Cauca: Island Trails, Rock Tombs and Traditions

Off Colombia’s Pacific coast lies Parque Nacional Natural Gorgona, 89.5 nautical miles from the port of Buenaventura. The park includes the islands of Gorgona and Gorgonilla; their location in the Department of Cauca connects this island landscape with other natural and cultural destinations in the region. On Gorgona, tropical rainforest, a beach with strong surf and the ruins of a former prison stand side by side. In Cauca, Tierradentro’s underground tombs and Popayán’s traditions add to the picture. When planning a hotel trip through Cauca, it helps to first decide whether you want to focus on island nature, archaeology or culture.

Island Trails and Nature on Gorgona

The Ruta Playa Palmeras runs through the south of Gorgona Island. The 600-meter trail takes about 25 minutes through tropical rainforest to the fine-sand Playa Palmeras beach, where the surf is strong. Along the way, you can enjoy views of Gorgonilla and rock formations.

The Sendero Yundigua is a 2.4-kilometer, two-hour hike through regenerating forests rich in birdlife and endemic species. Compared with the Ruta Playa Palmeras, it is the longer and more time-consuming of the hikes described here; the focus is on forest and biodiversity.

The historic El Penal trail is 395 meters long and takes about an hour to reach the ruins of the former prison, now covered by recovering forest. When choosing a trail, it is useful to consider distance and time separately: El Penal is shorter than the 600-meter route to the beach, but takes about an hour rather than around 25 minutes.

Trail conditions can vary and affect access to the Ruta Playa Palmeras. Check the current situation before your visit.

Archaeological Heritage in Tierradentro

Parque Arqueológico de Tierradentro in the Department of Cauca contains one of the largest concentrations of underground tombs carved into rock. It also features stone sculptures made by a society that lived in the region more than 1,400 years ago. Together, the tombs and sculptures represent two forms of archaeological heritage, giving your visit a different focus from Gorgona’s forest and coastal trails.

The stated admission price includes access to Alto de El Aguacate, Alto de Segovia, Alto de San Andrés, Alto del Duende and El Tablón. Check the current admission conditions before traveling if you are planning your visit around these included sites.

Culture and Nature in Popayán

As the capital of the Department of Cauca, Popayán brings an urban cultural perspective to the regional overview. The Semana Santa processions pass through 22 blocks of the historic center in five nighttime parades. The tradition is said to have begun in 1556; in 1939, the Junta Permanente Pro Semana Santa was founded to continue the traditional religious processions.

El Morro de Tulcán is a pre-Hispanic truncated pyramid and the city’s most important archaeological site. This archaeological site in the urban area complements the religious tradition of the processions.

An ecological trail offers another perspective on Popayán: El Caminito del Barranquero is 400 meters long and lies in the green space of the Urbanización Colina Campestre, beside the Río Molino and the Quebrada Quitacalzón. It is a good place to observe the city’s birdlife.

Discover more destinations: Popayán, El Jazmin, Portachuelo, Paez, Boca Grande, Totoro, Aguablanca, Suarez, Camarones, YARUMALES, El Crucero, Santander de Quilichao, Palo Blanco, El Medio, La Balsa, Silvia, Yaquiva, Guasimo.

For the broader travel overview: Colombia.