Top 5 things To Do in Popayan

When you are planning your trip to Colombia, suddenly cities like Cartagena, Medellin and Bucaramanga pop into your head. We’d like to invite you to think of other cities when you are planning things to do in Colombia. In this article we’ll show you the best things to do in Popayan – an incredible city not all tourists go and visit.

Popayan is one of the oldest cities in Colombia. It is in fact one of the most charming cities in the country, so it won’t be difficult for you to fall in love with it. Its nickname is the white city, because the entire historical center is painted in white.

And as if this isn’t enough, Popayan also has a great historical background. It was the scene of some very important events in the history of Colombia. So, you will also witness the history of the country just by walking through its streets.

Here are the top 5 things you should do when you visit Popayan:

1. The City Tour in Popayan

Learn about the history of Colombia’s white city by walking the colonial imposing streets and looking at buildings in the center of the city.

Also learn about its gastronomy, one of the most emblematic items of the city, well known for the preservation of typical flavors due to the way they keep the traditional methods of cooking each plate. Be sure to visit:

• The Humilladero bridge
• The Ermita Chapel
• The Tulcán hill

2. Visit Purace Volcano

The Volcano is located 3 hours away from the city center in the Kokonuko indigenous reserve. You will have to do a 4 to 5 hours walk that will be fully rewarded by the breath-taking natural scenery you’ll see along the way.

3. Visit Caldas Park in Popayan

In this historical place, there is a statue of ‘the wise’ Francisco José de Caldas, as well as trails and ancient trees like araucarias, guayacans and cork trees. You’ll also find historical buildings such as:

• The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption
• The Municipal Hall
• The Clock Tower
• Palace of the Government of Cauca
• Archbishop´s Palace

4. The Andean Condor Tour

Taking a beautiful walk through the Kokonuko reserve, you´ll have the chance to be guided by an indigenous guide. You could also see the three free Andean Condors, Colombia’s emblematic birds that live here.

5. Visit Pueblito Patojo

El Rincon Payanes, or Pueblito Patojo, has become an almost obligatory place to visit for those who visit this city. This place has the replicas of several monuments of Popayan such as the Clock Tower. You will also find shops with handicrafts, books, paintings and small sculptures carved out of wood.

Popayan is an incredibly beautiful city full of historical, cultural, gastronomic and architectural heritage. It’s diversity of places and its cuisine are the hallmarks of the city. It was declared the ‘gastronomic city of Latin America.

If you travel to Colombia you shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Popayan. These list of attractions are not only special for Popayan, there are also some of the best things to in Colombia. You won’t regret it.