Meet the Misak People in Silvia

What does it mean to understand a place through the people who call it home? In Silvia, a mountain town in Colombia’s Cauca department, you can explore this question through conversations with the Misak Indigenous people, shared meals and insights into everyday life.

Every Tuesday, Silvia comes alive with its weekly market. Misak families from surrounding communities travel to town, often by traditional chiva, to sell fresh produce, textiles and other local goods. Stroll among the stalls, browse local products and experience how the market brings people together from across the highlands.

The Misak, also known as the Guambiano, maintain a strong cultural identity rooted in their ancestral territory, language and traditions. Their traditional clothing reflects this heritage. Women often wear black skirts and bright blue shawls, while men traditionally wear blue garments and ponchos.

For a more personal encounter, visit a local Misak family in their home. Share a traditional lunch and listen to your hosts talk about daily life, cultural traditions and the changes shaping their community. Through these conversations, you can also learn about Misak cosmovision — their understanding of the connections between people, nature, territory and the spiritual world. Depending on availability and the community’s wishes, you may also have the chance to speak with a traditional spiritual practitioner.

The experience centres on mutual respect and genuine exchange. Ask questions, listen to your hosts’ perspectives and learn from what they choose to share. Respect their privacy and cultural boundaries, and always ask permission before taking photographs or recording. Spiritual practices are not performances, and encounters with traditional practitioners depend on their availability and consent.

This experience offers a more personal perspective on Colombia’s cultural diversity, shaped by the people who choose to welcome you. It can be included in the following featured tours.