This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Pasto.
Most people breeze through Pasto, Colombia, either on their way down to the Ecuadorean border or on their way north to Popayán from the border. While most people don't generally stay here, if they do, then it is usually one night to break up the long journey between Quito and Popayán.
There are quite a few different Pasto, Colombia hostels, and these are scattered from one end of the city to the other and some are quite a way out. Do your research before deciding which Pasto, Colombia hostel at which you would like to stay. Some hostels in Pasto, Colombia, are within half-an-hour's walking distance from the bus terminal, but taxis are also fairly cheap to get around, especially if you are traveling in a group.
For the hostels in Pasto, Colombia, that are located in the downtown area, navigating the city centre is fairly easy. It is a bustling mecca where cars don't stop to let you walk on the green man and people are everywhere hustling on the dirty streets. While it's not the prettiest of Colombian cities, it does have somewhat of a charm to it, given how few tourists it attracts. It is locals going about local day-to-day business and definitely interesting to observe despite most Colombians from other cities telling you not to bother.
There are a few different museums that you can visit, such as the Museo del Oro, and also a few nice churches if you have time to explore while you're here. There are loads of restaurants and places to eat down Calle Seventeen, and if you are in the mood to do a spot of clothing or shoe shopping, they have a load of these shops doing good deals down the same street.
Pasto is one of those places that is interesting enough to spend a day, but if you skip out on it and keep moving, then don't be stressed, as there is nothing hugely noteworthy to see here. But if you've got the time, it's a decent rest spot.
Written by local enthusiast for Pasto hostels
Globetrotter