Popayán, Colombia

Popayan, Colombia
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Popayan12.jpg
Author: Car710


Popayán is a city in southwestern Colombia. It covers 483.11 sq km (186.5 sq mi) and has a population of 260,000 people (2011 estimate). The city is 1,737 m (5,699 ft) above sea level, in the valley between the Western Mountain Range and the Central Mountain Range. The high elevation gives Popayán a pleasantly cool climate.

The Popayán area was inhabited by various tribes when Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar conquered the area in 1537, establishing the town of Popayán. Due to its geographic location between Lima, Quito and Cartagena, it grew in importance. The city also served as the transfer point for gold and silver heading towards Cartagena for shipment to Spain.

Munchique Mountain in Popayan
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Munchique2.jpg
Author: Car710


Due to its long colonial history, the old town of Popayán has numerous buildings of colonial architecture including churches, civic buildings and private residences. The earthquake of 1983 caused severe damage to many of these. The city has since rebuilt itself, but it still bears the scars of the quake.

In addition to its built heritage, Popayán is famous for its local cuisine and tradition methods of preparing food. This has received the attention of UNESCO, which recognized it as the first city of gastronomy in 2005. The city also has the second largest Easter celebration in the world (after the one in Seville, Spain), called Semana Santa, when the city receives thousands of visitors and tourists coming to witness its colorful processions.

Cathedral of Popayan
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catedralpopayan.jpg
Author: Car710

Visiting Popayán

You can take a flight to Popayán or a bus from Cali, which takes about 2 hours to make the trip. The old town is small enough to be explored on foot.

Places of Interest in Popayán

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