Pasto

Cuidado!
In Popayan we were told by several people that the road to Pasto was very dangerous (due to the presence of the guerrilla and bandidos) and that we should not stop along the way for any reasons.
To be perfectly honest we did not see any apparent danger, in actual fact we saw barely anyone on a road that can be easily defined  "spectacular."

Pasto is the capital of the Narino region.
The town is seriously outside the tourist beaten track to the point that in 4 days we did not meet a single tourist.

Patrice, the owner of La maison de L’ejecutivo, told us that 17 years ago, when he moved here, things were much worst, and that the only 2 safe roads were the one to the border and the one to the airport.

My and his opinion are that the worst is gone and the area is finally ready to become a tourist destination.
Although Pasto is structured as a proper town you always have the feeling to be in the countryside, maybe because, no matter in which direction you look, you can always see either mountains or volcanoes.
To prove my point here’s a picture of Pasto’s main square with a looming volcano behind

We really enjoyed our 3 days in Pasto. If you ever come this way, make sure you do not follow the Lonely Planet advise and check out this place and the sorrounding area.
To wet your appetite here's a picture of the laguna Las Cochas

Ok, just kidding, this is just a kid playing nearby.
This is a real picture of the Laguna

 And of course don't miss for any reason the Laguna Verde (pls see next chapter)