High End Hotels in Southern Colombia

By Lorraine Caputo

In much of southern Colombia is a surprisingly limited range of lodging options, especially in the luxury class of hotels. Popayán has some of the finest, located in colonial-era buildings. In cities like Ipiales and Pasto, the trend is moving to provide for this group of clientele. Even in San Agustín, a long-popular tourist destination amongst foreigners is seeing a new concept of deluxe vacation homes rising on its landscapes. Many smaller villages—San Agustín, Tierradentro and Puracé, among others—are a budget traveler's paradise, with rooms below $5 per night.

In some of these villages, only the most basic hotels are available. Campgrounds are beginning to become more common in the region. You'll be able to break out your tent if heading for Playa El Morro on the coast, Parque Nacional Natural Puracé, San Agustín and Tierradentro.