Southern Colombia Things to See and Do

Southern Colombia has a bit to offer, no matter if your interests are adrenaline or culture. Several national park and reserve crown jewels rest in the folds of the south: Volcán Galeras; Puracé National Park, with páramo, volcanoes and thermal springs; and Isla La Corota, covered by low mountain humid forest inhabited by orchids, ferns and 32 bird species.

Other hiking and climbing options include volcanoes Cumbal, Chili and Azufral, and historic routes like Circuito Ancestral and El Macizo Colombiano. You can spend days walking the countryside, exploring the enigmatic tombs and statues of San Agustín and Tierradentro, two premiere archaeological sites.

The towns of Cumbal, Sandoná and Silvia have indigenous markets where shoppers can pick up a poncho or other artesanía. The colorfully-painted barniz ceramics of Pasto may be the perfect gift to take home.

Southern Colombia has beautiful colonial architecture, especially in Popayán, and numerous churches and museums. Stunning modern edifices also invite you, like Santuario Nuestra Señora de las Lajas.

Sports aficionados aren't left out of the scene here, either. There's chaza in Pasto, tejo (with a curious twist) in San Agustín, and some mighty fine trout fishing at Coconuco and Paletará.

Other Activity pages in Southern Colombia that may be of interest: Parque Nacional Puracé Activities, Tierradentro Activities, San Agustín Activities, Popayán Activities, Pasto Activities, Ipiales Activities and Laguna de la Cocha Activities.