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Santuario de Flora Isla de La Corota: A Sanctuary on a Lake

Discover Colombia's smallest national park, a unique island sanctuary with cloud forest, hiking trails, and indigenous heritage.

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Santuario de Flora Isla de La Corota, located on Laguna de la Cocha near Pasto, Nariño, is Colombia's smallest national park. This unique island sanctuary harbors a rare Andean cloud forest ecosystem, offering hiking, birdwatching, and a glimpse into the traditions of the Quillasinga indigenous people.

A brief summary to Santuario de Flora Isla de La Corota

Local tips

  • Wear warm clothes, gloves, and a scarf, as the climate can be cold and damp.
  • Bring comfortable, closed-toe shoes for hiking the trails.
  • Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change quickly in the mountains.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Pasto's main bus terminal, take a bus or *collectivo* (shared taxi) towards El Encano. The fare is approximately 5,000 COP and the journey takes around 20-45 minutes. From El Encano, head to the docks where you can hire a boat to Isla de La Corota.

  • Boat

    In El Encano, boats to Isla de La Corota cost around 40,000 COP for up to 10 people for a round trip, but prices may vary depending on negotiation. The boat ride to the island takes about 20 minutes. Entrance fees to the sanctuary are separate and vary depending on nationality and age. For non-resident foreigners (over 5 years old), the fee is 10,500 COP.

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Discover more about Santuario de Flora Isla de La Corota

The Santuario de Flora Isla de La Corota, resembling a turtle shell emerging from the water, is located on the north side of Laguna de la Cocha, also known as Lake Guamuez. Designated as an internationally important wetland, the island encompasses just under 16 hectares of land and surrounding water. It is the smallest protected area in Colombia's national park system. Established in 1977, the sanctuary protects a unique high-altitude Andean forest ecosystem. The island's lush vegetation includes a variety of plant species, many of which are endemic to the region. Visitors can explore the island via hiking trails, including the 500-meter El Quiche trail that crosses the island, leading to a scenic viewpoint. Birdwatching is also a popular activity, with opportunities to spot herons, hummingbirds, and other species. Isla de La Corota holds cultural significance for the Quillasinga indigenous people, who consider the island a sacred site. A chapel on the island is a pilgrimage site, especially during the festivities of the Virgin of Lourdes. The island was formed by volcanic activity, and the lagoon itself was created by tectonic shifts. The surrounding Laguna de la Cocha is one of Colombia's largest lakes and is fed by 26 streams, making it an important water source for the region.

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