Popayán is often referred to as the “white city” due to its striking white colonial architecture. Recently this unique place has been listed as one of Colombia’s most beautiful cities, right after Cartagena and Santa Marta. In fact, Popayán fully meets the definition of a “hidden gem” – and it offers a wide range of things to do!
While cherished by Colombians for its vibrant Semana Santa processions, Popayán beckons to solo travelers with a wealth of discoveries beyond its religious festivities, starting with its beautiful historic center full of bohemian cafes and delicious restaurants. It’s an ideal place to embrace the good life and take it slow.
Popayán is the capital of the Cauca region, an integral part of Colombia’s esteemed coffee-producing heartland. The surroundings of Popayan offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, horseback riding, bird watching and visiting coffee plantations.
Below you will find 16 things to do in and near Popayán with a focus on slow travel activities.
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
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.
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. Contact the women-owned organic farm Las Alicias (Google Maps) in the Vereda La Playa area of Popayán for traditional cooking workshops and organic farming experiences in a beautiful natural setting.
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
Get up and Go Colombia is a local NGO dedicated to peace building via tourism. The Cauca region was strongly affected by the armed conflict in Colombia. With the income generated through their tours Get up and Go Colombia support peace building, community empowerment and sustainable tourism in the region.
Check out their website to learn about their free walking and trekking tours, or their interesting “Peace and Art” tour where you can learn about the powerful stories of women survivors of the armed conflict.
Photo by Antoine Barthelemy, streets of Popayán
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.
Photo (mod.) by Wildwood72, Indigenous market Silva, CC BY 2.0
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. Hotel La Plazuela (Google Maps) is located in a beautiful historic building, as are Hotel Los Portales Inn (Google Maps) and Hotel Camino Real (Google Maps).
El Caracol (Google Maps) and Hotel Castillo Real (Google Maps) are affordable and popular options close to major tourist attractions.
There are also several good and budget-friendly hostels in or close to the historic center of Popayán, for example Hostal Antonio (Google Maps). Former backpacker favorites Le Soleil Hostel and ParkLife Hostel unfortunately have closed.
A special place to stay in Popayán is Hotel Dann Monasterio (Google Maps), a 4-star hotel located in a former Franciscan monastery, built in 1570. Prices start somewhere around 250.000 COP and vary depending on season. If you like it quiet, make sure there are no major events planned during your stay – the hotel is a popular location for weddings and other celebrations.
Prices of hotels and hostels rise substantially in Popayan during Semana Santa.
Photo by Travelhapp, Mafalda at Hotel La Plazuela Popayán
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.
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 our Safety Tips for Colombia and our Colombia Solo Travel Guide.
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 Travelers Facebook Group to find other solo travelers near you.
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.
Read more:
Colombia Travel Inspirations: Top Attractions and Hidden Gems
Colombia Travel Tips:General Information and Colombia Travel Advice
Best Places to visit in Colombia: Travel hubs for Solo Travelers
Slow Travel Colombia Itinerary: Discover Colombia by bus and overland
Off-the-beaten-track Destinations and Hidden Gems in Colombia