Visit Guambiano territory

Visit the gorgeous countryside which is the territory of the Guambiano indians and their famous market at Silvia.

The countryside around Popayán is delightful, with range after range of pea-green, rucked hills adorned with ribbon-like waterfalls and pitted with lagoons and hot springs. The region is well worth exploring in its own fight, but more so if you are planning to visit the villages of the Guambiano indians.

This indigenous community is easily identified by the costume which the people still choose to wear, the men sporting blue and fuchsia tunics while the women envelope themselves in deep blue shawls and cover their heads in black bowler hats. Once reserved and suspicious of outsiders they are now beginning to appreciate the benefits of inviting visitors in to their homes and craft workshops and offer you a friendly welcome.

If you visit the main town Silvia on a Tuesday you’ll have the chance of browsing the renowned market bulging with fruit, vegetables and household goods: this is not a tourist affair, rather a shopping opportunity for Guambianos from the villages around which you might be tempted to visit if you are not there on a Tuesday. The market has grown in popularity recently and Otavalo Indians have moved in with their distinctive artesania, but discovering the Guambiano territory is still very much an authentic experience.     

Colombia

San Agustin, Popayan and Cali