Park
Parque Caldas
The main square is the centre of the Old Town and a good start for a tour. The Clock Tower and Cathedral are on the square.
Colombia
City
Popayán is the capital of Departamento Cauca and is called Ciudad Blanca due to its whitewashed colonial buildings.
by Felix Gillen
Popayán is the capital of Departamento Cauca and is called Ciudad Blanca due to its whitewashed colonial buildings. You travel here for the old town, which is among Latin America's best-preserved, for the Holy Week processions, and for Cauca's cuisine. The city is located approximately 140 road kilometers south of Cali. Check the current UK FCDO travel advice before your trip. Before traveling, check the current travel and security advisories.
Sights in
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Historic Landmark
Torre del Reloj
The Clock Tower was built between 1673 and 1682; the clock was added in 1737. It is one of the city's landmarks.
Museum
Museo Casa Mosquera
The Museum of the Universidad del Cauca displays colonial art and Mosquera family memorabilia.
Historic Landmark
Puente del Humilladero
The bridge on brick arches was built in 1873 and leads north from the Old Town. Its name recalls a steep slope that people formerly had to overcome almost on their knees.
Historic Landmark
El Morro de Tulcán
The hill bordering the Old Town is a pre-Hispanic pyramid, now topped by an equestrian statue of city founder Sebastián de Belalcázar. From its summit, you overlook the white roofs.
City walks in
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Rundgang Centro Histórico
Der Rundgang beginnt an La Ermita am Ostrand der Altstadt, führt über Santo Domingo zum Parque Caldas mit Kathedrale und Uhrturm, weiter zu San Francisco und zur Casa Mosquera. Über den Puente del Humilladero endet er auf dem Morro de Tulcán. Die Strecke ist gut 2,5 km lang, rechne mit zwei bis drei Stunden.
Stops (8)
Restaurants in
Small, simple eatery on the first floor of an old town house on Calle 2. Many consider it the best place for traditional dishes from Popayán, such as Empanadas de pipián.
Unassuming corner eatery on Calle 5, primarily selling Empanadas de pipián. The empanadas are very small and very affordable; usually at least half a dozen are ordered.
Restaurant in a historic building by Parque Caldas. The cuisine combines regional ingredients with international techniques.
Food & Drinks in Popayán
Popayán has been a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy since 2005, cherishing recipes passed down over centuries. Corn, potatoes, and peanuts are central.
Empanadas de pipián
Tiny dumplings with Pipián, a creamy potato and peanut ragout seasoned with Achiote. Served with a spicy peanut sauce.
Tamal de pipián
Tamal with the same Pipián filling of potatoes and peanuts. It is eaten at various times of the day.
Carantanta
Crispy snack made from the baked-on corn dough that remains stuck to the pan when preparing tortillas. It is often served with Hogao, a sauce of tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
Salpicón payanés
A refreshment made from finely chopped fruits like Lulo, blackberry, and Guanabana. It is mixed with water and sugar and served over ice.
Holy Week and Fare
The Semana Santa processions have been on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List since 2009. On March 31, 1983, Maundy Thursday, an earthquake destroyed large parts of the old town, which was subsequently rebuilt.Popayán is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Gastronomy.Try: Empanadas de pipián, small pastries with potato and peanut filling and spicy peanut sauce, as well as Tamal de pipián.On Sundays: Many restaurants in the old town are closed.
Getting There and On the Road
Flight: Guillermo León Valencia Airport has daily connections to Bogotá. Due to ash clouds from the Puracé volcano, operations were suspended multiple times in 2026, most recently in August.Road: The Panamericana connects Popayán with Cali (approx. 140 km). Check the current UK FCDO travel advice before your trip.Locally: You explore the old town around Parque Caldas on foot.
Accommodations in
Find perfect stay in
Booking.com* (Affiliate link)
Search Hotels
Agoda* (Affiliate link)
Search Hotels
Airbnb
Vacation Rentals
* Affiliate link: if you book through it, we earn a small commission. The price stays the same for you.
Plan your trip to
Save places, build a route and plan your city trip, all in one place.
- 1
- 2
Plan your trip
The planner sorts stops, days and budget. Plan together in real time.
- 3
Use it on the road
Download the guide to your phone and use it on site, even offline.
