Crave a travel experience that nourishes the soul? Welcome to Popayán, Colombia’s hidden gem and a haven for slow travelers and bon vivants – recently named one of Colombia’s most beautiful cities, alongside Cartagena and Santa Marta.
While cherished by Colombians for its vibrant Semana Santa processions, Colombia’s “White City” surprises with a wealth of things to do and see beyond its religious festivities, from its beautiful historic center full of bohemian cafes and world-class restaurants to its breathtaking surroundings, ideal for outdoor activities.
Forget rushing from sight to sight – Popayán is about savoring the moment, connecting with the local culture, and exploring at your own pace. Relax, unwind, and embrace the good life. This slow travel guide showcases the best things to do in Popayán and its surroundings. Ready for an unforgettable travel experience?
Popayán’s Historic Center is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stroll through the charming cobblestone streets lined with white colonial buildings and unwind at the central Parque Caldas while admiring the beautiful cathedral “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción”.
Notable tourist attractions in the center of Popayán include the 17th-century Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), the Pantheon of Heroes (Panteón de Los Próceres) housing the ashes of Independence heroes, the Guillermo Valencia Theater, the Santa Domingo Convent and several impressive churches. The Hermit Church, Ermita de Jesús de Nazareno, is a must-see, being one of the oldest churches in Popayán.
Photo by Antoine Barthelemy, Catedral Nuestra Señora de La Asunción (mod.)
Popayán is a great destination for the bohemian traveler. The city features a variety of charming cafes that serve delicious regional coffee along with traditional sweets. Try La Colombiana (Google Maps), Café Cauca (Google Maps) and Cafe Latte Chocolatte (Google Maps).
There are several cool and cosy bars in the historic center where you can enjoy live music and a great local atmosphere during the weekends.
Photo by Travelhapp, Popayán nightlife: church close to some bars
Looking for a unique way to explore Popayán and support a worthy cause? Check out Get Up and Go Colombia’s free walking tour! This local NGO is dedicated to peacebuilding through tourism, a mission that’s especially important in the Cauca region, which was significantly affected by the armed conflict in Colombia. Their tours not only showcase Popayán’s stunning architecture and rich history but also contribute directly to community empowerment and sustainable tourism.
Beyond the free walking tour, they also offer great trekking tours and a fascinating “Peace and Art” tour where you can learn about the inspiring stories of women survivors. Visit their website to discover more. Don’t forget to leave a tip for the free tour!
Photo by Antoine Barthelemy, streets of Popayán, Canva Pro
This renowned bridge, built in 1873, close to the center spans the Molino River and offers panoramic views.
Photo (mod.) by Gerson Parra, Puente del Humilladero Popayán, CC BY-SA 3.0
Popayán features a range of interesting museums. Casa Museo Guillermo León Valencia, housed in a colonial building with a beautiful patio, is named after the renowned Colombian poet León Valencia. It exhibits artworks and historical artifacts that showcase the cultural heritage of Popayán and the Cauca region.
The Édgar Negret Museum(Ibero-American Museum of Modern Art) features artworks by the Popayan-born abstract sculptor Édgar Negret and collections from other Colombian and Latin American artists.
The University of Cauca’s Museum of Natural History showcases collections of preserved animals and archaeological relics from indigenous peoples of the Cauca region, including some pieces found in the truncated pyramid of El Morro.
Charming Pueblito Patojo, also known as Rincón Payanés, showcases a walkable replica of the city’s historic center. On Tuesdays and Fridays, an indigenous market is held close to Pueblito Patojo, where you can admire local handcraft.
Photo (mod.) by Julian David Muñoz Ortega, Pueblito Patojo Popayán, CC BY-SA 4.0
From Pueblito Patojo you can climb up the stairs leading to the hilltop of Morro del Tulcán. This historical hill showcases archaeological relics from the indigenous Tulcán culture. From the top you can enjoy fantastic views of Popayan and the surrounding mountains, which are even more mesmerizing at sunset.
Photo by Travelhapp, Morro del Tulcan, Popayán
Hacienda Calibío is a historic mansion built in 1795. Located about 30 minutes north of the center of Popayán, it provided the scene for a major battle in the South American independence wars in 1814 and served as a lodging for Simón Bolívar in 1826. Surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes, it is a compelling place to visit in Popayan for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Photo (mod.) by Burkhard Mücke, Hacienda Calibio Popayán Colombia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Popayan has been recognized by the UNESCO as a Creative City of Gastronomy. The city’s unique cuisine blends Spanish, indigenous, and Afro-Colombian influences.
Try traditional food like Tamal de Pipián, Carantana con Hogao, or Envueltos de Choclo. You may consider a cooking class to learn how to prepare delicious “carantanta” tortillas or soup, and other corn-based delicacies to eat and drink.
Tip: Book a culinary experience* (GetYourGuide.com*), including a traditional cooking workshop and ecological walks at the women-owned organic farm Las Alicias in the beautiful outskirts of Popayán.
If you happen to be in Popayán in September you can experience the Gastronomic Festival of Popayán. Throughout the year, Casa Herencia (Google Maps) serves delicious local food in a spectacular outdoor setting in the patio of a historic mansion, surrounded by nature. Also try the lunch menu at Merendé Tradición (Google Maps), a traditional restaurant in the El Recuerdo neighborhood featuring a beautiful outdoor garden.
Photo by Travelhapp, Popayán Restaurants
Located North of the historic center of Popayan, barrio Bolivar is known for its vibrant cultural scene, and its great restaurants and cafes. Try the local cuisine in a restaurant at Parque El Quijote or street food at the Bolívar farmers’ market.
El Sabio Gastrobar (Google Maps) offers delicious food and cocktails on a beautiful outdoor terrace on the upper floor with a view over Parque El Quijote.
The following sights and attractions are located in the surroundings of Popayán, between 45 minutes and 3 hours away from the city. The make great day trips or stop overs.
About 45 minutes away from Popayan, near the slopes of the Puracé Volcano and nestled amidst centuries-old cypress trees, lies the remarkably beautiful Hacienda Coconuco, the former Finca of General de Mosquera, an admired ex-president of Colombia. The original building dates back to the beginning of the 18th century. Nowadays it features a museum and restaurant. It’s usually open to the public on sundays and public holidays. On other days you need to call before to make a reservation. (See contact details on Google Maps.)
From Hacienda Coconuco you can move on to one of the natural hot springs near the village of Coconuco, for example Termales Salinas or Termales de Coconuco. Spend an afternoon relaxing in the warm waters, surrounded by natural beauty. Be aware that it may get crowded during the weekends.
To get an idea of more things to do in Cocunuco watch Por Popayan’s inspiring Instagram Reel (right-click and open in new tab to stay on Travelhapp). Coconuco is reachable in about an hour from Popayán by car and a little more by bus.
This paradise for nature and outdoor enthusiasts features stunning landscapes set around the majestic Puracé volcano. Considered one of the most beautiful Natural Parks in Colombia, Puracé features different altitudes and ecosystems. Be prepared for a rather cold and humid climate in higher altitudes with frequent rainfall, especially during the wet season between April and November.
In the Puracé National Natural Park you can find waterfalls, lagoons, moors, rivers, hot springs and valleys of frailejones, beautiful plants typical for the high-altitude Paramo ecosystem. There is also a unique orchid trail and a Condor viewpoint where – with a little luck –, you may spot the majestic Andean Condor.
From Coconuco you can arrange for a local taxi to take you to entrance of Puracé National Natural Park. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Popayan.
Photo by Julian Ruiz P., CC BY-SA 4.0, Puracé National Natural Park (mod.)
You can take a coffee tour with a local tour operator in Popayán that takes you to nearby coffee plantations where you can learn about the coffee production process, and taste the typical coffee flavors of the Cauca region.
There are several “Fincas de Café” or “Haciendas de Café” in the surroundings of Popayán, for example Hotel Hacienda Supracafe (Google Maps)which offers visits to nearby coffee plantations (ca. 45 minutes from Popayán).
Hacienda Pisojé (Google Maps), located about 45 minutes from the center of Popayán, is a colonial hacienda that has been recently restored and opened for ecotourism activities, such as hiking, birdwatching and coffee tours. View their Instagram account to get an idea of the Hacienda and its surroundings.
Tierradentro (Inzá) is recognized as an archaeological UNESCO World Heritage Site but is still relatively undiscovered by travelers. Explore elaborate ancient underground tombs and burial sites dating back to pre-Columbian times, showcasing intricate stone carvings and decorations, along with a unique geometrical architectural design and artistically complex statues.
While Inzá is reachable in less than 3 hours by car, the bus usually takes around 4-5 hours, so you may consider staying overnight.
Silvia, located about 1.5 hours from Popayán, hosts a vibrant weekly market where the Guambiano indigenous people of the region sell traditional food, wool products, and handicrafts.
The town of Silvia and its scenic, green surroundings, including the Laguna Margarital, are also worth seeing and are best explored on horseback. During market days and weekends, rental places located close to the river usually have their horses saddled and ready to go.
Buses depart frequently for Silvia from Popayán’s bus station. Chaska Tours also offer guided tours to the farmers market (GetYourGuide.com*).
Photo (mod.) by Wildwood72, Indigenous market Silva, CC BY 2.0
Especially if you are travelling alone, organized tours are a convenient option to move around and meet other travelers. And of course, you can learn a lot from great local guides! On my affiliate partner Civitatis’ website* you’ll find excellent tours run by experienced local tour operators and knowledgeable local guides. Here are my top picks.
Popayan is a small town and the historic center is a great place to stay for solo travelers, featuring several nice hotels with excellent price-quality ratio. You may get upscale hotels already starting from approximately 50 USD (unless it’s Semana Santa when the rates are substantially higher in the city.) Check out my affiliate partners Expedia.com* and Booking.com* for great hotel deals in Popayán. Here are my top recommendations.
(Former backpacker favorites Le Soleil Hostel and ParkLife Hostel unfortunately have closed.)
Photo by Travelhapp, Mafalda at Hotel La Plazuela Popayán
As a solo traveler in Popayán take your usual travel precautions, including not walking around alone after nightfall, especially not in low lit and isolated areas. Check out my Safety Tips for Colombia and Colombia Solo Travel Guide.
It is easy to reach Popayán by bus from other Colombian cities and it is cheap to visit sights in the surroundings by bus, taxi and taxi-like services.
Some activities, like hikes in nature, expeditions to more remote places or visiting a bar at night, are better done in a group. Join our Colombia Solo Female Travelers Facebook Group, if you are a woman traveling alone.
Popayán features a pleasant climate throughout the year with average temperatures around 24°C (75°F) during the day and 13°C (55°F) during the night. Most rain typically falls in November.
Make sure to check out Popayán’s event calendar before you go, as there are several interesting festivals throughout the year. We already mentioned the Gastronomy Festival in September. In January you can attend the unique Pubenza Carnival, which honors the cultural traditions of the people of Popayán.
Unless you are very religious or at least love religious processions, it is probably better to avoid the “Holy Week” (Semana Santa), as the city gets very crowded.
From Popayán it’s easy to reach other top travel destinations in Colombia by bus.
Cali (3h): The “Salsa Capital of the World” enchants with its passionate salsa scene, vibrant nightlife, fascinating museums, pleasant climate and friendly locals. It’s a great place for those seeking to immerse themselves in local Colombian culture. Get inspirations for Things to do in Cali. It just takes 3 hours to get to Cali from Popayán by bus (see Rome2Rio).
San Agustín (5h): San Agustín is a captivating destination known for its extraordinary archaeological sites, including mystical pre-columbian stone statues and ancient tombs. With its rich history and stunning landscapes, San Agustin offers unique experiences for archeology lovers and nature enthusiasts. You can reach San Agustin in a bumpy 5 hour minibus ride through the fascinating Purace National Natural Park. A great next destination after San Agustin is the Tatacoa Desert, located about 5 hours north-east by bus. Read more about Things to do in San Agustin Huila.
Pasto (7h): Pasto is a vibrant city known for its famous Carnaval de Negros y Blancos, its picturesque colonial architecture and its many interesting natural attractions close by, including several volcanoes and Colombia’s second largest natural lake, the Laguna de Cocha. Find out what to do in Pasto and nearby. The bus from Popayán to Pasto takes 6-8 hours.
Share your thoughts!
Questions or comments? I’d love to hear them! Reach out on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
Last Update: April 16, 2025
Image Credit: Top Image (mod.) by Erick Salas Agudelo
Affiliate links (*): Some links on this page are affiliate links. By booking through these links, you can support my work on Travelhapp – at no extra charge to you. I only recommend products and services I trust and believe will provide value to you.
© 2025 Travelhapp – Colombia Travel Guide created with love by Nicole – Support my work
design by nicoleneuberger.com
