Travel Guide Popayán

Popayán is the capital of the department of Cauca, in the south of the country. It is nicknamed the "white city" of Colombia, for its vast historical center, where a brilliant white omnipresent illuminates the facades of the colonial houses and churches. Its cobbled streets are lined with beautiful houses with whitewashed walls, wrought iron balconies and flowering bushes. Behind the imposing porte cochere, one guesses green patios and fountains. Small square squares punctuate with their freshness the succession of alleys dozing in the air. This city full of charm is also a very lively city, which has nothing to do with a museum city, thanks to the presence of numerous students in the cafes and bars of the historical center. Popayán is also one of the main religious cities of the country. Catholics celebrate Holy Week here like nowhere else in Colombia. Pompous processions, which have nothing to envy to those of the south of Spain, parade in the streets and attract thousands of faithful. So much so that Unesco has registered this tradition as an intangible heritage of humanity in 2009. The celebrations last five days. Men carry heavy statues, preserved since 1858, date of the first known ceremony. Since then, this carrier's job has been passed on with pride from father to son. At night, on this same occasion, silent marches are held, lit by candlelight. During this period, Popayán organizes exhibitions of art and religious music in which artists from all over the world participate.In a region with many active volcanoes, the city has been the victim of many earthquakes since its construction and throughout the centuries, more or less devastating, notably in 1885 and 1983. Slight tremors can be felt quite regularly. If you come from the tropical lowlands, remember to bring some warm clothes for the evening, but in general the climate is very pleasant at an altitude of 1,740 meters.