"A real slice of Colombians at Laguna de la Cocha" Laguna La Cocha by richiecdisc

Laguna La Cocha Travel Guide: 9 reviews and 24 photos

the view from the mirador on Laguna de la Cocha

At twenty kilometers long and five kilometers wide, Laguna de la Cocha is not only a huge but also a stunning lake. The name cocha means lagoon in the native Quechua language. With a backdrop of rolling verdant hills, this mist-enshrouded gem features an idyllic island perfect for boat excursions. That this very island is home to an evergreen cloud forest that warrants its being a national park only adds luster to an already irresistible package. The thoroughly atmospheric affair is perhaps the top attraction of nearby Pasto even though it's a good 45 minutes away by taxi, the only way to get there by “public” transportation.

Las Cochas

The gateway town of Las Cochas is very touristy but in a hokey kind of charming way and though it can become overrun, it is entirely by Colombians and perhaps a few stray Ecuadorians escaped from just over the border. So, this is no gringo-laden place to grab banana pancakes and if you are looking for a real slice of Colombia, this is it.

Last visit to Laguna La Cocha: Feb 2010
Intro Updated Jan 20, 2011
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Reviews (9)

great for the wide angle - Laguna La Cocha

a perfect place to bring your other half What to Pack (1)

While I'm sure many come here for a night or two, it is mainly a day trip destination so you don't need to bring much.... more travel advice

cute little bridges abound - Laguna La Cocha

a cute if touristy gateway town Things to Do (3)

Las Cochas is the little “town” that is the gateway to Laguna de la Cocha. It may be a little touristy for some but it's... more travel advice

the boardwalk trail to the mirador - Laguna La Cocha

boat trip to Isla Corota Things to Do (3)

Though admiring Laguna de la Cocha from afar is not to be missed, a boat trip on it is a must if you've come all this... more travel advice

mirror-like waters on the lake that day - Laguna La Cocha

Laguna de la Cocha Things to Do (3)

Laguna de la Cocha is one stunning lake. The name choca comes from Quechua and means lagoon. Though only 20 kilometers... more travel advice

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Comments (6)

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toonsarah Apr 20, 2011 at 11:01 AM

I love the look of this place - the lake, the beautiful cloud forest, the cute buildings in the village :-) The group tour sounds fun too - like you we tend to prefer our own company but there are times when it's nice to meet other people for sure
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Antji Feb 3, 2011 at 1:24 AM

Pretty nice lake and surrounding! Sounds like a relaxed and beautiful stay there! Your pics are stunnig. Hugs
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Nemorino Jan 28, 2011 at 4:28 AM

Great that you had such a friendly group of Colombians to do the boat tour with.
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Gili_S Jan 23, 2011 at 11:16 AM

Very nice lake, not very large by 'our' measures but surely beautiful place to visit.
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Trekki Jan 19, 2011 at 11:46 PM

Mora..... oh, summer come quickly!!! I shouldn't read desert tips in the morning, lol. Marvellous landscape and lagua! I love that boardwalk and.. well, yes, the kitschy cute houses, they look almost like BAvaria, with these flowers all over :-)
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willy_wonka Jan 19, 2011 at 3:22 PM

this lake looks stunning, especially with your photos doing it justice! sounds like you had fun being the gringo amongst the locals! the porters on the trail loved mr w_w because he was a peruvian who "made it" in australia. questioned for hours!