El Encano: Gateway to Laguna de la Cocha
Discover El Encano, the 'Venice of Colombia,' a charming Andean village with Swiss-style architecture on the shores of Laguna de la Cocha.
El Encano, a charming village nestled beside Laguna de la Cocha, Colombia's second-largest lake, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. Often called the 'Venice of Colombia' for its canals or 'Little Switzerland' for its chalet-style architecture, it's a must-see destination in the Nariño region.
A brief summary to El Encano, Nariño
- Laguna de la Cocha-Santiago #2-98, El Encano, Pasto, Narino, 520018, CO
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning for the best views of the lake and to enjoy the tranquility before the crowds arrive.
- Try the local trout dishes at nearby restaurants for an authentic taste of Nariño.
- Bring warm and waterproof clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and temperatures can be cool.
- Take a boat tour to explore Isla de la Corota, a small island and natural reserve in the center of the lake.
- Engage with local artisans to learn about traditional crafts and support the community.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Pasto, head to the main bus terminal (Terminal de Transportes de Pasto). Look for buses marked 'Laguna de la Cocha' or 'El Encano'. The bus ride takes approximately 40-45 minutes and costs around 5,000-6,000 COP. Inform the driver you want to get off at El Encano. Once in El Encano, the lagoon is a short walk away.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Pasto. A taxi from Pasto to El Encano takes about 22-40 minutes and costs approximately 50,000 to 70,000 COP. Negotiate the fare before starting your trip. The taxi will drop you off near the entrance to Laguna de la Cocha in El Encano.
Discover more about El Encano, Nariño
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cruz de la misión (Corregimiento de mocondino)
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Monumento Homenaje Al Trabajo
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Detección Metálica Pasto Jhon descubriendo historia
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Monumento Antonio Nariño
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Urcunina Adventures
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Catedral Pasto
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Monumento. Sa Juan de Pasto
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Fuente de la Transparencia - Pasto
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La Pastusidad
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Capilla San Antonio de Padua (Juanoy)
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Arriésgate Nariño
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Putumayo nariño
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Lugar Captura
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Los llanos
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Unmissable attractions to see
Santuario de Flora Isla de La Corota
3.7 km
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Laguna de la Cocha
7.7 km
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Paramo de los Frailejones Cabrera Nariño
11.6 km
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Chapalito Park
13.5 km
Escape to Pasto's Chapalito Park: A serene urban oasis with lush landscapes, playgrounds, art, and diverse birdlife, open daily for relaxation.
Plaza del Carnaval
14.4 km
Experience the vibrant culture of Pasto at Plaza del Carnaval, the heart of the city's famous Carnaval de Negros y Blancos.
Museo del Oro
14.4 km
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Plaza de Nariño
14.7 km
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el colorado
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Santiago Park
15.0 km
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El Ensayadero Casa de Arte
15.1 km
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Museo Étnico de Los Andes
15.2 km
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Museo Taminango
15.4 km
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Templo de San Felipe
15.4 km
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Pandiaco cultural center The Carnaval Museum
16.4 km
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Galeras Nature Sanctuary
26.2 km
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Essential places to dine
Estiba Restaurante Cervecero
11.8 km
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coffee restaurante-parrilla
13.2 km
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Parrilla Chipichape
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Bendito Sancocho restaurante parrilla
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Restaurante La Merced
14.7 km
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masitasdelgaleras
14.7 km
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Shalom Restaurante
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Bendita Birra
14.7 km
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Afromar Restaurante
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Nómada Komby
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Restaurante Yazmin
14.8 km
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Restaurante La Merced Av. Boyacá
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Maya's Restaurante
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Restaurante Rancho Galeras
14.9 km
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Vino & Cafe
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Unico Outlet Mall
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Alkosto Pasto Bolívar
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Local 104
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El Templo De La Ropa
14.5 km
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Sweet love (dulce amor)
14.6 km
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Kalum
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GID PRINCESS TIENDA DE REGALOS PASTO
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Babagus Pasto | Tienda de Objetos Cool
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El Santuario De La Moda
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Nariño Souvenirs
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Fuera De Serie
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PASTO URBAN STORE
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Dinastia Rios
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Tienda More
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Embrujo Andino Peña Bar
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Live Karaoke Bar
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La Bamba Show Bar
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Bar Los Chavos
15.0 km
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Rey Lagarto Café Bar
15.1 km
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Cafe Bar Maria Mulata
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Vudú Café Bar
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Bendita Barra Club
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BORICUA CLUB
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Villaviciosa PUB
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LiverPub
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El cantinazo Bar Pasto
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Casa Vieja club
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Ga-león Café bar
15.2 km
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La jaula shots
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