Pasto is a friendly, colourful town surrounded by rolling green hills, one of which is the striking Volcan Galeras. With remaining colonial charm and fresh mountainous feel, the town with it's sprawling plazas and several churches has a busy yet relaxed atmosphere,
Although there's not a huge amount to do in Pasto itself, the maze of streets leading to grand plazas and ornate churches makes for a nice afternoon stroll. There is a small gold museum on Calle 19 with Carrera 21, which has a nicely arranged, modest collection of locally discovered articles.
Venturing a little further, 23 km east of Pasto lies the beautiful Laguna de La Cocha, considered to be one of the country's largest and most attractive. This area offers some excellent hiking amidst fantastic natural surroundings. Boat trips and horse riding can often be arranged for an alternative way to explore.
A nice town, about 2 1/2 hours from the Ecuadorian border and with a reasonable amount to see and do, Pasto makes for an excellent stop on your way in or out of Colombia.
Ipiales, 2 hours south of Pasto, is the border town on the Colombian side of the Colombia/Ecuador frontier. Not an unpleasant town, Ipiales has some nice squares and the common use of horse and cart gives it a quaint, countryside feel. Saying that, there is little to occupy the traveller by means of activities or attractions.
The one star attraction, 7 km outside of town is the famous Sanctuario de Las Lajas, the site of many a miracle and apparition over the years. Set amid breath-taking scenery, El Sanctuario is a spectacular gothic-style church straddling a dramatic gorge with rushing river below. Said to be one of the most impressive churches on the continent and with it's fantastic setting and quirky museum, it really shouldn't be missed.
Calle 18 No. 22-37
Pasto
Tel: 092 722 1101
Carrera 4 No. 12-111
Ipiales
Tel: 2 773 2771
Rio Hunayaco
Nr Colon
Tel: 092 7223 210
