Understand

Popayan, also known as the "white city", was founded in 1537 by Sebastian de Belalcazar. This charming Colombian city has a rich history dating back to the days of the Spanish conquest. It has been the birthplace of several Colombian presidents, including Guillermo Leon Valencia. Notable figures such as Francisco Jose de Caldas and Camilo Torres also hail from Popayan. The city is also home to one of Colombia's oldest universities, the Universidad del Cauca, renowned for its prestigious Law School, Medical School, and top-notch Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering programs.

Get in

When it comes to traveling to Popayan, there are various transportation options available. Let's dive into them: - By air: Popayan does have an airport, although it may not have heavy air traffic. However, you can still reach the city by air. There are about four daily flights between Bogota and Popayan. The airport in Cali, a neighboring city, serves many domestic and international destinations and is just a 100-minute car ride away. - By taxi: In Colombia, it's quite common to travel between major cities by taxi. You can hop on a shared cab at any major transportation terminal. If you prefer a private cab, you can book one, but keep in mind that the fare will be equivalent to that of a full cab. - By bus: If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, taking a bus is a great choice. The journey from Cali to Popayan takes only two and a half hours, with several reliable bus companies operating on this route. Velotax, Tax Belalcazar, and Expreso Bolivariano are some of the most trustworthy operators. However, it's best to avoid Expreso Puerto Tejada and Expreso Palmira as they have frequent stops and longer travel times. If you're traveling from southern Colombia and heading northwards, the bus from Pasto to Popayan takes around 6 hours and is generally safe, although it's advisable to avoid night buses. Additionally, there are daily buses available from Ipiales, with Supertaxi being one of the bus companies, offering an 8-hour journey. Lastly, if you're coming from Medellin, be prepared for a longer trip as it takes around 12-14 hours by bus. - By train: Regrettably, Colombia no longer has a rail service. So, train travel is not an option. With these transportation choices, you can now plan your journey to Popayan with ease!

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Bandeja Paisa: This hearty platter is a staple in the Colombian cuisine and typically consists of white rice, red beans cooked with pork, ground beef, chorizo sausage, morcilla (blood sausage), plantains, avocado, ground meat, and a fried egg. It's often served with an arepa, a corn-based bread, on the side.

Ajiaco: This traditional Colombian soup is made with chunks of chicken, corn, potatoes, avocado, and guascas (a type of herb). Served hot, it is typically accompanied by a portion of white rice, capers, heavy cream, and an avocado slice. The unique taste comes from the combination of the herbs and spices used in its preparation.

Arepas: These versatile, round corn-based breads are a staple in Colombian cuisine. They can be found everywhere, from street vendors to restaurants. Traditionally made with pre-cooked corn flour called masarepa, they come in a variety of flavors like plain, cheese, or sweet ones with coconut or cinnamon. Arepas can be served warm, either halved and buttered, or split and used as a pocket bread filled with tasty ingredients such as meats, cheeses, or vegetables.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing