A small colonial city (under 300,000 metropolitan) in southwestern Colombia at 7,600 feet above sea level. Popayán is the capital of the Cauca Department and is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, including whitewashed churches, monasteries, mansions, and narrow streets, earning it the nickname "La Ciudad Blanca" (The White City). The city was founded in 1537 and is famous for its Holy Week (Semana Santa) processions, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The city is also home to one of the oldest universities in the Americas, the University of Cauca, founded in 1827. The average high temperature is around 76°F, and the average low is 56°F. Popayán experiences year-round rainfall, averaging about 84 inches annually, with a climate classified as subtropical highland. The surrounding region is geologically active and includes Puracé Volcano, part of Puracé National Natural Park, which is rich in biodiversity and a destination for ecotourism and hiking.