Laguna de La Cocha, Natural Sanctuary of Water and Energy

• Location: Nariño department, southwestern Colombia.
• Altitude: 2,280 m above sea level.
• Temperature: between 3 and 15 degrees Celsius.
• Surface area of the lagoon: 41.5 km²
• Depth: 75 m.

Just 40 minutes from Pasto, Laguna de La Cocha hides among the mist of the coldest days and shines in the light of the sunniest ones. In the middle of it rests Isla La Corota, said to have been a woman turned into an island and sanctuary due to jealousy. It is also said that Isla La Corota was the totuma that spilled the water that created the reservoir. This is the kind of legend that surrounds the lagoon, home to the smallest natural reserve of the National Natural Parks.

This lagoon is located in the lowest páramo system in the world, and among the vegetation that surrounds it are frailejones, typical of this type of climate. The motilón dulce, oaks, majua, arrayán, anthuriums, cancho, palo 'e rosa, sietecueros, and wild motilones are some of the plants found in the region.

Energy and purity center

Those who know La Cocha assure that there is a positive energy surrounding the environment, excellent for resting and recovering from fatigue and daily activities. Moreover, its waters are so pure that they allow the proliferation of aquatic and terrestrial plant and animal species, which is why it is the most precious and cared-for resource by residents and tourists alike.

The lagoon is also known as Lago Guamués. Surrounding it are communities of farmers descended from Quechua, Kamsá, Kofán, and Quillacingas indigenous people who considered the area sacred. One of the great prides of these farmers is the more than 30 private nature reserves they have established to ensure the preservation of the zone.

Cocha means "lagoon" in the Quechua language. This reservoir, the second largest in Colombia after the Laguna de Tota in Boyacá, is located in the corregimiento El Encano, where there is a colorful and picturesque dock with restaurants that serve exquisite rainbow trout. There are also Swiss chalet-style accommodations for tourists.

Natural Park Isla La Corota

In Isla La Corota, there are species of flora and fauna that well represent the paramo ecosystems. Thus, several species of moss, amphibians, birds, and fish such as rainbow trout, toracitas, and diving ducks can be found, among others.

This sanctuary, located north of the lagoon, has only 12 hectares of surface area but still preserves great natural wealth while providing a wonderful landscape. In the past, it was a place of worship for the Quillasingas indigenous people. Today, it remains a place of pilgrimage and religious festivities in honor of the Virgin of Lourdes.

In the middle of the island, there is a 500-meter trail that crosses the sanctuary and leads to a viewpoint where one can enjoy a marvelous view. With a maximum altitude of 2,830 m above sea level, La Corota is surrounded by a strip of 4 hectares of totora, a type of bulrush.

Access routes

Land routes:

You can take a public bus or rent a car and travel from Bogotá to Pasto, which takes about 20 hours. Another option is to travel from Bogotá to Cali for thirteen hours and then take the route to Pasto, which takes 9 hours. From there to El Encano is a 40-minute drive.

Water access:

Once in El Encano, you take a motorboat to the natural sanctuary. The journey takes 10 minutes to complete.

Aerial routes:

There are domestic flights from Bogotá to Pasto that last 1 hour and 45 minutes. From there, you take the land route to El Encano, then to the lagoon, and finally a boat to Laguna de La Cocha.

Sites and activities of interest

The most interesting and visited places are:

• The viewpoint and the trail that crosses Isla La Corota.
• The chapel of the Virgin of Lourdes.
• The Totora Trail from which the aquatic ecosystem of reeds surrounding the island can be observed.
• The dock of El Encano known as El Puerto, which resembles a small rural Venice.

There are several activities that can be carried out in La Cocha:

• Sport fishing for rainbow trout.
• Religious pilgrimage.
• Research and conservation.
• Guided tours of the lagoon and hiking.
• Camping.
• Experiencing local cuisine, which highlights rainbow trout, rabbit, and cuy.

It is advisable to wear warm clothing, waterproof boots, and a raincoat. Tourists should also remember to preserve the purity of the water and not to pollute or litter.