Popayan - photo

Popayan:

Popayan (1737m) was our second destination in Colombia. It was conquered by De Belalcazar on 13 January 1537. It is known as the "white city" because of its beautiful colonial houses and the city is well-known for its contributions to Colombian cultural and political life. More presidents have come from Popayán than any other city in Colombia and it was also home to noted poets, painters, and composers. Much of the city's original splendor was destroyed on 31 March 1983, when an earthquake toppled many buildings. Though many were rebuilt and repaired, the colonial center still bears ruins and empty lots from the disaster.
Unfortunately for us, it was raining all the afternoons so we were walking on the morning and relaxing the afternoon in the nice hostel called HostelTrail run by Eddy a nice Glasgow boy.

- The Clock Tower is an important landmark in the city of Popayan. It was built on the main Plaza or Plaza de Caldas (which was under works when we came) between 1675 and 1682. The clock was added in 1737,
- The "Humilladero" bridge was built in 1868 and is made from 11 arches,
- Panoramic views of Popayan from the "Morro del Tulcan". The Morro del Tulcan was the main archeological site of Popayan and consists in an incomplete pyramid built during the pre-colombian era. On this pyramid now there is a statue dedicated to the Conquistador De Belalcazar,
- Ah!! The traditional Colombian bus!!! Still running! But so far all the buses we have taken to travel were some of the most comfortable but also the most expensive. We have been amazed by the price of the bus tickets but the roads are in very good state even in the Andes and there are lots of expensive "peajes" or "toll booth" every often. That could explain the prices.