Popayan, Colombia

Nicknamed the White City, Popayan is a beautiful colonial town of white-washed houses and grand churches encircled by rolling green hills. Although the capital of the Cauca region and the former capital of Southern Colombia, Popayan somehow retains it's relaxed small town feel. The friendly locals can often be found sipping coffee in one of the city's excellent cafes or relaxing in one of the shaded parks, catching up with friends and watching the world go by.

The cool and sunny climate of the lower Andes makes Popayan a very comfortable place to stay and as the main university town of the region, there's a young, sociable feel to the city. The leafy parks marked with elegant church towers provide a sociable and relaxed location where you could easily spend an afternoon, while an evenings entertainment could be chatting with the friendly locals in a classy cafe bar or salsa club.

Within easy reach of many of the regions top attractions and as the jumping off point for visits to the archeological parks of San Agustin and Tierradentro, there's every reason to enjoy the town's laid back atmosphere for a couple of days. From Popayan itself, there are some excellent day trips including visits to the Indigenous market town Silvia and the Coconuco thermal springs. The beautiful Munchique National Park is also within easy reach as is the Purace National Park, complete with live volcano!

Within Popayan, there are some nice walks offering excellent views of the Historic Centre, several worthwhile museums and galleries and many good cafes, bars and restarants to make the most of. Whichever way you are headed, north, south or on to San Agustin, Popayan makes for an excellent excuse to break up the journey!

Hostels...
HostelTrail Guesthouse
Carrera 11 No. 4-16
Popayan
Tel: 8 317 871
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Hotel Pass Home
Calle 5 No. 10-114
Popayan
Tel: 316 448 9513
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Casa Familiar Turistica
Carrera 5 No. 2/07 & Calle 2
Popayan
Tel: 8 244 853
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Hostal Campobello
Calle 33AN # 14A-14
Popayan
Tel: 2 8235545
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You might need...
Banks - There are several cash machines on Calle 4 around the main plaza. These accept most international cards and there are most of the main branches in the centre of town. The Davivienda on the main square will give 500,000 Pesos at a time.
Internet - Being a student town, there are lots of internet cafes all around the centre of town. Usually prices are about 1,500 Pesos per hour
Restaurants - Awarded the 2005 UNESCO World City of Gastronomy, Popayan hosts a massive variety of places to eat, most are priced between 3500 and 4500 Pesos. Ask for "el almuerzo" at lunch and "menu del dia" at dinner cheaper but equally tasty options.

Pizzeria Italiano
Calle 4 & Carrera 8

La Viña
Calle 4 & Carrera 7

La Cave
Calle 4 & Carerra 2

Coffee Shops - In addition to the excellent dining in Popayan, there's also some excellent Coffee shops.

Madeira Cafe
Carrera 5 & Calle 3

Kaldivia
Calle 5 & Carrera 6

Tierradentro Cafe
Carrera 5 & Calle 2

Juan Valdez
On the main square.

Supermarkets - The EXITO supermarket by the bus station is a huge superstore offering everything from clothes to electrical articles to fresh fruit and veg.
Market - There's a local market selling fresh produce, Mercado Bolivar, by the roundabout at Parque Mosquera.








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Don't miss...
Silvia Indigenous Market - This beautiful Andean market town is absolutely bursting with colour and energy on Tuesdays. Guambiano Indians from the surrounding communities make their way into Silvia to sell their produce and socialise with friends from neighbouring towns. There's not really anything to buy but its a lively occasion and the area is fantastic for trekking and horse riding too. Public transport takes around 90 mins and should cost 4,500 Pesos.
Thermal Baths - Although not in Popayan itself, these relaxing, naturally heated pools are just outside the village of Cocnuco aound an hour out of town. Not a particularly glamorous affair, locals take regular dips in these hot, sulphuric, eggy smelling pools for their reknowned healing properties. Either way, its a fun daytrip and a beautiful part of the region. Entry 2,000 Pesos
Sendero Ecologico - A nicely organised walk up to the three crosses on the hill. This is a protected area and a great way to take a short (3km) walk out of town to see some of the areas native wildlife. Entrance at the eastern end of Calle 3.
Belen Chapel - Visiting this nice little church overlooking Popayan is a nice short walk for excellent views of the city. Follow the path from Calle 4 with Carrera 1
Chiva Rumbera - Every Friday and Saturday night, this party bus will take you on a tour of Popayan. You can drink dance and socialise on this moving nightclub! Entry is 5,000 Pesos.
Cafe Bars - The centre of Popayan doesn't boast an especially wild nightlife. Instead, locals gather in the towns excellent coffee shops to spend a sociable evening or afternoon.
Natural History Museum - This is a nice collection of archeological articles from the area plus three floors of impressive taxidermy! The bird and insect sections are pretty informative as they focus on species from the area.