Laguna de la Cocha

Colombia's largest mountain lake located in a pristine high-altitude ecosystem at 2,737 meters, surrounded by lush forests and small islands including the charming community of El Encano. It offers stunning nature walks, bird watching, boat tours, and peaceful mountain scenery ideal for relaxation and outdoor exploration.

Things to do

• Boat Tour to El Encano — Take a motorized canoe across the lake to visit the island community of El Encano, known for its artisanal crafts and local hospitality.
• Bird Watching at Dawn — Visit the lake's shores early morning to spot endemic bird species including Andean ducks, herons, and the rare Silvery Grebe in their natural habitat.
• Nature Walk Around La Cocha Trail — Hike the scenic forest trails that encircle portions of the lake, passing through cloud forest vegetation and offering panoramic mountain views.
• Visit the Indigenous Inga Communities — Explore nearby Inga settlements to learn about traditional highland agriculture, medicinal plants, and indigenous culture unique to Nariño.
• Fishing for Mountain Trout — Try fly fishing or traditional angling for freshwater trout in the pristine waters, with local guides available to teach techniques.
• Sunset Photography at the Lake Shore — Capture the dramatic light as the sun sets over the Andes mountains reflected in the calm lake waters, best from the western shore.

Food to try

• Trucha a la Mantequilla — Fresh-caught mountain trout from the lake prepared simply with butter, lemon, and local herbs, a signature dish of the region.
• Sancocho de Papas — A hearty highland potato stew made with local varieties of potatoes, corn, and often served with fresh cheese and avocado from the Nariño region.
• Empanadas de Queso — Crispy fried pastries filled with local fresh cheese and served with spicy aji sauce, a popular snack sold by vendors near the lake.
• Ajiaco Nariñense — A thick regional soup combining potatoes, quinoa, and local vegetables unique to the high-altitude ecosystem of southern Colombia.
• Fresh Trout Ceviche — A lighter preparation of local trout cured in citrus juice with onions, cilantro, and served as an appetizer at lakeside restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Local Ferry Schedules — Boats to El Encano operate on set schedules that may depend on weather and passenger numbers, so plan flexibility into your visit rather than expecting frequent departures.
• High Altitude Acclimatization — At 2,737 meters elevation, visitors from lowlands may experience altitude effects; arrive a day early to acclimate and avoid strenuous activity on arrival day.
• Support Local Artisans — The communities around the lake, especially El Encano, depend on tourism; purchasing handmade crafts and hiring local guides directly supports indigenous families.
• Weather Changes Rapidly — Mountain weather shifts quickly from clear to rainy within hours, so dress in layers and always carry a rain jacket regardless of morning forecasts.