Hostels in POPAYAN, COLOMBIA

Picturesque City Popayan in Colombia

Perhaps the most beautiful of colonial cities of Colombia, Popayan is the Cauca Department’s capital. It is situated halfway between Quito and Bogota in the Andean cordillera, but it soon attracted settlers who got into the sugar plantation business in the Cauca river valley. The temperate climate attracted others to settle here and it soon became a religious centre.

History
This city was founded in 1537 by the Spanish Sebastian de Belalcazar when he was searching for his El Dorado. Popayan is unique for its colonial white houses and is therefore called the “White City.” It played a significant role in the country’s history, right from the early days of the Spanish conquest and right up to the 20th century.

Popular Places and Monuments
Since Popayan has a background of power in the Spanish colonial reign, it has several architectural marvels such as the Iglesia de San Francisco, Iglesia La Ermita, and Belen churches, several government buildings such as the Gobernacion and the Universidad del Cauca and the Puente del Humilladero, constructed in Roman architectural style. The city square has a famous Torre del Reloj or Clock Tower.

Places of Entertainment
A major festival celebrated here is Easter, known to be the second worldwide with religious parades and floats passing by each night. In October, they celebrate the annual Festival de Teatro and Encuentro de Cuenteros, the international festival of storytelling and drama. Another favorite pastime here is the trout fishing tournament every October, held at Paletará, besides kite-flying and paragliding in August. Museums are in plenty and people usually flock here too.

The food here is so good that in 2005, this city UNESCO named it the City of Gastronomy. This comprises soups, dough mixing, salads, omelets, pancakes and seasoning. People here respect traditional cuisine, and the hotels and cafes here serve local food ooking and

For good, authentic and reliable food, go to the market near Plaza Bolivar. Local food is usually Carantanta soup, Empanadas de pipian (stuffed pastries with peanuts), Tamales de pipian (appetizers) and Champús (a thick drink made with maize, fruits, cinnamon, cloves and panela). They also drink an anis-based drink called Aguardiente caucano.

Shoppers usually buy gold and semi-precious stones such as emeralds, textiles, hammocks and baskets, pottery and leather goods.

Accommodation Options
Finding lodgings in Popayan is not difficult here, since all grades of accommodation ranging from youth hostels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts to budget hotels and luxury hotels are available here.

Getting Around
In the narrow streets of Popayan, only minibuses, buses and taxis can ply. The airport is conveniently located behind the bus terminal. 

Currency
Peso is the currency here. For news on the currency exchange rate, check the news paper or the TV.

Group accommodation in Popayan | Cheap hostels & budget hotels