Why You Should Move to Colombia

Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007
Popayán, Colombia

Dear International Living Reader,

Sparkling clean, vibrant, and well-maintained, Popayán (Colombia) has just about everything you could hope to find in a Spanish colonial city. The consistently bright white buildings and the high architectural standard doesn’t just extend for a few blocks around the central plaza, but rather covers the whole downtown area.

It’s the first colonial city that I liked better than my former home city of Cuenca, Ecuador…and that’s saying a lot.

At 5,600 feet above sea level and near the equator, Popayán enjoys beautiful weather throughout year. The highest temperature in summer is around 79 degrees Farenheit, while in winter it cools to a pleasant 72 degrees. The homes don’t need heating or air conditioning, so utility bills are low.

As in many Latin American towns, the central square serves as the social center of the city. Starting at 6 a.m., you can buy a hot cup of coffee, get a shoe shine, or just relax with the newspaper. Later in the day, you’ll find couples strolling, buying ice cream, or chatting with friends. If a local band is putting on a performance, dancers are celebrating a festival, or just about any type of public performance is taking place, chances are this is where you’ll find it.

During our visit, we found several fine dining establishments, and in the nicest, we were able to enjoy a fine, six-course meal (including a glass of wine) for less than $17. A taxi from one side of town to the other was just over a dollar, and a breakfast of rich, Colombian coffee and pastries can be had for around 70 cents.

A newly-refurbished three-bedroom apartment in an old colonial building, just two blocks from the square (with a courtyard view), costs $45,000 and rents for $275 per month. I found other apartments for considerably less.

Despite Colombia’s reputation--and the genuine risk of danger in some areas of the country--we felt safe and secure on the streets of Popayán both day and night, as we explored what turned out to be one of our top choices for colonial living in Latin America.

Lee Harrison
Roving Latin America Editor, International Living

http://www.internationalliving.com/publications/free_e_letters/il_post...

By tasco66 on Nov 9, 2007, 13:19 in Friendly Talkzone.

Monpirri says on Nov 9, 2007, 13:35:

ATERRIZAJE AEROPUERTO POPAYAN

Landing at Popayan airport

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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Monpirri says on Nov 9, 2007, 13:47:

Pasillo Vino tinto y Chaflan, Pablo Paz, Popayan, Colombia

“Que linda es mi musica colombiana y mas cuando uno esta lejos añora mucho estar en esta tierra tan linda y con tanto talento que viva Colombia."
HOYOSM

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

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robi666 says on Nov 9, 2007, 14:09:

I always wanted to visit Popayan. My next Colombian destination...
Thanks for the post.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

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Morrongo says on Nov 9, 2007, 15:02:

Popayan is indeed a pretty spot..a 6 course meal...I am interested to know what that was ?

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billyb says on Nov 9, 2007, 15:21:

robi, there is a very good restaurant called El Monasterio in a restored monastery in Popayan if you go.

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fugdis says on Nov 9, 2007, 18:44:

I like popayan,a great place to visit,especially if you like churches

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robi666 says on Nov 9, 2007, 21:31:

I will surely not miss it, Billy.

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nine inch nails says on Nov 9, 2007, 22:51:

Beats the hell out of San Jose Costa Frieka. Now $8 across town but all relative..... $35 across town in West Palm, Miami, or Fort Liquordale.

get down, get down. are you afraid of the boogie monster?

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john_stark says on Nov 10, 2007, 05:56:

International Living is written by idiots for other idiots.

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robi666 says on Nov 10, 2007, 06:14:

You're probably right, John.

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Waterdawg says on Nov 10, 2007, 06:17:

Yo john , most of the time I will agree with you on IL. .. Lee is a little different , was a neighbor of mine for two years in Cuenca Ecuador. He loves the old stuff ( church's and such ) .. He now lives with his wife down in Montevideo ! Pretty straight up dude !

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