The Carnaval de Negros y Blancos is a traditional celebration held in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia, between December 28 and January 6. It is a celebration that combines indigenous, African and Spanish traditions, and was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009.
Itinerary
This day marks the arrival of our travelers to the city.
Includes: Transfer from the airport or bus terminal and hotel accommodation.
Dinner not included this day.
This day is one of the most important of the carnival: the “Song to the Earth – Pachamama,” where more than a thousand artists perform on stage. The artistic groups make their appearance along the carnival route dancing and playing wind instruments, drums, quenas, and zampoñas, showcasing majestic costumes with very bright colors.
Visitors will have the opportunity to see the groups in all their splendor, as the streets fill with performers who call on the public to participate, applaud, and join in the music and dance.
After the parade, we head to the workshops of the carnival artisans, where they explain to visitors the materials used, the float design, and the theme to be presented in the grand parade on January 6. You can take photos with the artisans and carnival masters.
Throughout the city tour, visitors can also enjoy the Christmas lights.
Arrival at the hotel.
Includes: Transportation, Snack, Lunch, Guidance, Entrance to Artisan Workshops, Talk with the Master Artisan, Logistic support.
VISIT TO LAS LAJAS SANCTUARY WITH CROSSING TO TULCÁN
We begin a journey of approximately two hours from the city of Pasto to the city of Ipiales. Once there, we head to the Rumichaca bridge, cross the border into Ecuador, and visit the Tulcán Cemetery.
In the afternoon, we visit the district of Las Lajas. We descend to the Sanctuary where the image of the Mestiza or Our Lady of Las Lajas is located. Visitors may have a spiritual encounter with themselves, pray, attend mass, admire the impressive architecture of the Sanctuary, visit the museum and lower levels, enjoy short walks filled with energy and renewal, appreciate the landscape where the sanctuary sits, or simply contemplate God’s miracle in the abyss—always accompanied by expert guides who detail the history of the image and the sanctuary.
Includes: Transportation to the sanctuary, one cable car ride, Museum entrance, Traditional Snack, Traditional Lunch, Border Crossing to Tulcán (Ecuador), and Specialized Assistance.
BLACKS’ DAY AND LAGUNA DE LA COCHA
We start our trip to Laguna de la Cocha at 7:30 a.m. We arrive at the village “El Puerto,” where we walk among wooden houses adorned with flowers and enjoy a photo session. At 9:00 a.m., we depart for Corota Island and tour this natural park.
At 11:00 a.m., we head to the Civil Society Reserve in the Motilón sector. We have lunch in the reserve in a family environment, followed by an interpretive tour across the reserve.
Upon return, a big integration party awaits us with carnival characters. We will learn about the carnival, dance, and enjoy rhythms from the carnival and the Nariño region.
Includes: Ground transportation, Boat transportation, Entrance to the Civil Society Reserve, Traditional Lunch, Traditional Snack, Accompanying Guide, and Carnival Game (Hotel Integration Activity).
WHITE DAY AND FLOAT PARADE
This is the greatest event in the city and in the carnival. After designing and working on their floats for an entire year, the artisans present them to the public as they parade along the carnival route. The masters showcase creativity, imagination, and madness. Floats over 6 meters tall, beautifully decorated, pass before locals and visitors. Joy, music, dance, individual costumes, foam, and talcum powder take over the streets as everyone joins in the carnival play.
After the parade, we visit the “Carnaval Artesano,” where all artisanal techniques of our region are showcased, crafted by indigenous communities, farmers, and artisans.
Includes: Ground Transportation, Entries, Lunch along the carnival route, Entrance to Carnaval Artesano, Hydration, Accompanying Guide, and Special Farewell Dinner.
Transfer to the Airport or Bus Terminal according to flight time
