Popayán
Popayán, Cauca
The former regional capital of Popayán is best known for an abundance of whitewashed buildings, earning it the nicknameCiudad Blanca (White City). Popayán is among Colombia’s best preserved colonial cities, and is home to one of the country’s oldest, most prestigious universities, which counts 16 Colombian presidents among its alumni.
The Basics
Popayán is most commonly visited on a guided day trip from Cali, which is only a 2-hour drive away. Tours allow you to visit multiple attractions without worrying about navigation and typically include hotel pickup and drop-off, and lunch. A knowledgeable guide will also share information about the colonial history of Colombia. If you want the flexibility to customize your itinerary, private tours offer a personalized experience.
Things to Know Before You Go
Wear comfortable shoes, as any trip to Popayán involves significant walking.
Popayán is a must-visit for history buffs.
A guided tour provides an easy way to travel around the disorientating city.
How to Get There
From central Cali, Popayán is a 2.5-hour drive to the south. Rather than worry about hiring a car and spending the scenic journey focusing on the road, you can opt for a guided tour that includes round-trip transport and stops at view points along the way.
When to Get There
If you want to avoid the rain, try to visit southern Colombia during the dry season, which lasts from December to January and July to August. However, a visit during rainy season also has its merits: the Colombian countryside is at its greenest.
A History Buff’s Dream
Drive a couple of hours inland from Popayán, and you’ll find one of the least-known UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Colombia. The National Archeological Park of Tierradentro is home to sculptures dating back to the sixth century, and huge underground chambers. It’s a must-see for history buffs, and crowds are not a problem there.
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