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Have you ever heard of the small town of Silvia in Colombia? Silvia is a sleepy little town high in the Andes mountains but it comes to life every Tuesday when the local market is held. This is not just a market like any but a remarkable one because of the Guambiano that come to town to sell their goods. In this post, you can find all you need to know about Silvia and the colorful Guambiano market!
Main square and church of Silvia, Colombia
Located in the heart of Colombia’s Cauca Department, Silvia is a picturesque town that often escapes the radar of many travelers. This is a true hidden gem, surrounded by rolling hills and green landscapes only a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Popayan, the department’s capital.
The journey to Silvia is characterized by winding roads and scenic views. The main reason why you should visit this place as a conscious traveler is because of the colorful Guambiano market that is held every Tuesday!
The Guambianos, also known as the Misak, are an indigenous group primarily living in the Silvia municipality of the Cauca Department in Colombia.
This community is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditional clothing, which make them one of the most unique indigenous groups in Colombia.
Guambianos heading to the market
The men typically wear blue or black skirts, a poncho, and a bowler hat, while women wear brightly colored woven skirts, shawls, and beaded necklaces. This attire is not just for special occasions but it’s part of their everyday life.
They primarily speak the Guambiano language, alongside Spanish. Their language is an essential part of their cultural identity, used in daily communication and cultural ceremonies.
Agriculture is the backbone of their lifestyle, with a focus on sustainable farming practices. They cultivate various crops, including potatoes, maize, and beans, which are staples of their diet and come to the market every Tuesday to sell them.
→ Also read: Tatacoa Desert: A Remarkable Hidden Gem in Colombia
Silvia is not a tourist hotspot and will mainly please culturally-conscious travelers who are interested in cultural immersion and discovering indigenous traditions.
The town provides an authentic insight into the lives and traditions of the Guambiano people and the weekly Guambiano market is a highlight, offering a chance to witness the traditional dresscode, crafts, and social customs.
The heart of Silvia’s charm lies in its Guambiano Market, held every Tuesday. It’s a bustling hub where locals and sometimes a few tourists can immerse themselves in authentic Guambiano culture.
Various colors of potatoes at the Tuesday Market
Here, the indigenous community gathers to sell and buy goods, making it a perfect spot to witness their traditional way of life.
The market also offers an opportunity to taste traditional Guambiano cuisine. Street vendors sell various local dishes and snacks and I was even able to find delicious papa rellenas-like fried rice balls that were completely vegan!
“Chivas” in Colombia are a specific type of public transportation, known for their distinctive and colorful appearance. They are traditional buses, brightly painted and decorated with various designs, colors, and sometimes even cultural motifs.
Chivas can play a significant role in rural areas of Colombia, including regions inhabited by the Guambiano people. In areas like Silvia, Chivas mean often more than just a means of transportation. They are often decorated in a way that reflects the local culture and traditions, making them a mobile symbol of the community’s identity.
They are used for daily commutes, transporting goods, especially on market days, and for traveling between towns and villages.
If you visit the Tuesday Market, you will see a lot of colorful Chivas parked next to the market and they are quite an attraction to behold as a tourist. You can see the locals loading and unloading the trucks and how they are decorated is extraordinary.
Beyond the market, Silvia offers serene landscapes, quaint streets, and colonial architecture. The town serves as a gateway to exploring the surrounding Andean scenery, including hiking trails and viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas of the Colombian countryside.
Most people visit Silvia on a day trip from Popayan, but it’s worth it to stick around for a few nights to get really of the beaten path and explore corners of the the Andes not many travelers have been to before.
The Tuesday market in Silvia is the place where the locals come to do their shopping so you can find literally everything at the market, from vegetables, potatoes, and rice and panel to clothing and household goods.
Since you probably don’t need pots and pans or fake Nike sneakers, the following three things are the most appealing for travelers visiting the market.
Big beans at the Guambino market in Silvia, Colombia
The largest part of the market is filled with fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables. As a traveler, you can find a variety of produce, some of which are unique to the region.
I saw the largest beans I had ever seen, potatoes in five different colors and I wanted to try all the exotic fruits of which I can’t remember the exact names.
It’s also an excellent place to explore other local products like grains, herbs, and medicinal plants and in this section of the market you can also buy home-baked arepas wrapped in dried banana leafs.
Furthermore, this is the perfect place to stock up on rice, dried beans, lentils and other dried goods if you are staying in a self-catering accommodation and have a kitchen to cook your food!
Artisanal craftsmanship is a highlight at the market. You can find hand-woven textiles like beautiful bags and ponchos but also sophisticated beadwork translating into beautiful necklaces and earrings.
No visit to a market is complete without trying the local cuisine. In the back of the market, next to the fruit and vegetable section, you can find food stalls where fresh food and drinks are prepared.
It was easily my favorite part of the market as you can find a wide array of snacks and drinks there providing a taste of traditional Colombian flavors.
Local specialties include tamales, arepas, and freshly brewed hot chocolate and coffee. I was able to find a vegan fried rice ball that was absolutely delicious!
Silvia is accessible by road from Popayan. Regular buses ply this route, offering an affordable and convenient option for travelers. You can buy your tickets at the Popayan transport terminal and they cost 11.000 COP one way.
buses leave for Silvia every 30 minutes and other is no need to buy tickets in advance. Just show up and they will put you on the next minivan. The bus drops you off right at the market. For your return trip to Popayan, look for minivans waiting on the other side of the main square.
Alternatively, hiring a taxi or a private vehicle provides more flexibility and the opportunity to enjoy the scenic journey at your own pace.
Most travelers choose to visit Silvia on a day trip from Popayan. Here are some great accommodation options in Popayan that are within easy walking distance from the old town and the transport terminal where buses leave for Silvia.
There are only a few accommodation options in Silvia, most of them close to the town center. My recommendation would be to stay at Posada Turistica Nakku. They offer rooms with a private bathroom and the place has a great outdoor space.
There is also another guesthouse that seems to be opening really soon owned by a Colombian-Italian couple. you can follow their progress on their Instagram account Villa Luz De Vida.
The Guambino market in Silvia, Colombia
Here are a few frequently asked questions about the Guambiano market and Silvia in Colombia in general!
Always ask for permission before taking photographs of individuals, especially in close-up settings. Some people may be uncomfortable being photographed, and it’s important to respect their wishes.
I refrained from taking photos up-close from people at the market and I couldn’t help but feel that they were not entertained with having their photographs taken, even when I bought something from their stall and asked politely.
This picturesque town and its surroundings provide various opportunities for cultural, historical, and nature-related experiences.
Tourism opportunities are not organized but you can engage with locals while exploring the town, go on hikes looking for birds in the Andean mountains and your accommodation will be able to find you a local guide to learn more about the area.
Staying overnight in Silvia, Colombia, can be a worthwhile experience, particularly for travelers who want to immerse themselves more deeply in the local culture and enjoy the natural beauty of the region at a relaxed pace.
If your stay includes a Tuesday, being in Silvia overnight means you can get an early start at the Guambiano market, ahead of day-trippers. This allows you to experience the market as it comes to life.
If you’re interested in experiencing local culture, plan your visit on a Tuesday, which is when the famous Guambiano market takes place. This weekly event is a major draw for visitors seeking cultural experiences.
Aside from that, the best time to visit is during the dry season which runs from December to March.
Silvia is a small town known for its traditional way of life. These types of communities tend to have lower crime rates and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to larger cities.
There is absolutely no need to feel unsafe in Silvia, however, it is always important, like anywhere else in the world to watch your belongings, especially in crowded areas, which van happen at the tuesday market.
Sellers at the Guambiano market in Silvia, Colombia
There you go! I hope you enjoyed my post about Silvia in Colombia and the colorful Guambiano market. Silvia is a great stop on your itinerary if you are making your way from San Agustin to Cali and smaller cities like Buga.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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