Paicol
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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:
- Bus terminal | Coomotor | 2 hours
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.
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Hotel - $$
Puerta Del Viento
Lovely hotel with lots of vegetation. Basic and clean rooms. Natural swimming pool.Learn more -
Hotel - $$
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.
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1 - 2 hours | Free
La Chorrera
An Easy 10 min walk from town. 2 Pools and a great viewpoint. Cool waterfall.Learn more -
4 hours | $$
La Motilona
40 min by bike with Naventura. Lovely waterfall and a pool where you can swim.Learn more -
2 hours | $$
Caja de Agua
Explore for 1h30 a vast cave where you have to crawl to get out alive. Fun & without risk.Learn more -
2 - 3 hours | $$
Rappelling
An experience perfect for beginners. One 15m waterfall to decide if you want to do it more often. No suit.Learn more -
3 - 4 hours | $$
Rafting
Go down the river on a raft. Rapids class 2 - 3. Perfect activity to do with friends and families.Learn more -
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 -
2-day trip
Tierradentro
It's only 2 hours away by private transportation. Uncover underground mystery tombs. Read our travel guide. -
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"!
More Places in the South of Colombia
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