Paicol

Home » Colombia: A guide to travel smarter » Best Places To Visit in Colombia » Cali & South Of Colombia » Paicol

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

Click on the orange links below ⬇️ and scroll down ⬇️ to read the chosen section.

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"!

Download it for free <3

More Places in the South of Colombia

Cali & South of Colombia

More Travel Guides

(Click on the Map)

Click to get back to the table of contents

Table of contents ⬆️

More Colombian destinations

More Colombian Destinations

Where to sleep? What to do? Where to eat? How do you get from one place to another?

Take Smart Decisions

The best Colombia travel guidebook you’ll find on the internet. We answer all your traveler’s concerns. 100% interactive. FREE.

Just one last step and you will be able to start reading our guidebook! You should receive an email soon to confirm your inscription. Please, check your email box (Don't forget the Promotion and junk boxes)