comprar...
  [meh goos-tah-REE-ah kom-PRAHR]
- I'm just lookingSolo estoy mirando
  [SO-lo es-TOY mee-RAN-do]
- How much is it?¿Cuánto cuesta?
  [KWAN-toh KWES-tah]
- That's too expensiveEso es muy caro
  [EH-so es MOO-ee KAH-roh]
- Can you lower the price?¿Puede bajar el precio?
  [PWEH-deh bah-HAR el PREH-syo]
- What time is it?¿Qué hora es?
  [KEH OH-rah es]
- It's one o'clockEs la una
  [es lah OO-nah]
- Half past (10)Y media (10)
  [ee MEH-diah (10)]
- MorningMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
- AfternoonTarde
  [TAR-deh]
- EveningNoche
  [NO-cheh]
- YesterdayAyer
  [ah-YER]
- TodayHoy
  [OY]
- TomorrowMañana
  [mah-NYAH-nah]
- 1Uno
  [OO-noh]
- 2Dos
  [DOS]
- 3Tres
  [TRES]
- 4Cuatro
  [KWAT-roh]
- 5Cinco
  [SEEN-koh]
- 6Seis
  [SAYS]
- 7Siete
  [SYEH-teh]
- 8Ocho
  [OH-choh]
- 9Nueve
  [NWEH-beh]
- 10Diez
  [DYESS]
- Where's a/the...?¿Dónde está un/una...?
  [DON-deh es-TAH oon/OO-nah]
- What's the address?¿Cuál es la dirección?
  [KWAL es lah dee-rek-SYON]
- Can you show me (on the map)?¿Me puede mostrar (en el mapa)?
  [meh PWEH-deh mos-TRAR (en el MAH-pah)]
- When's the next (bus)?¿Cuándo es el próximo (bus)?
  [KWAN-doh es el PROK-si-mo (boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un tiquete (a ...)
  [oon tee-KEH-teh (ah ...)]

History of Nariño

The region of Nariño was originally inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the Pasto, Quillacinga, and the Awá people. These indigenous communities had rich cultural practices, sophisticated agricultural techniques, and unique art forms that laid the foundation for the region's cultural identity. Archaeological evidence, such as ceramics and petroglyphs, provides insight into their complex societies.
The Spanish conquest of the region began in the early 16th century, led by explorers such as Sebastián de Belalcázar. The indigenous populations faced significant upheaval, including forced labor and conversion to Christianity. The establishment of Spanish colonial settlements, such as the founding of San Juan de Pasto in 1537, marked the beginning of significant cultural and demographic changes.
Nariño played a crucial role in Colombia's struggle for independence from Spanish rule. The region was a battleground for several key conflicts, including the Battle of Bomboná in 1822, where independence forces led by Simón Bolívar clashed with royalist troops. The local population's support for the independence movement was instrumental in the eventual liberation of Colombia.
After gaining independence, Nariño underwent significant transformations during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The region faced challenges such as political instability and economic shifts. The introduction of coffee cultivation became a vital economic activity, shaping the social and economic landscape of Nariño. This period also saw the emergence of prominent local leaders and intellectuals who contributed to the national discourse.
Nariño is renowned for its vibrant cultural heritage, which is celebrated through various festivals and traditions. The Black and White Carnival (Carnaval de Negros y Blancos) in Pasto, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, is one of the most significant cultural events. It reflects the region's diverse cultural influences and brings together indigenous, African, and Spanish traditions in a colorful and joyous celebration.
Today, Nariño is a region that harmonizes its rich historical legacy with modern advancements. The capital, Pasto, is a hub of cultural and economic activity, while rural areas continue to preserve traditional ways of life. The region is known for its stunning landscapes, including the Galeras Volcano and the Las Lajas Sanctuary, attracting tourists from around the world. Efforts to promote sustainable tourism and preserve cultural heritage are ongoing, ensuring that Nariño's history and culture continue to thrive.