Private Tour: Popayán Day Trip from Cali

After hotel pickup in Cali, travel with your private guide for about 2.5 hours to Popayán, located in the foothills of southwestern Colombia.
You’ll stop at the halfway point in Pescador to stretch your legs and munch on a provided snack of pandebono, traditional Colombian cheese bread, along with water or soda. Back in the car, discuss what's in store for the day with your guide; since this is a private tour, you can decide how much time you stay at each site.
Popayán, founded in 1537 by Sebastián de Belalcázar, boasts an array of blanched buildings. It’s hard to believe the White City nearly crumbled during a 1983 earthquake as you walk past restored 18th-century neoclassical homes that now serve as museums.
At Archdiocesan Museum of Religious Art, wander through exhibits of Christian iconography dating back to the 16th century, including paintings, furnishings and a collection of 14 monstrances.
Continue on to colonnaded Guillermo Leon Valencia House Museum, named after the former president who lived here, to browse a collection of period furniture, photographs and documents relating to Valencia's family and presidency. Outside, capture a lovely view of the historic Humilladero Bridge.
Check out a miniature version of Popayán at Rincón Payanés, also called 'Pueblito Patojo,' in a popular local park. Your guide will point out the replica of La Ermita Church, representing the city’s oldest church, and where to shop for souvenirs along the cobblestone streets.
In palm tree–shaded Caldas Park, pass shoe shiners and elders playing dominoes en route to see the 18th-century clock tower known as Torre del Reloj, and learn about what the lead inside the clock has been used for. Also in this square, admire the clean Roman architectural lines of Catedral Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, the city cathedral.
Other eye-catching sites include baroque San Francisco Church and its 3-ton bell, and the yellow façade of Jesuit San Jose Church, which breaks the all-white city line. For panoramas of Popayán, huff and puff on your way up stone steps to reach charming Belén Chapel, and then head up El Morro de Tulcán, where you’ll discover a statue of city founder Belalcázar.
When your stomach starts to rumble, just let your guide know. Depending on where you are in the city, your guide will lead you to one of two thoughtfully selected local restaurants featuring sumptuous Valle del Cauca cuisine. When you’re ready to leave the architectural jewels of Popayán behind, enjoy transport back to Cali for an evening drop-off at your hotel.