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What to do in Popayán, the white city of Colombia

Mar, 20 agosto 2019

Popayán , is one of the oldest cities in Colombia , and perhaps one of the few known, however, is in fact one of the most charming cities in the country, so it will not be difficult for you to fall in love with it. The reason for the nickname that characterizes it, is because the entire Historical Center of Popayán is dressed in white, highlighting the beautiful colonial architecture when the houses occupied entire blocks and the ceilings were so high that it did not take more to declare its grandeur. And as if that were not enough, Popayán has a great historical load, it was the scene of very important events for the direction of Colombia , so to walk through its streets is also to witness the history of the country.

It may interest you: What to do in Colombia when you come for the first time. Places and cities.

Popayán , is very close to Cali , a mere two hours, but it is definitely a destination that is worth knowing especially if you find yourself walking through the Pacific. The best thing is that the flow of tourists is not very high and therefore you will be able to enjoy quiet walks and have a very good view of the life of the people of Paia. You should know that the city is a little cold, so between your suitcase it would be nice to include clothes that do not let you freeze.

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Now we tell you all the plans and activities you can do in Popayán while you are visiting

What to do in Popayán?

Tour the Historical Center

As I said, the center of Popayán is very nice, but the truth is that this adjective falls short, the Historic Center of Popayán is one of the most beautiful and best preserved in Colombia and America, it has managed to preserve its urban scale and the harmony of its colonial character, so walking through its streets is the best you can do in Popayán.

Clock Tower

It is a symbol of the city, was built in 1937, and is of English origin. Originally its mechanism worked by the action of two balls of leads, which were changed by Antonio Nariño in time of Colombian independence, to be able to make ammunition.

Caldas Park

It was created in the year of 1537 and it is significant for the city because around it were built the houses of the religious leaders, governmental, founders and in general of all the important people, so imagine the magnificence of these buildings.

Bridge of the Humilladero

If what you are thinking is that the origin of this name is because here took place acts of humiliation or punishment to people who defied or committed acts that violated public morals, let me tell you that you are wrong, your name is because in the part where it is located there is a fault in the terrain, which made the climb to the center extremely difficult and due to this circumstance the people climbed inclined, as if they were being humiliated, therefore, your visit is one of the things that you can not stop doing in Popayán.

Pantheon of the Próceres

It was built in 1928 to be the seat of the Assembly of the department of Cauca, but from December 1940 it was given the use it currently has, containing the remains of the Independence Próceres that are kept in cinerary urns in the enclosure. This is perhaps one of the most exciting visits that can be made in Popayán.

Morro de Tulcán

It is a formation of natural origin similar to a pyramid that was taken by the indigenous people who inhabited that area to do their religious rituals and also as a cemetery. On the site were human bones, amorphous ceramics, grinding stones and many more elements of pre-Columbian origin. The place was discovered today doing work for a new road.

Hacienda Calibío

This is another fascinating place that Popayán has to visit . It is an old house located in the north of the city, which hosted Simón Bolívar, during the crisis that broke out in the heart of the Grancolombian Congress and his return to Ecuador a year before his death.

Rincón Payanés

If you want something more to do in Popayán , you have to go to Rincón Payanés , which has been a small replica of the city with the main tourist sites of it. It has space for shows.

Visit the churches

Popayán has always been a highly religious city, proof of this are the innumerable churches that can be found throughout the Historical Center, but each of them contains a special story and anecdote, in addition to keeping beautiful and invaluable artistic works what you have to know Highlights include the Sanctuary of Bethlehem , the Temple of the Incarnation of the Nuns and the Church of the Hermitage.

National Park Puracé

If what you want is adventure, nature and much trekking , in Popayán you can also do it, in the Puracé National Natural Park , which in addition to its beauty is part of one of the Biosphere Reserves in Colombia because of its importance for the rivers in the country. Among other things is the home of the Condor of the Andes, the flagship of Colombia and has a beautiful orchid path, unique in the country.

Best seasons to visit Popayán

Popayán can be visited in any season of the year, but if you want to witness all the splendor of the city, you have to go to live Holy Week in Popayán ; which is part of the list of the Intangible Heritage of UNESCO in Colombia, or the Festival of Religious Music that takes place within the framework of Holy Week.