Laguna Verde - Green lake

The combination of paramo, volcano, mountains and water makes this place one of the best treks in Colombia. 

The green lake is located near to Tuquerres, inside of the Azufral Volcano in the Nariño State,
the colour of the lake is because the Volcano presents regular activity and that gives to the Lake a sulphur.

  

 Starting from Tuquerres a small town 2 hours from Pasto,You need to take a private car because normally there aren't buses .You can ask the bus driver where to get transport to the park when you arrive in Tuquerres.
You need to register at the admission to the park and then you are able to start. It is around a 12km round trip with a beautiful view of the classical Nariño landscape in the middle of the Andes Cordillera.

 The climate changes all the time, as is normal when you visit the páramos.

Try to wear waterproof clothing and good trekking shoes.

After a few hours of walking, we reach the top of the volcano with a majestic view of the lagoon and the valley covered for Frailejones and water.

After a 20 minute break we start to walk inside the volcano to the lake, the colourful landscape and nature makes this site one of the most beautiful that I have visited

Postscript: The park is not part of the PNN (National Natural Park) so the Indigenas and people who live there decided to close it  for a Natural Restoration, there is not even a day of opening, so check first before traveling.

Las Lajas Sanctuary

This Sanctuary is located near to Ipiales town, it was built inside of the canyon of Guáitara River.

It was built betwen 1916 and 1949 and now it is part of the 7 Colombian wonders.

It is a perfect one day plan.If you are in Pasto the capital of Nariño state you go to the bus terminal and take a transport to Ipiales for 18000 pesos. it is around 2 hours.
at the bus terminal in Ipiales you can take a bus for 3000 or a taxi 10000 to the church.


There is a cablecar that offers a wonderfull view of the canyon and the church, You can take it on weekends for 18000 round trip or one way 12000 and week 16000 round trip or one way 10000.

There are some waterfalls and footpaths around church.
The admission to the church is free and there are some restaurants around the church with really nice traditional Colombian food.

If you are planning to stay there are some hotels near to the church for 35000 per person or you can continue your journey to Laguna verde.

The Paramos of Colombia.

The Paramos are unique ecosystems in the high mountains in Colombia, located 3000 above sea level.

The majority of rivers come from the Paramos. This ecosystem is really important for the environmental development because approximately 70 species of mammals,87 of amphibians,154 kinds of birds and 130 kinds of butterflies live there.

Colombia has 50% of the Paramos in the world.

Plants have developed cetain characteristics that consist of transformations like hairs and rosettes that trap raindrops and moisture directly from the clouds,increasing the retention of the water and releasing it slowly into the water currents.

If you come to Colombia don't miss this!!!.

Welcome to Colombia !!!! "Parceros"

Colombia the country of big contrasts

 

Colombia is located in the Northwest of south America.It has two coasts Atlantic and Pacific.
It has 5 regions divied in 32 states.

The big mountains,rivers,valleys,jungles,paramos and beaches make Colombia one of the most biodiverse countries.

Colombia is famous for its cultural diversity.There are around of 90 indigenous communities.

The gastronomy is really amazing and varied because of the tropical weather. Colombia has amazing fruits and veggies like Guanabana, Granadilla, Guayaba,Lulo,Aguacate,Plátano,Coffee ...

There are a lot of typical dishes that change through the regions with different ways to prepare them. Some of the more popular dishes are Arepas,Bandeja Paisa,Sancocho,Picada,Caldo de costilla,Arroz con Pollo,Ajiaco...

The currency is Pesos (1$/2800 cops),We have 1000,2000,5000,10000,20000,50000 and a new one 100000 note.
Colombian people are really friendly and welcoming.
If you come to Colombia don't worry about the time,because everything is always changing!!!

My Introduction.

My name is Ivan Aguilera Roberto. I'm 23 years old and I live in Villa de leyva a beautiful town in the center of Colombia.

I'm a musician and local guide, I work in Colombian Natural Sports doing extreme sports,bike,walking and trekking tours.(https://www.facebook.com/pg/colombianaturalsports.villadeleyva/reviews/).

 I started this blog with the purpose of improve my English and showing you my country.

I hope that you enjoy this beautiful and amazing country.