Popayán, Colombia
Popayán, Colombia, also known as the "white city", is a charming colonial town with beautifully preserved architecture, rich history, and cultural traditions. Visitors can enjoy exploring its vibrant markets, museums, and religious landmarks, as well as tasting its delicious local cuisine.
Trip to Popayán, Colombia
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Popayán
Upon arrival in Popayán, you can either check into your hotel or drop your luggage there and begin exploring the city. Popayán is known as Colombia’s “White City” because of the white-colored colonial buildings located within the city. The best place to begin the exploration is Parque Caldas, located in the city center. From there, you can visit the Museo del Oro, which houses significant examples of pre-Columbian goldsmithing from the region. Another must-visit place is the Parque de Belén, located in the northern part of the city.
Day 2: Popayán’s Churches and Museums
An exciting aspect of Popayán is the fact that it is home to many beautiful churches. If you have an interest in religious architecture and history, a visit to these churches is a must. Start with the Church of the Franciscans, which boasts a magnificent Baroque altar. Then head to the Church of the Society of Jesus, which is home to an array of religious art pieces. Finally, visit the San Francisco Museum, which contains a wide range of pre-Columbian artifacts and exhibits about the local history of the region.
Day 3: Estrella Fluvial de Inza
Today, we head outside Popayán to the Estrella Fluvial de Inza, a beautiful natural setting located about an hour’s drive from Popayán. One of the primary attractions of this location is the River Inza, which winds through the valley and is surrounded by beautiful, lush greenery. Once here, climb to the top of the nearby hill for a birds-eye view of the valley, or take a swim in the nearby Rio Inza for a refreshing break.
Day 4: Santuario de La Virgen de Los Remedios
Today, we head to another religious attraction, Santuario de La Virgen de Los Remedios, which is located on the outskirts of Popayán. The sanctuary is located atop a hill, which offers visitors 360-degree views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Make sure to spend some time exploring the various shrines and sculptures located throughout the area.
Day 5: Tierradentro Archaeological Park
Today, take a day trip to Tierradentro Archaeological Park, about 3 hours’ drive from Popayán. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an impressive collection of pre-Columbian tombs, statues, and monuments located within a beautiful landscape of mountains and forests. Explore the park’s numerous walking trails and take in the spectacle of the thousands-year-old burial chambers.
Day 6: Popayán’s Food and Nightlife
No trip to Popayán would be complete without sampling the local cuisine. Popular dishes such as sancocho soup, empanadas, and chontaduro are some of the must-try items. At night, explore the bars and music venues in the historic city center for a bit of nighttime entertainment. La Loma, El Paletazo, Sagrado Corazon, and La Licorera are some of the notable bars in the city.
Day 7: Day trip to Coconuco Thermal Waters
On your final day, take a trip to the Coconuco Thermal Waters, located about 1.5 hours away from Popayán. These petrified waterfalls were formed hundreds of years ago and are now a popular spot for relaxing and enjoying mineral-rich water. The thermal waters offer a soothing bath and natural massages. When you get back to the hotel after the day trip, pack up your bags and prepare to depart from Popayán.
