Things To Do
in Acacías
Acacías is a small, lively town in Colombia’s Meta department known for its warm climate, friendly people and strong llanero (plains) culture. It sits near the Guayuribí and Ariari river valleys and acts as a gateway from the capital region to the Eastern Plains. The town blends a relaxed main plaza life with access to working cattle ranches, coffee and cocoa fincas, and river scenery.
Visitors come for outdoor activities, regional food, and a down-to-earth taste of Colombian rural life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, enjoying arepas and fresh Colombian coffee. Afterward, wander through the historic streets of Acacías, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Don't forget to stop by the main square to witness local life and perhaps catch a glimpse of vendors setting up their stalls.
In the afternoon, visit the Acacías Museum to learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Engage with local artisans at a nearby market, where you can purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs. As you stroll through the town, take time to relax at a local park, enjoying the warm weather and lush surroundings.
As the sun sets, head to a popular restaurant to savor traditional dishes such as bandeja paisa or sancocho. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as locals gather to socialize and enjoy the night. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, soaking in the charm of Acacías by night.
After an early breakfast, embark on a guided tour to La Macarena National Park, known for its stunning landscapes and biodiversity. As you hike through the lush trails, keep an eye out for unique wildlife and vibrant flora. The fresh morning air and sounds of nature create a serene atmosphere, perfect for enjoying the beauty of the park.
In the afternoon, reach the famous Caño Cristales, also known as the 'River of Five Colors'. Spend time swimming in the crystal-clear waters and marveling at the vibrant colors of the riverbed, which change with the seasons. A picnic lunch by the river allows you to take in the breathtaking surroundings while enjoying local delicacies.
As you make your way back to Acacías, reflect on the day’s adventures while watching the sunset over the mountains. Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local eatery, where you can share stories about your day with fellow travelers. The evening can be topped off with a stroll through the town, soaking in the tranquil vibes of Acacías.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1-2 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-60 |
| 🍺Local beer (bar) | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic llanero culture and rural landscapes
- Good access to outdoor activities like horseback riding and river trips
- Friendly locals and relaxed town atmosphere
- Lower costs compared with major Colombian tourist centers
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English-speaking services
- Weather can be hot and humid, and rainy seasons affect access to rural areas
- Smaller nightlife and entertainment options compared with larger cities
- Medical and specialized services require travel to a larger city
- "Hola, buenos días" - Hello, good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Acacías
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic town-square scenes: colorful buildings, local life, street vendors and golden-hour portraits of the church facade and plaza activity.
River scenes, reflections, fishermen and riverside vegetation — good for sunrise or late-afternoon light.
Wide-open plains, cattle, palm clusters and traditional ranch houses offer cinematic rural vistas at dawn and dusk.
Vibrant colors, fresh produce, vendors and candid portraits of everyday commerce — ideal for documentary-style shots.
Unobstructed horizons make for dramatic sunsets and cloud formations; find an elevated finca or roadside lookout for sweeping panoramas.
Food in Acacías
Acacías Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled beef prepared in the llanero style over wood fire; find it at local fondas and weekend asados on ranches and roadside eateries.
Must-Try!
A hearty meat and root-vegetable soup (chicken, beef or fish versions) served at family restaurants and market stalls.
Simple corn-based snacks sold in markets and street stalls — great for breakfast or a quick snack along with coffee.
Fresh fried river fish served with patacones and rice; available at riverfront eateries and local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The main market where you’ll find fresh fruit, local cheeses, arepas, empanadas, and small lunchtime stalls serving sancocho and other home-cooked dishes.
Afternoon and evening vendors sell snacks, juices and small plates — perfect for tasting quick local specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Friendly greetings are important — a handshake or a single cheek kiss among acquaintances is common. Always say hello when entering shops or talking to locals.
Use polite forms (buenos días, por favor, gracias) and be respectful to elders. Direct confrontation is typically avoided.
Casual dress is standard around town; use more conservative clothing when visiting religious sites. Be mindful of noise in residential areas, especially at night.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially inside markets or private properties and on fincas.
Safety
Tipping in Acacías
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; in restaurants a 10% service charge is sometimes added — check the bill. For good service, leaving a small additional tip (5–10%) is common. Tip guides, drivers and hotel staff modestly for personal assistance.
Cash (Colombian pesos) is widely used for markets, taxis and small restaurants. Credit/debit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants but may not work everywhere — carry cash for small purchases. ATMs are available in town, but bring enough cash if traveling to remote fincas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally sunnier, with lower humidity and easier river access; best time for outdoor activities, horseback riding and finca visits.
Expect frequent afternoon or night showers, muddier trails and higher river levels; some dirt roads and rural access points can become difficult.
Transitional months can offer fewer tourists and lower prices but variable weather; bring lightweight rain gear and insect repellent year-round.
Acacías at Night
Hiking in Acacías
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle walks following the riverbanks ideal for birdwatching and short hikes; trail conditions vary so check locally before setting out.
Private finca trails often available through tours for birding, horseback rides and short hikes with panoramic views over the plains.
Longer excursions to protected areas and natural parks in Meta can be arranged from Acacías; these require transport and a guide and offer more challenging hikes and wildlife opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Acacías by plane.
The closest regional airport serving Villavicencio with flights to/from Bogotá; from Villavicencio it’s roughly an hour and a half to two hours by road to Acacías depending on route and traffic.
Major international airport with the most connections; travel time to Acacías is about 3–4 hours by road depending on traffic and route, making Bogotá a common entry point for visitors.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Descendants of ranching and farming families who maintain regional traditions, music and foodways.
Smallholder farmers and agricultural workers who manage coffee, cocoa, livestock and crops in the surrounding countryside.
Most residents are of mixed Indigenous, European and African heritage, reflecting Colombia’s diverse cultural fabric.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — local matches and informal street or field games are common and attract community support.
Reflecting llanero traditions, horseback riding, rodeo-style events and cattle-handling demonstrations are culturally important and popular during local fiestas.
Recreational and subsistence fishing along rivers is common and a favorite pastime.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Acacías.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; markets offer eggs, arepas, beans, rice, plantains and salads. Ask restaurants for vegetable preparations or egg dishes and seek out cafés for simple meat-free meals.
Vegan choices can be scarce in traditional eateries; rely on markets for fruit, rice, beans and plantain-based dishes or request modifications in cafés and larger restaurants.
Many traditional foods like arepas (corn-based) are naturally gluten-free, but always confirm with vendors about cross-contamination and ingredients in sauces or fried items.