Things to do & places to visit in Cauca Department, Colombia

Cauca Department #19 destination in Colombia 2023. The average rating score is 4.35 based on 1.723 traveler reviews, of 56 attractions. Timezone: America/Bogota, current date and time: Saturday, May 04, 2024, 22:31.

Top things to do (44)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Malpelo Fauna and Flora Sanctuary (17 reviews)
- OUT of this World: a MUST 4 serious advanced divers.
Nature & Wildlife Areas

This place is worldwide known between advanced divers. It is a paradise. This is home of hammer-sharks, literally thousands of them, probably one of the most beautiful & peaceful sharks to watch in his natural habitat. Reach Malpelo Island is not easy task, that's why this keeps being a low visited place. I would advice to contact a diving company at Bogota and taking a flight from Bogotá to Buenaventura port where you will get the ship that will take you first to Gorgona Island that is 8-12 hours by sea, and where will be done some divings to know the divers. From Gorgona Island (another divers paradise) it will take 20 - 24 hours to reach Malpelo. Another option is to fly from Bogota to Guapi, from here it takes just 2 hours by fast boat to reach Malpelo Island. You won't find any hotel/similars to stay in Malpelo. Over there you will sleep in your boat, so, be sure to make contact with a very well known divers shop. Overall rating: 6 stars undoubtedly. See more..
5.0 Alquila la 2022 Kawasaki Mule Pro (10 reviews)
- Excellent
Self-Guided Tours & Rentals

Freddy was easy to work with and very professional. We used the Kawasaki for a full week and barely had to get gas. So much fun to explore the island as a family. Go with this company!!!!!!! See more..
5.0 Lago El Bolson (9 reviews)
- Good for a swim, orquid trails and casas campesinas
Bodies of Water

Calm and luke-warm waters, the artifically constructed reservoir by the Lehman family (40´s) is now home to a bounty of migratory birds and other interesting avifauna, wildlife and birds. The lake itself, can be swam in its entirety from Magdelena´s house to the , red home in the middle, Finca La Nirvana where they offer good accommodation and traditional food, Ajiaco y Sancocho. Both sides of the humedal, offer boat service and camping. 7km from Panamericana, Well-signed. See more..
5.0 Laguna Del Buey (3 reviews)
- Un lugar de paz
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 2-3 hours Bodies of Water

La laguna está ubicada dentro del Parque Nacional Natural Puracé, a más de 3.000 mts. de altura. Hay que estar atento al punto de la carretera donde arranca el sendero, al que se recomienda acceder con buen abrigo, botas pantaneras y un buen palo de caminar, pues es paisaje de páramo y casi todo el camino está lleno de lodo. El trayecto entre la carretera y el lago toma aproximadamente hora y media, pero al llegar, en serio que todo habrá valido la pena.
La laguna está ubicada dentro del Parque Nacional Natural Puracé, a más de 3.000 mts. de altura. Hay que estar atento al punto de la carretera donde arranca el sendero, al que se recomienda acceder con buen abrigo, botas pantaneras y un buen palo de caminar, pues es paisaje de páramo y casi todo el camino está lleno de lodo. El trayecto entre la carretera y el lago toma aproximadamente hora y media, pero al llegar, en serio que todo habrá valido la pena. See more..
5.0 Parroquia Amo Jesús de Yanaconas (2 reviews)
- Iglesia Doctrinera En Popayan
Churches & Cathedrals

Como arquitecta y por haber nacido en una ciudad llena de Iglesias como lo es Popayan, siempre he sentido una fascinación por la arquitectura religiosa colonial. Una de las Iglesias menos conocidas y mas importantes por la historia que hay detrás de ella es la Iglesia del Amo Jesús de Yanaconas, una de las pocas iglesias Doctineras que queda en Colombia. Construido entre los años 1548-1560 elaborado por los mismo indígenas es uno de las iglesias mas antiguas de Popayan.
Como llegar? lo mas recomendable es ir con guía o tomar un taxi porque esta ubicado en un barrio un poco escondido de Popayan, se ubica en la vía hacia el Huila. Es un lindo lugar para ir y visitarlo por fuera porque las misas son en la tarde, hora que no recomiendo estar en este lugar y aunque considero que no es peligroso si es mejor ir acompañado e ir temprano. See more..
5.0 Charco El Burro (1 review)
- Charco del Burro. Cauca
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent More than 3 hours Bodies of Water

Es un hermosísimo lugar. Clima perfecto. Naturaleza y tranquilidad.
Cascadas y río para pasar la mañana y la tarde. En el lugar no hay hospedaje ni restaurantes, pero es muy cerca, ningún problema para llegar hasta ahí. Muy recomendado. See more..
5.0 Waterfall San Roque (1 review)
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Waterfalls

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5.0 Estanco Jhos (1 review)
Spent More than 3 hours Bars & Clubs

Find in our store the best and most complete assortment of national and foreign liquors at wholesale and retail prices, also enjoy in our bar a safe environment and specially designed to share, talk and dance with your friends and family. Enjoy our new space and make new relationships. Cocktails service and drink shots See more..
5.0 Nuestra Senora del Rosario Piendamo (1 review)
Spent 2-3 hours Churches & Cathedrals

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5.0 Parque Nacional Natural Munchique (1 review)
- UNEXPLORED NATIONAL PARK OF COLOMBIA - SPECTACULAR VIEWS, NATIVE FOREST & TAMBEÑA CULTURA
National Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

One of the first tour operators, Paisaje y Cultura Cauca SAS, are offering special trips to one of Cauca´s most treasured and unknown national parks. Closed for several years due to the conflict and illegal groups operating in the area - the agency guaranteed us safe passing through the territory, explaining the issues and actors in the area. PNN Munchique is ideal for watching wild animals and birds - at the moment there are a lack of complementary activities, but plenty of wildlife and avifauna to discover.. See more..
5.0 Centro Comercial Terraplaza (1 review)
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Shopping Malls
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4.5 Parque Caldas (298 reviews)
- beautiful area to sit and people watch
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Sat here for a while and lots of others too were doing the same.Lots of activities going on in the area and lovely buildings around it. See more..
4.5 Tierradentro (151 reviews)
- Fascinating, less visited place - worth the effort to get here
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Ancient Ruins • National Parks

Impressive prehispanic decorated tombs See more..
4.5 Torre del Reloj (139 reviews)
- A rebuild clocktower with a remarkably faulty clock.
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Next to the cathedral, the clocktower merits some explanations from the friendly walking-tour guides. See more..
4.5 Centro Historico de Popayan (132 reviews)
- Unspoilt by tourism
Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings

The historical centre of Popayan is a quaint white city influenced by the Spanish. Popayan is just starting to invite tourists and has many things to do in and around the area. Cauca area has Nature walks, bird watching, volcano hike, mud springs, indigenous towns / markets and coffee farm. There are festivals and celebrations at different times of the year. Popayan is known for its traditional gastronomical cuisine and do have a food festival each year. The weather is consistent and ranges between 18 - 30 all year. It often rains at about 4pm for a short while, however in Oct/Nov it is known as wet season. See more..
4.5 Iglesia de San Francisco (69 reviews)
- Inside is so cool
Churches & Cathedrals

It is the largest colonial church is the city and very worth a visit. If you have a chance to go inside please do, it is great especially high altar and 7 side altarpieces. It is on the corner of Cra 9th and Cll 4th. It was restored after the 1983 earthquake. See more..
4.5 Museo Arquidiocesano de Arte Religioso (43 reviews)
- Center of the preparations of the Semana Santa procession
Art Museums

Around a lovely courtyard, the rooms show off a collection of religious art: paintings, silverware and other church paraphernalia. See more..
4.5 Teatro Municipal Guillermo Valencia (41 reviews)
- Rebuild, it does not share the 'whiteness' of the surroundings
Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Theaters

Main stage of the culture of Cauca declared a National Monument (Dec 2248 12/11/1996). The first stone was laid on July 20, 1892 and its inauguration took place on December 22, 1927. See more..
4.5 Morro del Tulcán (40 reviews)
- THE place to overlook Popayan
Saturday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Monuments & Statues

We visited on a Sunday afternoon, so lots of people, but beautiful views in all directions. An easy walk up to the top. See more..
4.5 Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption (40 reviews)
- Beautiful cathedral
Points of Interest & Landmarks

The most important temple in downtown. Was rebuilt after the 1983 earthquake, but still hosts all the antique images from the colony. It is a sacred place for catholics and part of the skyline of downtown popayan. If you visit, please remain quiet as respect to the temple and the people praying or attending mass. See more..
4.5 Iglesia La Ermita de Popayan (36 reviews)
- Oldest church in town yielding frescos discovered after the earthquake
Churches & Cathedrals

On a smallish square, just a block or two from Pargue Caldas, the 16th century church has remnants of old frescos. See more..
4.5 Museo Nacional Guillermo Valencia (27 reviews)
- Beautiful huge colonial home
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Do not confuse this museum with the Casa Guillermo Leon Valencia on Calle 5. This is the original Valencia family home. It is where the famous poet/politician Guillermo Valencia lived his entire life (and where his son, Guillermo Leon Valencia was a child). This is a huge and beautiful old colonial home. For a couple centuries the Valencia's were one of the three most prominent families in Popayan. Entrance is free but you must go through with a guide. Our guide was wonderful. He did not speak English but did talk in a very slow and easy-to-understand manner. I've never had a better Spanish-language tour. Note, it is not permitted to take photos inside the rooms. It is OK on the balconies and in the gardens. See more..
4.5 Indigenous Market (22 reviews)
- Unique, super, to discover !
Spent < 1 hour Flea & Street Markets

Every Tuesday, in the Andean town of Silvia, the Indigenous market of the Guambiana community takes place. Tucked away at 2,620m, this important cultural meeting maintained a strange authenticity that is hard to find in other indigenous markets in Latin America. The market itself is more than a cultural attraction - with the opportunity to see the local indigenous community trading among them. Local production, agriculture and textiles dominate the market. However you can buy small souvenirs that come from handmade manufactures, such as borbados and knapsacks woven in wool. Nice food at every corner. See more..
4.5 Iglesia de Santo Domingo (18 reviews)
- Be Sure to Visit the Claustro de Santo Domingo Next to the Church - a Hidden Gem!
Churches & Cathedrals

The highlight of our first day in Popayan was catching a chance glimpse through this doorway into a magnificent patio next to the church. We peeked through the windows and asked the guards if we could come in and what was the building? They kindly let us in and informed us that it was the Law School of the Universidad del Cauca. What a hidden gem! See more..
4.5 Cerro de Las Tres Cruces (14 reviews)
- Great Views of Popayan
Saturday: Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

I went early in the morning, around 7am. Cool temps and many people jogging, walking dogs. I was advised not to take anything with me, so I just went with my water bottle and my phone tucked out of sight. It's an easy walk and the trails are well maintained. Supposedly it's also a nice place for bird watching, although there weren't that many when we went. Great view of Popayan from the top. See more..
4.5 Museo Negret (14 reviews)
- Unassuming and worth a visit
Art Galleries • History Museums

The museum is unassuming from the outside but is well worth the visit. The art donated by Negret in the museum is fantastic especially alongside his families belongings and traditional artifacts. You can clearly see how his upbringing in Popayán affected his art career. The artwork is of the caliber of what you would see in any large modern art gallery just in a more humble setting, refreshing! If you're an art lover and need a break from the religious art/church visits in Popayán, give it a go. You won't be disappointed. See more..
4.5 Kirche Santo Domingo (12 reviews)
- Colonial Church
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This is a Spanish Colonial Church . Seems very majestic on the outside but more humble on the interior but it has some very old religious items .Its diagonal to a great restaurant and in the old town . See more..
4.5 Paraninfo Caldas (10 reviews)
- Beautiful former Dominican monastery/cloister, now the Faculty of Law and Social Sciences
Architectural Buildings

Entrance to the side of the Iglesia Santo Domingo, this 16/17 century former monastery has been carefully restored and it is a very pleasant environment. It takes some searching, but find the Paraninfo, which is in actual fact the honour auditorium (Aula magna) magnificently decorated with wall paintings. See more..
4.5 Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación (7 reviews)
- Gem
Churches & Cathedrals

Small but very interesting, the side altars are wonderful, in particulat the ornaments at the background panels. For me the most beautiful of all churches in popayan... See more..
4.5 Canopy Las Ardillas (6 reviews)
- Senderos, paisaje y charcos azules
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

Siempre un placer, emocionante y seguro. Perfect for everyone n all ages. Camping, food n fun. Well signposted, easy to reach from Popayán. See more..