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Pasto

Pasto, officially San Juan de Pasto, is a city in southwestern Colombia and the capital of the Nariño Department. It is situated in the Andean highlands at an elevation of about 2,500 meters above sea level, in the valley of the Pasto River. The climate is cool year-round, with a temperate highland character and distinct wet and dry seasons.

The city lies near the active Galeras volcano and is surrounded by natural areas such as Laguna

Pasto was established in the 16th century by Spanish colonizers and developed as an administrative and commercial

Culturally, the city is known for the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos, held in January, which has

The economy rests on commerce, services, and agriculture from the surrounding valley, including fruits and coffee

de
La
Cocha,
a
highland
lake
that
hosts
migratory
birds
and
serves
as
a
regional
ecological
site.
This
setting
gives
Pasto
a
mix
of
urban
life
and
accessible
natural
scenery,
attracting
visitors
for
both
culture
and
nature.
center
in
the
southern
Andes.
It
remains
the
principal
urban
center
of
the
department
and
supports
a
population
that
includes
both
urban
residents
and
people
from
nearby
rural
areas.
been
recognized
by
UNESCO
as
part
of
the
intangible
cultural
heritage
of
humanity.
The
historic
center
features
colonial-era
churches,
plazas,
and
markets
that
reflect
its
architectural
and
social
evolution.
production.
Pasto
hosts
the
main
campus
of
the
Universidad
de
Nariño
and
several
other
higher
education
institutions.
It
is
connected
by
road
networks
and
served
by
a
regional
airport,
supporting
domestic
travel
and
regional
exchanges.