10 Best Things To Do In Pasto, Colombia: A Celebration Of Diversity

1. Join in the festivities of the Black and White Carnival

Pasto is home to many festivals. Arguably the most prominent of these is the Black and White Carnival (Carnaval de Blancos y Negros), which celebrates the wide diversity of people in the city. During this activity, people of all ethnicities and cultural backgrounds use a wide variety of colors to paint each other as a symbolism of the rich culture in Pasto, as well as the harmonious union of the various peoples living in the city. The history of the carnival dates back to the Spanish occupation when slaves were given a free day for celebration. Their masters painted their own black as a sign of approval, while the slaves painted theirs white.

Black and White Carnival

Address: Pasto, Colombia

2. Visit Centro Cultural Pandiaco Museo del Carnaval

Those who were not able to make it to the Black and White Carnival or still want to know more about the festival can visit the Centro Cultural Pandiaco Museo del Carnaval, which features a variety of props used during the festival’s parade. Entrance to the museum is free.

Museo del Carnaval

Address: Cl. 19 42-60, Pasto, Colombia

3. Visit Museo Taminango de Artes y Tradiciones

The Museo Taminango de Artes y Tradiciones (Taminango Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions) showcases the traditional handicrafts not just of Pasto, but of the entire region. There is also a section that features the printing press of Greek types and another that features a variety of plants used in traditional medicine in the region. The museum was created under the leadership of Pablo Morillo Cajiao, a physician who spearheaded the restoration of a 17th-century building to convert it into a museum. The structure was subsequently declared a national monument in 1971.

Museo Taminango de Artes y Tradiciones

Address: Cra. 29, Pasto, Colombia

4. Try local delicacies

If you like trying local delicacies or simply want to grab some refreshments, you may want to drop by Salón Guadalquivir or Caffeto. Salón Guadalquivir serves local treats, such as empanadas de anejo (fried pastries), envueltas de chocolo (sweet corn cakes), and quimbilitos (raisin, sweet corn, and vanilla pastries). Those who prefer to try out treats that aren’t too sweet will be glad to know that the establishment also serves meals.

Caffeto, meanwhile, is a good option for those who want to try more conventional food. It is a bakery and café that serves a variety of pastries, cakes, sandwiches, and coffee. It also serves ice cream sundaes.

Salón Guadalquivir

Address: Calle 19 No 24-84, Pasto, Colombia

Caffeto

Address: Calle 19 No 25-62, Pasto, Colombia

5. Go clubbing at Cola de Gallo

Colla de Gallo is a bar and a café rolled into one, making this a good place to visit regardless of what beverage you like to drink while relaxing. Coffee lovers will be pleased to know that the establishment serves its own brand of coffee, while those who prefer alcohol will appreciate the fact that the bartenders know how to prepare and serve a variety of cocktails. Cola de Gallo also serves food, for those who prefer something to eat while they’re enjoying their drinks. A mix of jazz and blues music is played to help people relax.

Cola de Gallo

Address: Calle 18 No 27-47, Centrol, Pasto, Colombia

6. Visit Las Lajas Sanctuary

Las Lajas Sanctuary, which follows the Gothic Revival style of architecture, was built between 1916 and 1949 through the efforts of the churchgoers, who gave donations for the construction of the church. It can be found in a canyon, with a depth of 50 meters (165 feet). The central square of the church also doubles as a bridge that passes over the Guaitara River.

Las Lajas Sanctuary

Address: Ipiales, Nariño, Colombia

7. Visit the St. John the Baptist Church and the Lady of Mercy Church

Iglesia de San Juan Bautista (St. John the Baptist Church), the first cathedral in Pasto. The architecture of the building follows the Colonial Baroque tradition. It is best known for having its interiors encrusted with gold. The Temple of Our Lady of Mercy is also an antique church, dating back to the 17th century. It was built by the Order of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy.

St. John the Baptist Church

Address: Pasto, Colombia

Lady of Mercy Church

Address: Pasto, Colombia

8. Explore Santuario de Flora y Fauna Volcán Galeras

Santuario de Flora y Fauna Volcán Galeras, as the name suggests, is a protected area by a volcano. It is located in Nariño, which is to the west of Pasto, and forms part of the Central Andes Ranges. Given that Volcán Galeras is one of the most active volcanoes in Colombia, access to certain areas of the park may be limited if there is a hint of volcanic activity. Adventure seekers, however, can still trek along the trails of Laguna de Telpis, which traverses the Andean forest.

Santuario de Flora y Fauna Volcán Galeras

Address: Nariño, Colombia

Website: Santuario de Flora y Fauna Volcán Galeras (in Spanish)

9. Hike Chiles Volcano

Another volcano that you can hike is the Chiles Volcano, which is located at the Colombo-Ecuadorian section of the Andes mountain range. Unlike Volcán Galeras which restricts entry of visitors, hikers can climb to the summit of the Chiles Volcano, giving them a glimpse of the surrounding areas, as well as a peek at the Cotopaxi and Cayambe Volcanoes of Ecuador.

Chiles Volcano

Address: Nariño, Colombia

10. Buy local crafts at Barniz Pasto de Obando

Fans of handicrafts, especially those made of wood, should not forget to drop by Barniz Pasto de Obando, where they can buy locally made products as souvenirs.

Barniz Pasto de Obando

Address: Carrera 25 No 13-04, Pasto Colombia

Pasto: A multicultural experience

Pasto is a melting pot of various cultures. The diversity of peoples in the city is as varied as the number of attractions there. Dive into the rich culture offered by this quaint Colombian city!