Indigenous community bans tourists near Green Lake in Columbia to save its spirituality

Tourists are now banned from visiting Colombia's sacred Green Lake as Indigenous leaders work to preserve its untouched beauty. Nestled within the crater of the semi-dormant Azufral volcano in southwest Colombia, this striking green lake once attracted many visitors, some of whom left behind trash and disrupted the serenity of the area. Rising to 4,070 meters (2.5 miles) in the western Colombian Andes, the ascent to the volcano is challenging—and now, access is restricted to those who have received approval from the governor of the local Indigenous Pastos community.

Jorge Arevalo, a 41-year-old member of the lake’s Indigenous guard, emphasized the importance of respecting the spiritual significance of the site: "The spirits of the lake don't like to be disturbed. We have to ask their permission." The Indigenous Pastos community has taken control of access to the area, seeking to protect its ecological and spiritual value. Last month, a few guards guided an AFP team on a rare visit to the lake, offering a glimpse into the community’s efforts to maintain its purity. The lake spans three kilometers, displaying stunning shades of emerald, olive, and turquoise, surrounded by sandy beaches and enveloped by a tranquil atmosphere.
Before beginning the two-hour trek up the volcano, the guards performed a ritual led by a taita (shaman) in honor of the cycle of life. The group asked the spirits for permission to approach the lake, seeking forgiveness for any disturbance they might cause to the area's flora, fauna, and spiritual tranquility. Their prayers were offered both to Pacha Mama, the Mother Earth goddess revered by Andean peoples, and to the Virgin Mary, blending indigenous and Catholic traditions. The ritual concluded with a sprinkle of perfume for "spiritual cleansing," marking the start of their journey.

This decision to restrict access is a response to years of uncontrolled tourism, which had left its mark on the sacred site. The Pastos community’s leadership aims to restore the lake’s pristine condition and ensure that it remains a place of reverence and natural beauty. By limiting access, they are preserving the delicate balance between nature and spirituality that defines the Green Lake’s significance.
The ban represents a broader movement among Indigenous communities to reclaim and protect sacred sites from the negative impacts of mass tourism. For the Pastos, the Green Lake is not merely a natural wonder but a deeply spiritual place that demands respect and care, ensuring that its serene beauty endures for future generations.