San Agustin, Popayan and Cali holidays
San Agustin, Popayan and Cali holidays at a glance
Southern Colombia is a region of quiescent volcanoes, steep emerald-green valleys, pastures and sugar plantations, scattered with attractive villages and vibrant towns. It’s one of the more rewarding places to visit in Colombia for travellers who want to go beyond the classic highlights.
The UNESCO-listed San Agustín archaeological site is the must-see of the region. Its remarkable Bosque de las Estatuas, or Forest of Statues, holds a collection of enigmatic carved figures left by a culture that still keeps many of its secrets, set among green hills that make the site as beautiful as it is mysterious.
Popayán offers a very different experience. A Spanish colonial university town, it’s a delightful stop, its lanes resonating with salsa and classical music in equal measure. Up in the mountains nearby, the village of Silvia is known for the striking traditional costumes worn by the local Guambiano community.
Then there’s Cali, a prosperous tropical city surrounded by fertile farmland, plantations and cattle ranches, and famed as Colombia’s party capital. Salsa rules the roost here, and the city’s energy makes a lively counterpoint to the archaeology and colonial heritage elsewhere in southern Colombia.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to San Agustin, Popayan and Cali
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
A journey through San Agustín, Popayán and Cali reveals different sides of Colombia, combining ancient history, colonial heritage and the vibrant energy of salsa.
When to visit San Agustin, Popayan and Cali
The best time to visit San Agustín, Popayán and Cali depends on the places you plan to explore. Cali sits in the hot and humid Cauca Valley, whereas the higher elevations of San Agustín and Popayán provide cooler conditions. Rain is possible throughout the year, and the region can become particularly busy during major holidays and cultural celebrations.
These months are the busiest for visitors as they coincide with Latin American holiday times. Cali enjoys temperatures in the mid-to-high twenties and slightly less rainfall during these months, while San Agustín remains in the low 20°Cs with plenty of rainfall. The Feria de Cali takes place in either December or January and involves incredible salsa dancing and live music, while in Popayán there are traditional costumes and foam fights to celebrate the Festival de los Negros y Blancos in January.
These months are fairly wet across Cali, San Agustín and Popayán, so be sure to pack waterproof clothing for any outdoor activities. In Cali you’ll enjoy steamy temperatures of around 29°C, while higher up in San Agustín and Popayán things feel a little cooler and fresher at 24°C.
August is the warmest month in San Agustín and Popayán, averaging 24°C, while Cali remains at a toasty 30°C. These months also offer some of the driest weather conditions across all three areas, with the least rain falling in August.
These are some of the wettest months of the year in San Agustín and Popayán, so if you are planning on outdoor activities it is best to bring plenty of waterproof clothing. There are fewer visitors than in the high season, and the landscapes will be fresh and glistening with raindrops. Cali remains humid and hot all year round, and rainfall can be expected at any time during these months.
Top Things to do in San Agustin, Popayan and Cali
Discover the best things to do in San Agustín, Popayán and Cali, from exploring fascinating archaeological sites and colonial streets to experiencing Colombia’s vibrant culture and salsa scene.
Hundreds of enigmatic carved statues of humans and animals are scattered over an area of beautiful hills at San Agustin in Colombia’s Beautiful South.
Visit the gorgeous countryside which is the territory of the Guambiano indians and their famous market at Silvia.
Purace National Park is a starkly beautiful region of volcanoes, lagoons and cloud forest.
Visit the startling red desert at Tatacoa, a starkly beautiful wilderness of arid, sculptured rock.
Stroll through the elegant white-washed Spanish colonial streets of unspoilt Popayán in southern Colombia.
Accommodation in San Agustin, Popayan and Cali
Accommodation in the region leans towards characterful colonial-style hotels. Hotel La Plazuela and the Monasterio San Agustín Boutique Hotel are two of our favourites, both making a comfortable base for exploring southern Colombia.
Hotel La Plazuela is a colonial style mid-range property close to Popayán’s beautiful main plaza.
Monasterio San Agustin is a superior colonial-style boutique hotel overlooking San Agustín.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to San Agustin, Popayan and Cali
Group San Agustin, Popayan and Cali Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Weaverbird: Spirit of Colombia
Places visited: Bogota · San Agustin, Popayan and Cali · Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera) · Caribbean coast and islands · Villa de Leyva & Barichara · Cartagena
16 days from £3,326
Tailor-Made San Agustin, Popayan and Cali Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Off the beaten track Colombia: San Agustin and the Amazon
Places visited: Bogota · San Agustin, Popayan and Cali · The Colombian Amazon
12 days from £3,800
FAQs about visiting San Agustin, Popayan and Cali
San Agustin, Popayan and Cali is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit San Agustin, Popayan and Cali?
Sitauated in the sweltering Cauca valley, Cali is hot and humid all the year round though it can rain at any time. Popayán, Silvia and San Agustin are at a higher elevation and so substantially cooler, with a drier feel to the air: all in all the climate is sunny, warm and pleasant. Most rain falls Apr-Jun but it can rain here at any time too, which explains the verdant landscape.This region can be busy with visitors at holiday times: Christmas, Carnival and Easter, and there are other festivities throughout the year when the towns and cities are very crowded..
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What language is spoken in San Agustin, Popayan and Cali?
The main language spoken in San Agustin, Popayan and Cali is Spanish.
- What currency do I need in San Agustin, Popayan and Cali?
The Peso is the main currency used in San Agustin, Popayan and Cali. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs in major cities using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Be aware that some ATMs are often out of service but there should be a working one nearby. Banks will offer advances on a credit card, but with a lot of paperwork. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor).
- What is the time difference between Cali and the UK?
The time difference between Cali and the UK is GMT – 5 hrs
- How do I get to San Agustin, Popayan and Cali?
There are daily flights from Bogotá to and from Popayán.
Cali receives flights from Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena and other cities.A road journey between Cali and Popayán takes 2-3hrs; from Cali to San Agustin 9hrs; from Popayán to San Agustin 7-8hrs, from Popayán to Silvia 90mins. - What are the cultural events in San Agustin, Popayan and Cali?
Cali:
25Dec – 3Jan – Cali International fair.Variable Feb-Mar – Carnival.Holy week – Easter, variable.June – artisan fair.Aug – Festival of Music from the Pacific.Sep – International Art festival.Popayán:5-6 Jan – Dia de los |negros y Dia de los Blancos.Variable Feb-Mar – Carnival.Holy week – Easter, variable; spectacular processions throughout the week.International Sacred Music Festival.Sep – Gastronomic fair.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.