Popayán, Colombia is a small colonial town located around three hours south of Cali and known as The White City because the entire town is painted white. The town is an UNESCO religious site and is recognized as being the Jerusalem of Latin America. While the city of Popayan is small there are still some worthy sights to see when visiting Colombia. Keep reading to learn more about what you can do in Popayan, Colombia.
THE HISTORY OF POPAYÁN
Popayán, Colombia was founded in 1537. The story says that back in the colonial times Popayán experienced a plague from an insect called Niue. The insect would get under people’s skin and make it very itchy. To prevent the insects from spreading the government put white chalk on the streets and walls. After it worked they painted all the houses white as a tradition. Later on they continued to paint the houses and require all buildings to be white to represent the Holiness of the city.
The city of Popayan is filled with historical and religious stories. It is famous for being the birthplace of 17 Colombian presents, having the highest recognized university in Colombia and for being a dedicated catholic city.
HOW TO GET THERE
Depending on where you are starting from the journey to Popayan is short or long. The most common starting point is Cali. By bus, from Cali, the ride to Popayan takes around 3-4 hours. The ticket costs 20,000 mil and you can buy it at the bus station right before getting on the bus.
INSIDER TIP: Wear warm clothing as the bus has very strong air conditioning and it is freezing. Also bring some toilet paper. There is a bathroom on the bus but no toilet paper and the bus does not make any stops for food so pack snacks.
The other most common starting point is Ipiales. From Ipiales it takes roughly 6-7 hours to reach Popayan. It costs 40,000 mil.
Popayan also has an airport. You can fly from all of the main cities: Bogota, Cali, Cartagena and Medellin.
WHERE TO STAY
There are many small and affordable hostels to stay at in Popayan. I particular recommend staying at Arte Hostel. The Hostel is located in the old town and is a five-minute walk from the center. They offer free breakfast, a towel and extra blankets. I also loved that the hostel has a garden in the back where you can lay in a hammock and relax.
Dorms start at $6/night and single privates start at $11/night.
WHAT TO DO
Since the city is fairly small there is not a lot to do in Popayan but out of the things that are available there are the best.
Free Walking Tour
The tour is run by Go and Get Colombia, a Colombian tour company. As the name suggests the tour is free and runs twice a day, once at 10:00 am and again at 4:00pm. The tour meets at the times outside the cathedral in the town square. It lasts roughly 2.5 hours. You can choose to pay nothing or tip what you think the tour was worth
Have Dinner at a Café and Enjoy Live Music.
On the weekend most cafes in Popayan has live music. The music creates a warm and inviting energy and goes into the night.
Visit Parque Parce
Parque Parce is one of Colombia’s National Parks. It is located about an hour away from the city of Popayan. You can get to the park by bus or car. It is recommended that you wake up around 5:30 and leave no later than 6:30. Once you reach the entrance of the park you have to pay the 40.000 mil entrance fee as well as hire a guide to show you around the park.
Go for a Swim in the Hot Springs
The Hotsprings are a great day adventure to have from Popayan. To get to the Hotsprings you take a bus to the town of Coconuco. The ride costs around 5.000 colombian pesos and lasts around 45 minutes. Then from the town you can take a bike taxi or car to the Hot Springs. The Springs cost 20.000 colombian pesos and closes at 5:00 pm. There is a small restaurant inside as well if you are hungry.
El Mirador
Just on the edge of the old town of Popayan is a small hill that you can walk up and watch the sunset on. The sun sets around 5:30 and it takes 15-20 minutes to reach the top.
WHAT TO EAT
Popayan has some delicious and memorable food and drinks that are must tries when visiting the city.
Salpicon Payanes
The Salpicon payanes is a blended drink of berries, lulo and guava. The drink is known as the volcano and comes with an orange slice on the side. To drink it you take a scoop off the top and then squeeze the orange into the drink.
Champús
Another traditional drink, Champús is made with pineapple, corn, brown sugar and lulo. The drink can be found in Cali as well but the Caleño version is made with more lulo.
Empanadas de pipían
Empanadas are all over Colombian. But in Popayan they are filled with potatoes and peanuts and called empanadas de pipían.
Tamale de pipían
Tamales are made with corn dough and filled with pipían, wrapped in banana leaves and then boiled until done. Pipían is a potato and peanut filling. Here is how you make it:
- 2 cooked eggs, chopped
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup roasted peanuts, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 1 cup of hogao ( a tomato and onion salsa )
- 1/2 teaspoon groundachiote
Patacón con queso
Patacones are traditional food of Colombia. Patacones are mashed green plantains and then fried. Then you add cheese, sauce and any other kind of toppings.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
Overall Popayan, Colombia otherwise known as the White City, is an adorable and relaxing city to explore. It is worth visiting for a couple nights to get to learn about this historical Colombian city.
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