Popayán
White city in southern Colombia
Popayán is a colonial city in southwestern Colombia, (a 4-hour drive from Cali) often visited by travelers passing through from Colombia to Ecuador. The capital of the Cauca region was founded in 1537 and is also called the white city, where it is pleasant to walk around the old city center with its many colonial buildings and churches.
Starting point for trips in the area
A visit to Popayán is well combined with a hike in Puracé Natural Park, the archaeological sites of San Agustín and Tierradentro, Pasto and the Tatacoa Desert. Update March 2024: Due to increasing volcanic activity, the Puracé volcano is currently closed.
Culinary and religious destination
Popayán is known as a culinary destination. In 2008, Popayán was even recognized by UNESCO as a gastronomic capital. Also, Popayán is one of Colombia’s most important religious centers, known for Colombia’s largest celebration of Semana Santa (Easter week).
Read on for our tips on what to do in Popayán.
#ToColombia tips
What is there to do in Popayán?
Tip #1
Take a free city tour of the historic city center
Learn all about Popayán’s history on a city tour with GetupandgoColombia. The same organization also offers a free “trekking” tour on Sundays. Tours are based on gratuity, minimum COP20,000/€5 per person.
Tip #2
Taste the local specialties of Popayán
Popayán has its “own” empanada, the Empanada de Pipián: An empanada with a puree of potatoes, spices and peanuts. As a sauce, it comes with a spicy peanut sauce, which makes this empanada unique in Colombia. With a gastronomic walk you will gain insight into the gastronomic culture and the annual gastronomic congress that attracts more than 30,000 visitors.
Tip #3
Visit the market in Sivia
If you want to visit an authentic -not touristy- market, the market in mountain village Silvia is a must. Every Tuesday morning here you can see the Guambiano men and women with their colorful, traditional clothing. They come to the market in chivas (colorfully painted buses) to trade their goods. Some 20,000 Guambiano Indians live in Colombia and most live in the Silvia area. Grab an early morning bus from Popayán to Silvia, as the market only lasts until noon. If you prefer to go on an organized tour, you can take a trip to Silvia with Popayán tours. It is far for a day trip, but you can also visit Silvia -combined with Popayán- with a tour from Cali.
Tip #4
Take a mountain bike tour
There is a cool mountain bike tour from the mountain village of Coconuco at an altitude of over 2,500 meters. This is where you will be taken, and after visiting the thermal baths, you can start the mountain bike trip downhill (30km).
Tip #5
Take a Spanish course
There are many students in Popayán and several language schools offer Spanish lessons. With Popayán tours you can not only study Spanish but also take fun excursions in the area.
Tip#6
Visit the archaeological sites of San Agustin and/or Tierradentro
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustin is one of Colombia’s most important archaeological sites. There are over 500 statues from the Precolumbian civilization, all the more reason why San Agustin attracts visitors from all over the world.
Tierradentro is an archaeological site of nearly 20,000 square meters with statues and tombs from the pre-Columbian civilization.
#ColombiaMyWay tips
Where to stay in Popayán?
Our top 3:
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El Caracol
Affordable accommodation in a small hotel with cozy cafe
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Hotel la Plazuela
Hotel in a historic building, 100 meters from Caldas square
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Hotel Dann Monasterio
Stay overnight in a renovated monastery from 1570.
Check out our tips for itineraries in southern Colombia and information about Cali, Pasto, San Agustín, the coffee region and other destinations in Colombia.
