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At this point everyone already knows Medellin. It has been adopted by digital nomads and is also popular among solo travelers.
That brings a lot of chaos that you don’t necessarily have to deal with to cross Colombia off your list.
Is Medellin old news? No, not necessarily.
But don’t sleep on Colombia’s hidden gems.
While you may not want to visit Bogota for more than a stopover, and Medellin has its own problems that we reported on earlier this year, there is so much more to discover in this fascinating country.
Whether it’s beaches, ancient locations or the timeless streets of Popayan, Colombia’s undiscovered cityit’s time to trade the chaos of Medellin for a more authentic experience in one of the country’s most picturesque settings.
Colombia’s little-known part of Spain
I get it. Saying that there is a ‘piece of Spain’ in the middle of Colombia may seem a bit dramatic, but what else do blocks and blocks of fascinating whitewashed buildings remind you of?
Santorini maybe? Now That would be a stretch!
With no blue borders and endless shiny white structures, Spain is the best comparison, as there is no other place like it in the country.
Furthermore, Popayan was, for better or worse, centuries ago on the Spanish conquistador’s trade route through South America, and the preservation of their lasting marks is incredible to visit.
It’s baffling that such a beautiful city has gone under the radar for so long, but that’s probably because Colombia has so many other popular destinations.
Popayan also doesn’t have an international airport (serving only a few domestic flights), so it’s more of a trek to get here than to go to Medellin, Cartegena or Cali.
Speaking of which, Cali is the most convenient gateway to Popayan by bus unless you take a flight via Bogota via Avianca or Clic.
Upon arrival you’ll be welcomed by beautiful colonial architecture, historic cobbled streets and virtually no tourists – but don’t worry; it’s safe here!
Safe And incredibly budget-friendly
Colombia’s White City, as it is known, ticks all the boxes that many travelers look for when venturing to this side of the world.
Firstly, unlike Medellin, where it’s almost guaranteed that you’ll have an unfortunate encounter the longer you stay, Popayan is generally considered safe.
The only thing to keep in mind is that you may stand out as one of the few tourists in the entire city of almost 320,000 inhabitants.
Moreover, you can stay cheaply in one of the many bright white buildings, whether it is a boutique hotel, hostel or rental accommodation.
For example, you can stay over Hotel Dann Monasterioa former 16th century monastery turned chic hotel for just $41 on Priceline.
Airbnbs, on the other hand, offer comparable rates and more space than a traditional hotel room, so you’ll have plenty of options at hand.
Monthly stays are even better, so those digital nomads from Medellin who are tired of trying to keep their heads spinning can definitely opt for Popayan for super cheap – think nice apartments for $300 – $450 per month.
Where do I register?
Calling all foodies! UNESCO’s first ‘city of gastronomy’
Often, UNESCO has designated specific sites or regions to protect cultural heritage and encourage education.
But did you know they also do the same with food?
While it’s completely different from receiving Michelin stars, it still shows how great a place it can be to enjoy local cuisine.
Although Colombian restaurants in the United States are not as popular as they should be, Colombian cuisine goes far beyond savory empanadas.
Popayan was the first ‘City of gastronomy‘ recognized by UNESCO, especially for the rich fertile soil that results in fresh ingredients, whether it is the locals’ favorite drink chicha or corn pancakes.
The culinary traditions here are well preserved, partly thanks to UNESCO and partly thanks to the proud sense of community shown here in the numerous restaurants, where traditional methods are still used, such as esamargados (marinade of fruit and peel).
Although UNESCO itself does not provide restaurant recommendations, TripAdvisor certainly. Check out these 3 top-rated restaurants:
- Restaurante Carmina (perfect rating!)
- Mora Castilla
- La Cosecha Parrillada Centro
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
