Popayán Overview

The Pan-American Highway twists and turns for 248 kilometers (149 miles) north from Pasto, arriving at Popayán in the Valle de Pubenza. The landscape to the south, east and north of this city is verdant plains studded with mountains. To the southeast is Volcan Puracé and the national park named for it.

Popayán is nicknamed the Ciudad Blanca, or White City. Its narrow streets are lined with two-story buildings constructed in rococo Andalusian-style architecture. Their whitewash is almost blinding on a sunny day. The cathedral is styled in clean, classic Roman lines. The central plaza, Parque Caldas, is a pleasant place to seek shade beneath palm and flowering trees. Frequently musicians or comedians entertain the crowds.

Traveling north towards Cali (142 kilometers/85 miles away) you then enter the humid Valle del Cauca, surrounded by cordilleras (mountain ranges) on either side. During this journey you can occasionally see Nevado del Huila.