Sandoná - Pasto Route
In this route, you’ll visit Pasto, where men and women have dedicated their lives to intricate techniques such as tamo veneering, leather embossing, gold leafing, and Pasto varnish—recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Explore the splendid landscape visible as you land in the capital of Nariño and learn firsthand what it means to live next to a volcano. Mount Galeras will be a part of the conversation—a totem inspiring all who encounter it. Following its winding roads, where light plays differently, echoing the landscapes depicted in local crafts, you’ll be led to Sandoná. This town is renowned for its majestic iraca palm hats, and the skill of its weavers grants it with a designation of origin recognition.
Embark on a journey full of history
Artisans along the way
Artisans along the way
We recommended this tour
Recommendations
Schedule the visit in advance with the artisans.
Carry cash.
Length
5 days
Physical Complexity
Transportation
Car or Bus
PASTO
Many artisans in Pasto draw inspiration from local festivities in creating their pieces. Explore indigenous and mestizo essence at the Carnival Museum, Zambrano Museum, and Casa Taminango, where you’ll undertand the influence of Quillasinga, Pastos, and Tumaco people customs in artisanal creations. The city’s churches offer a profound aesthetic experience, while antique enthusiasts can discover exceptional pieces. We recommend spending at least three days here to visit several artisans specializing in Pasto varnish, tamo veneering, leather embossing, wood carving, and gold leafing, and trying a bit of each craft yourself.
SANDONÁ
The journey from Pasto to Sandoná spans 49 kilometers and takes a full day. Depart early in the morning to make the most of the day and enjoy the scenery. The Galeras circumferential road literally circles the volcano, offering us the privilege of climbing such a natural monument across waterfalls, fog and mountains. This route connects Pasto with Nariño, Genoy, La Florida, Sandoná, Consacá, and Yacuanquer. Along the way, don’t miss the famous Bolivar Stone in Bomboná, a must-stop for a memorable photo. Upon arrival in Sandoná, the striking church marks your entry into a town famous for its abundance of hat workshops. Each house seems to host a workshop showcasing a variety of designs and colors in their displays. Spend a few hours with recommended artisans to learn about the different qualities and prices of this craft. Don’t resist the temptation to sample local delicacies like raw cane sugar melcochas at the main square. Outside town, visit the trapiches, a 90-minute trip well worth the effort. Nearby, you can pass by the 125-meter Belén Waterfall and Joaquina Waterfall are equally impressive sights, worthy of taking your breath away.
AROUND PASTO
There are many places to see an hour and a half away from Pasto. One of these is the breathtaking La Cocha Lagoon, where you can stop and eat freshly caught trout. Two and a half hours away from the city, you will discover the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Las Lajas: a church made of stone and one of Colombia’s many wonders. If you wish to have a more nature-oriented experience, you can go to the Chimayoy National Park, the Galeras Wildlife Sanctuary, or the Morar Natural Reserve. The latter are all stunning places that will make you want to stay as long as you can. Traveling around Nariño’s mountains is a magnificent experience. If you encounter the chance of crossing into the department of Putumayo, you will witness a landscape that you will never forget.
Route acknowledgement
Pueblo Patrimonio
Denominación de Origen
Sombreros de Sandoná, Mopa Mopa Barniz de Pasto, Nariño
Recommended sites
Important information for your trip
Pueblo Patrimonio
La Red Turística de Pueblos Patrimonio de Colombia es un programa especial del Ministerio de Comercio, Industria y Turismo, ejecutado por FONTUR, que trabaja con 17 municipios de Colombia que poseen declaratoria de Bien de Interés Cultural (BIC) a nivel nacional para su valoración y proyección mediante el turismo, generando así más oportunidades de desarrollo y sostenibilidad en las comunidades.
La Medalla a la Maestría Artesanal es un galardón que Artesanías de Colombia entrega anualmente, con el cual se hace un reconocimiento a aquellos artesanos, empresas y comunidades artesanales que, contando con una trayectoria destacada, sobresalen a nivel nacional por su excelencia en el oficio así como por preservar el quehacer artesanal.
Denominación de Origen
Es un signo distintivo que identifica productos reconocidos o famosos por tener una calidad o características específicas derivadas esencialmente del lugar de origen y la forma tradicional de extracción, elaboración y producción por parte de sus habitantes. La protección conferida sobre una Denominación de Origen implica que ninguna persona puede identificar con la denominación protegida productos iguales o similares a los amparados, cuando no provengan del verdadero lugar y no cumplan con las características o calidades que le han dado la reputación al producto reconocido. Las Denominaciones de Origen para productos artesanales colombianos que han sido protegidas por la Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio en nuestro país son actualmente 12.
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