The Gallardo family invite you to experience the countryside and to gain an insight into farming life in the south of Colombia. This is an excellent opportunity to get off the beaten track and see a part of the country that few travellers have the chance to venture into.
Wax Palm Finca has belonged to the Gallardo family for over 20 years and has a fantastic setting, deep in the forested mountains east of Pasto. The area is mainly agricultural and as such the finca is beautifully isolated, offering calming silence, fresh, clean air and magically starry nights.
Tours generally incorporate 3 days and 2 nights offering a range of activities and including all meals and accommodation. There is a considerable amount of walking which should be taken into account and the conditions are rustic and typical of the lifestyle of the area.
The 3 day, 2 night Wax Finca Tour costs $60 all inclusive although tours to other parts of the area of varying lengths can also be arranged directly with Max Gallardo. The best time to visit the finca is between the months of October and March when the conditions are dryer underfoot.
The Journey
Tours leave at 7am from Pasto with a 2 hour drive to Colon. After 30 minutes, you will pass the La Cocha lake and here you will have the opportunity to take photos from the viewpoint. From Colon, the walk begins and takes in some of the fantastic scenery passing through farming communities in the cloud forest and the Paramo. Most of the walk is on a log track although there are parts which are muddy so be prepared for this. The walk will last approx 4 hours but the option to take a horse to the finca is also available at an additional cost of $5.
The Finca
Wax Palm finca derives it's name from Colombia's national tree - several of these surround the finca. A new house has recently been added which, in the coming months will act as the main dormitory with space for 8 people. Currently the property has no electricity or running water however, washroom facilities will be added in the coming months. Attached to the house is a typical kitchen where all meals are prepared on an open fire.
Activities
A trip to Wax Palm Finca is designed to give the backpacker an insight into the typical farming lifestyle of the area. Your guide Max is fluent in English (and his father fluent in French) and so you are guaranteed an informative tour. During your time here, you will have the opportunity to: Milk a cow and then see how cheese is made.
- Take a dip or catch your dinner in the nearby Trout filled Runduyaco river.
- Toast marshmallows around the campfire whilst sipping Hervido de Granizilla and gazing at the star-filled sky.
- Eco-walks which examine the local flora and fauna.
- Relax in the hot springs on your return to colon.
- Visit the Laguna de La Cocha before heading back to Pasto.
How 2 get there...
All tours leave from Pasto and can be arranged to pick you up at your hotel. Tours leave at 7am and return at around 6pm on the third day.
