Things To Do
in Alcalá
Alcalá is a small Andean town in Colombia perched amid coffee-growing hills and colorful colonial streets. Its plazas, arcades, and friendly locals create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The surrounding countryside offers waterfalls, farms, and scenic viewpoints that reveal a slower pace of life.
Expect warm hospitality, simple yet comforting cuisine, and opportunities to connect with local crafts and nature.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Alcalá and settle into your accommodation, surrounded by the lush green hills and vibrant flowers. Take a stroll around the town center, enjoying the local architecture and friendly atmosphere. Grab a coffee at a local café to soak in the charm of this small town.
Visit the Plazoleta de los Ancianos, a central square that serves as a great spot to interact with locals and learn about their daily lives. Explore the small artisan shops and grab a traditional lunch featuring the region's famous dishes. Make sure to take plenty of photos to capture the colorful streets and stunning views.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for a delightful dinner, trying regional specialties such as trout and local empanadas. Enjoy the warm atmosphere and perhaps join a dance session celebrating traditional Colombian music. Wind down your night with a leisurely walk through the town's illuminated streets.
Begin your day by visiting a local school to experience firsthand the education system in Colombia, engaging with students and teachers alike. Participate in a traditional cooking class and learn to make arepas with a local family. This experience provides insight into local customs and family life.
Check out the town's cultural center where you can often find art exhibits and local handicrafts for sale. Take some time to wander through the surrounding botanical gardens, appreciating the region's diverse flora. Grab lunch at a nearby spot that offers a view of the nearby mountains.
Look for a local festival or event happening during your stay, such as dance performances or music concerts. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and community spirit that characterizes Alcalá. Treat yourself to a light dinner at a small eatery, savoring homemade local treats.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee or snack | $2-4 |
| 🥗Lunch or light meal | $6-12 |
| 🛍️Groceries | $15-40 weekly |
| 🚕Local transport (short ride) | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quiet, authentic Andean town experience
- Access to coffee heritage and natural scenery
- Limited tourist infrastructure
- Distance from major international hubs
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Me gustaría" - I would like
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Buenas noches" - Good night
Places to Visit in Alcalá
Visit one of these nice places.
The central square with colonial arcades, colorful storefronts, and early morning light.
Historic church with a white façade and bell tower, ideal for dusk shots.
Hilltop viewpoint overlooking the valley and surrounding coffee farms.
Nearby waterfalls framed by lush jungle and coffee hills; great for nature photography.
Food in Alcalá
Alcalá Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sweet corn arepa typically served with cheese, a staple in street stalls.
Must-Try!
Steamed corn dough filled with meat, vegetables, and spices; a common family dish during gatherings.
Hearty potato and chicken soup with corn on the cob, often accompanied by capers and cream.
Coffee prepared in regional styles, frequently enjoyed with pastries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market with fresh produce, cheeses, arepas, tamales, and street snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly hola or buenos días; handshakes or cheek kisses may be common among friends.
Use usted with strangers; speak politely and avoid loud, confrontational language in public.
Ask before taking photos of people; bargaining is common but respectful.
Safety
Tipping in Alcalá
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants typically add service or expect 5-10% tips; for guides, drivers, and hotel staff tips are common but discretionary.
Cash in COP is widely accepted; many places also accept cards; smaller vendors may prefer cash; consider small bills for tips.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Clear skies and plenty of sunshine; ideal for outdoor hikes and plaza photography; evenings can be cool.
Afternoon showers are common; carry a light rain jacket; trails can be muddy but lush.
Mild highland climate with comfortable daytime temperatures; nights are cooler in higher elevations.
Alcalá at Night
Hiking in Alcalá
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short hike to a hilltop viewpoint overlooking the valley with excellent photo opportunities.
A series of waterfalls along forest trails suitable for day trips.
Airports
How to reach Alcalá by plane.
Serves the Medellín area; typically 1.5–2.5 hours by road depending on traffic.
Bogotá's main international hub; longer trip from Alcalá but an option for international travelers.
Closest major airport serving broader Santander region; travel time longer but useful for some itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longtime families and agricultural workers; a growing number of visitors seeking authentic rural Colombia.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local leagues and casual games are common in the evenings.
Rural roads and hills attract cyclists; scenic routes for road and mountain biking.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Alcalá.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Alcalá you can usually find vegetarian options such as beans, plantains, vegetables, and cheese; ask for soups or stews without meat or fish, and plan to explain dietary needs in Spanish.