San Agustin, Colombia: A mysterious statue of a male person stands in the rainforest next to an old tree with large roots. The statues of San Agustin are a mystery to historians.

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Popayán

A small colonial-era city known for its chalk-white facades (its nickname is La Ciudad Blanca, or "the White City"), Popayán is second only to Cartagena as Colombia's most well-preserved historic town. Perched beneath towering mountains in the Valle de Pubenza, it was the capital of southern Colombia for centuries, before Cali overtook it.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Iglesia de San Francisco
Popayán
Dating back to the late 18th century, Popayán's largest colonial church is also its most beautiful. Inside are a fine high altar and a collection of seven…
Casa Museo Negret & MIAMP
Popayán
This 18th-century house is the home of world-renowned Colombian artist Edgar Negret, whose vast abstract iron sculptures dot plazas around the country…
Museo Arquidiocesano de Arte Religioso
Popayán
You don't have to be an expert on religious art to be impressed by this collection of paintings, statues, altar pieces, silverware and liturgical vessels,…
Cerro El Morro de Tulcán
Popayán
Behind the Universitario de Tulcán, this hill is topped with an equestrian statue of the city's founder, Sebastián de Belalcázar, and is said to be the…
Casa Museo Mosquera
Popayán
This interesting museum is housed in an 18th-century mansion that was once home to General Tomás Cipriano de Mosquera, who was Colombia's president on…
Museo de Historia Natural
Popayán
One of the best of its kind in the country, this museum on the grounds of Universidad del Cauca is noted for its extensive collection of insects,…
Iglesia La Ermita
Popayán
Constructed in 1546, Popayán's oldest church is well worth seeing for its fine main retable and the fragments of old frescoes, which were only discovered…
Capilla de Belén
Popayán
This chapel on a hill just east of the city center offers fine views over the town.

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