El Caracol — Hotel in Popayán

Sister Hostel Trail, also run by couthie Scots folks Tony & Kim, is handier for the bus terminal - and you're almost bound to pop in & out of Popayan to get the most out of Cauca - so consider a night or two there if arriving late or leaving early.|Caracol is as central as you'll get, so if crawling around this wonderful whitewashed city at a snail's pace - though I do recommend crawling up to the top of Cerro de Morro for the magnificent view - no rush, no fire, no worry, no hurry, chicken curry (sorry, thought I was back in Rajasthan).|Consuela has a lovely smiling attitude. Caracol has a nice balance with coffee shop up front, well-functioning hostel through the back. Comfortable, clean, cheerful personality.|La Ciudad Blanca - reminds me a little of its counterpart namesake, Merida in Yucatan - is far removed from the tourist trappings of Cartagena. Colombia's charms usually work best at pueblo level (e.g. Mompox, Jardin, Villa de Leyva, Guatape, Salento, etc, etc, etc) but Popayan in being a larger animal hasn't lost that pueblo...

Popayán is a great spot to spend a few days relaxing if you are en route to or from Ecuador or on your way to San Agustín. It's got lots of activities close by including a volcano, thermal baths, local markets and bike rides. I've been to Popayán several times now and Caracol is definitely my hostel of choice. The staff have so much information about what to do locally as well as how to get to your next destination, the rooms are clean and comfortable, the café out front is the perfect spot for meeting other travellers or people living in Popayán and its location is ideal (El Morro sunsets should not be missed). For those seeking some adventure (I went on the thermal baths bike tour and loved it) or private tours around the South of the country ask in the hostel about...

Warm recommendation to both visit Popayan - and to stay at El Caracol. It is very nicely located a short walking distance from the centre - but also not on a busy street which makes it a nicely quiet location by any Colombia town centre standards. The managing team by Marta et al. is fantastic and helpful, the food is great and the rooms / overall deco / little garden are wonderful, with the owner Tony having peppered it up with his vintage / upcycled items from his family collection and from around Popayan. And if you are staying, do use the "adjacent" services of the Popayan Tours for days out enjoying Cauca, off the beaten track. I was travelling solo - and Le Caracol / Popayan Tours became my family...