This was a very simple journey. We got to the bus station and were immediately put on a bus to Popayan for only 20,000 COP each and no extra for the surfboard. The journey was only 3 hours and the time went by very quickly (except for when a baby was sick on the bus.)

Accommodation:

HostelTrail. This hostel was another good one. Located just on the edge of the colonial area of Popayan it had lots of nice rooms, a kitchen area, fast wifi. It cost 62,000 COP per night for a private room. Nothing bad to be said about it at all (except a free breakfast would be an added bonus.)

Sights:

El Morro de Tulcan 

There is a hill just behind the University, which is said to be the sight of a pre-Colombian pyramid. We climbed to the top to get some panoramic views of the city (Thomas wasn’t impressed, he doesn’t like walking – especially not uphill.) It only took about ten minutes up a very steep incline (we’d missed the path and so just ploughed straight up like mountain goats or maybe a bit less gracefully) but the views of the city were definitely worth the pain.

Parque de Caldas
This is the central square in Popayán, it had a few market stalls, a little park in the centre, and around the edge was the main cathedral and other white buildings (most of which were banks – exciting.) Generally the central area of Popayán was very pretty to stroll through with its perfect colonial architecture.

Puenta del Humilladero

There are two famous bridges in Popayan. The older of the two is the smallest called Puenta de la Custodia and was built to allow priests to cross the river. 150 years or so later the second (Puenta del Humilladero) was constructed. Essentially though these are just bridges and I can’t say are particularly special.

Food:

We found lots of places selling a set lunch menu. This was generally a soup, rice, chicken/beef, salad, chips (traditional Colombia – you always have to have two different types of carbs in there at least), juice and a dessert. All for the tiny price of 8,000 COP (maybe $4.) Our hostel tried to direct us to a very touristy restaurant where one price cost 20,000 COP. It looked really good but when you can get double the amount for half the price it’s really a no brainer to try and avoid the tourist spots. Also, they have loads of fresh pineapple on carts everywhere and it’s really good.

Empanadas de Pipian

In Popayan they have special empanadas which are basically just very tiny doll-like empanadas. One normal sized empanada is the equivalent of about six mini empanadas so even though they are really cheap you end up eating about ten which makes it about the same price in the end.

Caramel buns 

In the market in the main square we accidentally came across these caramel buns with raisins on the top (I have no idea whether they have a name) but they were delicious and we ate at least eight between us when we were there.

Summary:

The city was definitely a nice surprise, we hadn’t been expecting too much but it was very beautiful. It is known as ‘the white city’ and it is easy to see why – all the buildings were white and built in the colonial style (with some of the best preserved colonial buildings in the country) with lots of beautiful cathedrals and churches, and also some of the best Colombian food. I would definitely come back again.