Trekking in Southern Colombia

By Lorraine Caputo

Southern Colombia has a bit to offer, no matter if your interests are adrenaline or culture.

Three Parque Nacional crown jewels rest in the folds of the south: Sanquianga, with mangrove forests; Volcán Galeras; and Puracé National Park, with *páramo*, volcanoes and thermal springs.

Other hiking and climbing options include volcanoes Cumbal, Chili and Azufral, and historic routes like Circuito Ancestral and the Camino Natural. You can spend days walking the countryside, exploring the enigmatic tombs and statues of San Agustín and Tierradentro, two premiere archaeological sites, silent testimonies to a great nation that once inhabited this region.

Shoppers, Cumbal, Sandoná and Silvia have indigenous markets where you can pick up on a *ruana* (poncho) or other *artesanía*. The beautiful *barniz*of Pato 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.

Ah, sports aficionados, you aren't left out of the scene here Esther: there's *chaza* in Pasto, *tejo* (with a curious twist) in San Agustín, and some mighty fine trout fishing at Coconuco and Paletará.