El Encano, Nariño, Pasto Travel Guide

4.7 (677)

Discover El Encano, the 'Venice of Colombia,' a charming Andean village with Swiss-style architecture on the shores of Laguna de la Cocha.

Home
Travel Guides
Colombia
Pasto
El Encano, Nariño

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

From Eve

Know before you go

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

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.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Museo del Oro

Chapalito Park

Museo Taminango

Plaza de Nariño

Pandiaco cultural center The Carnaval Museum

Explore El Encano, Nariño on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near El Encano, Nariño, mapped for you.

Getting There

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.
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

El Encano, a picturesque village in the Nariño Department of Colombia, serves as the gateway to the stunning Laguna de la Cocha. Situated at an altitude of 2,830 meters (9,280 feet), this enchanting locale is renowned for its unique blend of Andean landscapes and European-inspired architecture.Founded in 1945, El Encano is often referred to as the 'Venice of Colombia' due to its waterfront setting and colorful houses that line the edge of Laguna de la Cocha. Others call it 'Little Switzerland' because of the influence of Swiss architectural styles, with many buildings resembling Swiss chalets. This architectural trend began in the mid-20th century when a Swiss expatriate, Walter Sulzer, established Swiss-style guesthouses in the area.Laguna de la Cocha, also known as Lake Guamuez, is the second-largest natural freshwater lake in Colombia. The lake is surrounded by green mountains and often shrouded in mist, creating a tranquil and magical atmosphere. Isla de la Corota, Colombia's smallest national park, sits in the center of the lake and was once a sacred site for the indigenous Quillasingas people.Visitors can explore the lake by boat, visit Isla de la Corota, hike along the shoreline, and savor local cuisine, particularly the fresh trout. El Encano provides a refreshing escape, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness that will leave every traveler with unforgettable stories and a heart full of joy.