Cultural Tour in Pasto

By Lorraine Caputo

From colonial churches displaying an impressive variety of architectural styles to museums exhibiting arts and history, Pasto has enough to fill any cultural devotee's hours for many days.

For those aching to get out of the city, there are small villages to visit around the base of Volcán Galeras, including Sandoná with its weekly market. A few hours away are several nature preserves: Reserva Natural Biotopo Selva Húmeda and Reserva Natural La Planada. Túquerres is another village with an interesting weekly mercado; hike to its Volcán Azufral and Laguna Verde.

Going towards the Putumayo are Laguna La Cocha and the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Isla de la Carota. In this region are a number of Reserva Natural Privadas, community-based reserves you can visit or stay at.

Sports addicts can check out La Chaza, a pre-Columbian ball game played in city parks on the weekends.

Dying to see a flick? Check out what's on the weekly bill at Teatro Colombia. Munch on crispetas (popcorn) while watching the latest subtitled Colombian, Hollywood and international releases (daily, 3:15, 6:30, 9 p.m. Centro Comercial Colombia, Calle 17 21A-54, Tel: 2-721-5450. Entry: $2.30, Thursday two-for-one).