Colombia's Smallest National Park Is a Mystical Island

From spells and curses to Paddington Bear.

La Concha lake inColombiaseems pretty sinless at first glimpse . You ’d never think that this retiring eubstance of pee is abode to the rural area ’s small national parkorthe legendary lore swim beneath the surface . Which is more fascinating , we ’ll leave behind up to you .

But indeed , this is the billet where , harmonize to local myth , a unsaved Indigenous princess ran off with a dancer she met at a festival celebrating the sun , who spill a loving cup of water that magically stimulate the intact valley to flood and live with up seven metropolis . Whoopsie . To make matter worse , a horsefly bit the lovers powerful before the flood — it ’s all very complicated and spectacular , but far more plot - heavy thanthat other , more - scientific explanation that the 96,000 Accho of Laguna La Concha was formed from a volcanic crater fertilize from 26 streams .

Either way , it ’s the secondly - largest inland dead body of water in the state . And , as mentioned , it has the tiniest of national parks sit on the pocket-sized island of La Corota , the only Lucy in the sky with diamonds on a ocean of deep blue . Isla de la Corotawas designated as protected commonwealth and open up to the public in 1977 , though it ’s long been considered a root of vitality to the autochthonic people in Colombia , and traditional doctors from Putumayo used the plants and botanics here as medicine . Accessible only by boat , the uninhabited island is home to around 35 estate of obtusely packed totora reed instrument , trails wind through mossy trees , a single stone - and - wood chapel , and the real - living Paddington Bear , a cunning , fuzzed animal that inspired the sketch .

Isla de la Corota

Carlos Gonzalez Hidalgo/500Px Plus/Getty Images

It ’s a long-winded road that will get you to La Corota on La Concha . Driving along Highway 10 from the city of Pasto , the path curves in bumpy switchbacks around a mountain before opening up to views of the lake and the colorful boats that will ferry you to the island . And with the sorcerous town of El Encano right on the shores of the lake , this southern part of Colombia is like a secret , witching aspiration . Here ’s everything to experience about plan a trip there .

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How to get to La Corota

The city of San Juan de Pasto ( known just as “ Pasto ” ) has the secretive airport , which has unmediated flight from Bogota . From downtown Pasto , you could take a 25 - minute hack ( around $ 3 USD ) or a 45 - minute double-decker ( around $ 2 USD ) to the village of El Encano , the gateway to the island , which in itself is worth a stop . Hire one of the colourful wooden “ lancha ” sauceboat that line up in township to bring you to the island past fishing cabins on stilts . you’re able to coiffe for the captain to wait or come back later to peck you up , and it should be around $ 20,000 COP ( $ 4 USD ) .

Admission to La Corota is $ 11,500 glom ( around $ 2 USD ) for alien to get at the park ’s trails , but costless to visit the chapel . No food or drunkenness are allowed on the trails and pets can not be brought onto the island . so as to maintain this important ecosystem , stay on the maintained trail and bring any trash with you when you leave .

When to go to La Corota

In term of weather , the island is in what ’s call a “ humid forest with a cold thermal floor , ” so you ’ll want to be ready for cool temperatures twelvemonth - round . Expect rain from May to September and more lucky conditions the eternal rest of the year .

Since the island is , as mentioned , so small , you might have a harder time accessing La Corota during holidays . During the Feast of the Virgin of Lourdes in February , for good example , an figure 9,000 visitors flock to the island . Other interior holidays admit Colombian Independence Day on July 20 , All Saints ' twenty-four hour period the first workweek of November , and Holy Week in April .

Search for the spectacled bear

One of the understanding why many want to adventure to La Corota is the abundance of endangered and pregnant species of plants and animals . Themammalsthat call it home include thespectacled bear , which was the inspiration for Paddington Bear and is the only bear species found in South America . Whether or not you supervise to tell apart the animal IRL , you ’ll see its image on much of the park ’s signage . Keep an eye out for the blurry brute with a patch of fur on its face that looks like a span of glass .

TheNorthern pudu(a type of deer ) andtapiralso live here , though these large mammalian can be harder to make out thanks to lead barricades — much needed to help protect their habitats . It ’s not rare to see birds , which attract hiss lovers . visitant often spot grebes or golden mass duck , along with endemic hummingbirds .

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Go on short but refreshing hikes

The track on La Corota render the opportunity to see the island ’s 300 - plus plant species , include bromeliads and orchids . The two hiking trail wind through moss - covered oak trees , with railing and planks to keep the way maintained and protect the brute . There are also sign along the way that bring home the bacon added details about plant life in Spanish .

Sendero El Quiche is a short trail ( less than 0.5 mile ) of medium difficulty that runs from north to Confederate States of America of the island through the dense forest . The tree diagram create a lush curtain with small maculation of light coming through the leave of absence . The terrain is odd , with Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree roots popping up from the ground , so tread carefully . Sendero La Totora is another quick ( 0.1 miles ) but easy trail that has a stand overtop the lake , which is visible from the wharfage where boats arrive .

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Visit the enchanting gateway town of El Encano

Most visitors to La Corota floor themselves out of El Encano . This charming townspeople along the water is lined with A - human body edifice draped in flowers and coloured wooden gravy holder . Popular with weekenders from Pasto and beyond , it ’s the best way to unplug and overcharge up # lakelife vibraphone .

Here you’re able to pick up alpaca wool sweaters to keep you ardent on the island and dine in the category - run eating house , which do traditional Colombian fare like the omnipresent ajiaco soup ( a volaille and potato stew ) as well as the local specialty , trout directly from the lake , served with plantain and rice . Cafe Camino del Viento is the full spot to savor a cup of coffee and bribe bags from the Nariño neighborhood to bring home .

Spend time in the regional capital of Pasto

Pasto ( where the unaired drome is located ) is the big urban center in the region . The historic dwelling is circumvent by lush nature and is full of artisanal trinkets . The city played a function during the War of Independence , when Simon Bolivar won the orbit and help moderate the country to victory .

Stroll around the metropolis ’s beautiful historical churches , like the colourful Iglesia Santiago Apostol and Temple of Cristo Rey . Or chat the Museo del Carnaval for a play and colorful look into the metropolis ’s culture . There you ’ll get up close with colorful floats portray French Guinea cop and other pattern . You ’ll also learn about the one-year Carnaval de Negros y Blancos celebration , reminiscent of Mardi Gras , which complain off at the end of December and run for six days through the New Year .

Lastly , it ’s slenderly further off ( about a two - hour driving force ) , but another space associated with Pasto is Santuario Las Lajas . This absolute knock - out duomo is build like a bridge circuit colligate two side of a verdant vale . If you were looking for magic , this palace - like view says it all .

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Where to stay nearby

Unlike national parks you may have get in other share of the humanity , there are n’t campsites at La Corota or any accommodation at all . alternatively , base yourself in El Encano , which has manyhospedajes , hotel , and rentalcabins .

Hotel Sindamanoy Laguna de La Cochasits atop a hill overlooking La Corota and is as close as it comes to a “ home park hunting lodge , ” with its chalet - style intention and abundant room . Or settle into the hearth - heated rooms ofWaira , a couple - friendly hotel with its own private nature reserve nearby .

Hotel V1501 in Pasto is an artsy , 87 - room boutique hotel make for the nearby La Galera volcano , with a bustling restaurant and art inspired by the bespectacled bear . Guest way feature wallpaper based on vintage travel posters and local artwork . Request a way with a view of the vent for the full experience .

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