The most popular tour in Popayan, the Coconuco Downhill Cycling trip leaves HostelTrail every single day of the year with a minimum of two people. Guests are collected from the hostel at 10am and driven to the indigenous mountain village of Cocouco where you can bathe in the hot thermal springs. After a time in the springs, jump on the bikes and start the 30km leisurely ride back to the hostel. The route is mainly downhill on a paved road with very little traffic.

includes: bike rental & helmet, transport, thermal springs entrance, adventure sports insurance.

60,000 Pesos pp (2 to 8 people)

Puracé Volcano and Kokonuco Indigenous reserve is located about 2.5 hours from Popayan and offers a great chance to climb an active volcano which requires no specialist skills or equipment. We offer a daytrip to climb the volcano starting at 7am, driving to the base in private transport then starting the ascent at around 9.30am accompanied by a local indigenous guide. Total walking time 3-5 hours.

The trip includes transport, entrance fees to the reserve, guiding fee, a hot drink, adventure sports insurance. The trip can run with a minimum of 5 people.

130,000 Pesos pp (5-8 people)

The indigenous market of Silvia is perhaps the most famous market in the country. Every tuesday, the 'Guambianos' come down from the mountains in their traditional dress to trade fruit, vegetables and pots and pans.

The market starts early, usually with the setting up of the stalls at 6am and finishes with the loading of the Chivas (traditional wooden buses) in the main square at around 2pm. Silvia is located just one hour from Popayan and buses leave from the main bus station every 20 minutes.

A spectacular setting and little known archeological site, Tierradentro is located by the village of San Andres de Pisimbala just 4 hours from Popayan. This series of underground tombs dating back hundreds years still has the original wall paintings, ceramics and structures in tact. The sites are spread out across the stunning, rolling green landscape and trekking or horse-riding between the sites can be just as enjoyable as the sites themselves. The tombs are well maintained although not all are lit so taking a torch is recommended. The informative museum at the park entrance gives some history about the tribes who previously inhabited this area.

As a beautiful colonial town nestled in the Northern Andes, Popayan is an excellent choice for those wishing to drop their backpacks for a while and take some refresher Spanish Classes. Popayan has no fewer than 22 colleges and universities and as such has a large student population which gives the city a young and vibrant feel.

HostelTrail uses mordern language students from the University of Cauca who offer classes in the hostel from just 20,000 Pesos per hour. Group discounts are available too. For more details, feel free to get in touch.

 

For more information about tours, activities and transport options, please visit www.popayantours.com