Ruta Kawsay: nature, culture, and hospitality at La Cocha

In the heart of southern Colombia, on the shores of the majestic La Cocha Lagoon, lies Ruta Kawsay, a rural accommodation that lives up to its name: Kawsay, which in the Kichwa language means "The Route of Life." And that is exactly what we experienced there,life in its most authentic form.

As part of the World Travel Journalism Organization, six travel communicators from across the continent,Dominican Republic, Argentina, Panama, Venezuela, and Ecuador,arrived at this hidden gem in the department of Nariño to discover how rural tourism can become a truly transformative experience.  

From the very first moment, our host Norma Reina welcomed us with a warmth that cannot be staged. She personally took care of every detail: the transportation, the greeting, and the preparation of a homemade breakfast that made us feel right at home, sharing the table like a family. That simple and genuine gesture is perhaps what defines the very soul of this place.  

The accommodation is designed not only for rest, but also for a deep connection with nature. From the terrace, the view is breathtaking: the lagoon stretches out peacefully as colorful birds fly over the Andean sky. For birdwatching lovers, Ruta Kawsay is a little paradise.  

Our stay was full of details that made a difference: the hand-brewed coffee served in a traditional chuspa, made with care and patience; and the vibrant multicolored poncho that kept us warm in the crisp morning air while we watched the sun rise. All of it wrapped in the serene sounds of nature.  

But what stayed most vividly in our memory was the landscape: la Laguna de La Cocha , surrounded by misty mountains, is a setting that feels sacred. Life flows differently here,at a slower pace that invites us to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with what truly matters.  

At Ruta Kawsay, hospitality is not just a service,it is an act of love. And in a time of mass tourism and impersonal experiences, that is a luxury far more valuable than any modern comfort.

Location: La Cocha Sector, Nariño – Colombia

Altitude: 2,800 meters above sea level.

Accessibility: Easy and safe. The host coordinates all transfers.

Because traveling is also living,and in La Cocha, we understood that in the most beautiful way.

                                                                                                                                                                                                           By Jacqueline Granda