La Laguna de la Cocha

About

Covering over 40 square kilometers, La Laguna de la Cocha is the second largest body of water in Colombia after Lake Tuma. At 2680 meters above sea level, the volcanic crater lake is an important sanctuary for high-altitude species like the mountain tapir, spectacled bears, and bird species like Andean ducks. From the charming village of Puerto El Encano, with its chalet-style houses, you can take a boat tour of the lake, including a stop at Colombia’s smallest national park - Isla Corota. This small island is home to 500 species of plants, and the half-kilometer long boardwalk brings you through the lush cloud forest to a lookout with beautiful views of the lake. If you are taking a boat to the island, this is the perfect time to test your bargaining skills.