Let’s be frank. No one knows Paicol and yet it is a fabulous option for travelers who transit between San Agustin and Bogotá and don’t want to take a straight 16-hour bus ride. You can add this authentic and not very touristy destination to your itinerary in Colombia if you head South.

Only 40min south of Neiva, Paicol is a small colonial village – only 7 streets – built in 1701. Also known as Puerta del Viento, Paicol is a quiet and safe place where everyone knows each other.
In the evening, the inhabitants gather in the main square. They sit on the same bench or share a coffee around the corner.

In Paicol, you can also enjoy the natural surroundings with the activities offered by Naventura, a top local agency:

  • Discover the famous Caja De Agua that could make Paicol more famous. It is a cave that you can explore with a guide. Sensations guaranteed, claustrophobic abstain!
  • Look for some thrills in rafting in the rapids of the Paez River.
  • Discover the surrounding hills by mountain bike.
  • Initiate yourself to waterfall abseiling in a magnificent setting.
  • Enjoy a quiet and restful village and charming surroundings.

 

Getting to Paicol? (+)

From Neiva:

From Cali:

  • From the terminal, catch a bus in the direction of Neiva and ask to be dropped off near Paicol. | Flota Magdalena & Coomotor & Bolivariano | 9h

From San Agustin:

  • Catch a bus in the direction of Neiva and ask to be dropped off near Paicol. | Linea Verde | 3 h

Where's the terminal?

In Paicol, there is no bus terminal as such. You’ll have to wait for your bus at the corner of a street. Ask your hotel for the timetables and the street where you have to wait for the bus.

Table of Contents

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Where to stay in Paicol

Paicol is so tiny that the location of your hotel doesn't matter. We went to visit them with Naventura.

  • Puerta Del Viento

    Hotel - $$

    Puerta Del Viento

    Lovely hotel with lots of vegetation. Basic and clean rooms. Natural swimming pool.
    Learn more
  • Guacana

    Hotel - $$

    Guacana

    Posada with an old school decoration. Comfy rooms. Peaceful place and lovely owners.
    Learn more

Things to do in Paicol

Paicol is a perfect stop if you want to mix easy outdoor activities while staying in a cute colonial town off the beaten path. Moreover, it's a strategical option if you plan to visit Tierradentro and Tatacoa.

  • La Chorrera

    1 - 2 hours | Free

    La Chorrera

    An Easy 10 min walk from town. 2 Pools and a great viewpoint. Cool waterfall.
    Learn more
  • La Motilona

    4 hours | $$

    La Motilona

    40 min by bike with Naventura. Lovely waterfall and a pool where you can swim.
    Learn more
  • Caja de Agua

    2 hours | $$

    Caja de Agua

    Explore for 1h30 a vast cave where you have to crawl to get out alive. Fun & without risk.
    Learn more
  • Rappelling

    2 - 3 hours | $$

    Rappelling

    An experience perfect for beginners. One 15m waterfall to decide if you want to do it more often. No suit.
    Learn more
  • Rafting

    3 - 4 hours | $$

    Rafting

    Go down the river on a raft. Rapids class 2 - 3. Perfect activity to do with friends and families.
    Learn more
  • Explore the region

    3-day trip | $$$

    Explore the region

    Tour from Neiva (or Paicol) to visit Tierradentro and the colonial town of Paicol, rafting trip & exploring a deep cave.
    Get the best price
  • Tierradentro

    2-day trip

    Tierradentro

    It's only 2 hours away by private transportation. Uncover underground mystery tombs. Read our travel guide.
  • Tatacoa

    2-day trip

    Tatacoa

    You just 2 hours away from the Tatacoa desert. Book a tour or do it on your own. Read our travel guide.

Where to eat & drink?

For us, good restaurants and exciting nightlife are important when traveling. We gathered our favorite picks on an interactive Map. Download the APP "Mapstr" and look for "Colombia Insider"!

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