Some time ago I went to a beautiful place in my country, Colombia, called the Laguna de la Cocha ... And today I want to share a little of this place to encourage them to visit.
Only 40 minutes from Pasto, La Laguna de la Cocha is hidden in the mist of the coldest days and shines with the light of the sunniest. This reservoir, the second largest in Colombia after the Laguna Tota in Boyacá, is located in the village El Encano, where there is a colorful and picturesque jetty where you can find restaurants that prepare exquisite rainbow trout. You can also find Swiss chalet style accommodation, where what prevails is the peace and quiet for those who visit.
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| Laguna de la Cocha |
Around this lake there are many legends, including, it is said that the Corota Island, area of land in the middle of the lake, was a woman transformed into island and sanctuary, caused by of jealousy. It is also said that the Corota Island was the gourd who shed the water that caused the reservoir. This is the kind of legend that surrounds the lake, home to the natural reserve of the smaller National Parks system.
This lake is located in the lowest moors system in the world and the vegetation that surrounds it frailejones are typical of this kind of weather. The sweet motilón, the oak trees, the Majua, the arrayán, the anthuriums, the cancho, the palo 'e rosa, the sietecueros and wild motilones are some of the plants found in the region.
This place is great to rest and recover from fatigue and daily activities. Furthermore, its waters are of a purity that allows the proliferation of species of plants and aquatic and terrestrial animals, which is why it is the most precious resource and care for its people.
The lagoon is also called Lake Guamués. In its surroundings peasants communities living descendants of indigenous Quechua, Kamsa, Kofán and Quillacingas, which they considered the area as a sacred place. One of the greatest prides of these peasants are over 30 private nature reserves have been established to ensure the preservation of the area.
The Island Nature Park Corota
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In this island species of flora and fauna that represent very well paramosos ecosystems. In it are found several species of mosses, amphibians, birds and fish such as "rainbow" trout, the toracitas and ducks, to name a few species.
This sanctuary, located north of the lake, has only 12 hectares but still retains a great natural wealth, as well as providing a wonderful landscape. In the past it was a place of worship and cult of the natives Quillasingas. Today, it is still a place of pilgrimage and religious festivities which worships the Virgien of Lourdes.
Getting to the Laguna ...
Can be reached by road from Cali, I did, but please keep a little careful on the highway.
From Cali to Pasto's 9 hours, and from Pasto only 40 minutes to El Encano, the highway is good and easily accessible.
Is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Colombia. If you are looking to relax and be away from the noise and speed of the city, is a good place, since in the rooms of the hotels there are no televisions or radios, because the main objective is that tourists can rest in a natural and peaceful place.
If you travel to Laguna de la Cocha, you should not fail to visit the Corota Island. In this, you can walk a trail up to the lookout where you can see the extent of the lake.
You can also find other reserves that can be visited in small boats.
Do not forget to try the different typical dishes like boiled fruit, "rainbow" trout with fried plantain, the mazamorra, the wrapped, agua 'e panela, among others.
