Things To Do
in Andes
Andes is a small mountain town in the southwest of Antioquia, Colombia, perched on the edge of the Cauca River valley. Surrounded by cloud forests and coffee farms, it offers sweeping valley views, fresh air, and a relaxed pace of life. The town blends Afro-Colombian and Indigenous influences in its music, markets, and handicrafts.
As a gateway to nature and rural coffee country, Andes serves as a calm base for exploring nearby trails, farms, and colonial-era architecture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Andes and settle into your traditional guesthouse overlooking the mountains. Get oriented with a leisurely walk through the town square lined with colorful colonial architecture. Enjoy a warm cup of Colombian coffee at a local café as you plan your stay.
Visit the town’s main church and climb its bell tower for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. Browse artisanal shops selling handwoven textiles and locally crafted souvenirs. Savor a light lunch of trout fillet, a regional specialty.
Dine at a family-run restaurant serving hearty bandeja paisa and regional sides. Stroll along the illuminated streets, soaking up the friendly atmosphere of small-town Colombia. Unwind at your accommodation with the sounds of nighttime wildlife in the distance.
Set off early to a nearby coffee farm for an immersive plantation tour with an experienced guide. Learn about bean selection, drying processes, and roasting techniques passed down through generations. Taste fresh brews and discover subtle flavor notes unique to this microclimate.
Join the pickers in the fields to experience hand-harvesting ripe coffee cherries under the warm Andean sun. Participate in a cupping session to compare flavor profiles of washed and natural-processed beans. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch featuring seasonal produce and homemade arepas.
Return to town for a casual evening at a local café where baristas demonstrate latte art. Sample coffee-infused desserts while conversing with fellow travelers. Head back to your lodge early to rest for tomorrow’s adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥗Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant | $25-45 |
| 🧃Bottle of water (0.5L) | $1-2 |
| 🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel | $40-70 |
| 🚕Local taxi ride (short distance) | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Laid-back, friendly small-town vibe
- Beautiful coffee country and scenic vistas
- Good value for money and regional cuisine
- Genuine cultural experiences and markets
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- Rural roads can be winding and slower to traverse
- English may be limited outside the main tourist areas
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Me gustaría una taza de café" - I would like a cup of coffee
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Andes
Visit one of these nice places.
A panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Cauca River valley and surrounding coffee hills, especially magical at sunrise.
The historic church and the lively central square offer classic architectural looks and candid street photography.
Narrow artisan lanes with colorful walls, textiles, pottery, and coffee souvenirs—great for portrait and detail shots.
Sunset photography along a bend in the river with lush greenery and wildlife imagery opportunities.
Food in Andes
Andes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sweet corn arepa often enjoyed with cheese; a staple at street stalls and morning breakfasts.
Must-Try!
A hearty platter featuring beans, rice, plantain, chorizo, pork, egg, avocado, and sometimes contact with当地 sausages; available at local eateries.
A comforting hearty stew with meat, yucca, plantain, and corn, shared family-style.
Traditional corn-based tamales filled with meat, vegetables, and spices, often enjoyed in the market or at home.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant local market with fresh fruit, vegetables, arepas, empanadas, and regional snacks; a great place to sample daily life.
Mobile vendors around the town center offering arepas, empanadas, carimañolas, and fresh juices—perfect for a quick bite.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a polite 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes'; use 'usted' with elders and strangers as a sign of respect.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural areas; avoid loud behavior late at night in quiet neighborhoods.
Ask before taking photos of people or private homes; tipping and modesty in social interactions are valued.
Spanish is the primary language; English is not widely spoken in rural Andes, so basic Spanish phrases are helpful.
Safety
Tipping in Andes
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included. Guides and drivers commonly receive small tips, especially after a full day trip.
Cash is widely used in markets and small eateries. Credit/debit cards are accepted in larger restaurants and hotels; having some local currency is recommended for street vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cooler nights. Clear skies are common, making it ideal for outdoor photography and long hikes. Pack layers for evenings and early mornings.
Afternoons bring frequent rain and muddy trails. Still lush and photogenic; quick-dry gear, rain jacket, and waterproof bags are essential.
Andes at Night
Hiking in Andes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Popular ridge hike offering sweeping valley views and photo opportunities; suitable for intermediate hikers.
Forest reserve with birdwatching and short to moderate hikes through cloud forest habitats.
Waterfall-oriented trail network along rivers and forested slopes; great for nature photography.
Airports
How to reach Andes by plane.
Nearby major airport serving Medellín; approximately a 3–5 hour drive to Andes via mountainous roads.
Smaller airport in Medellín offering domestic flights; useful for quick hops if connecting through Medellín.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of rural Antioqueños with Afro-Colombian and Indigenous influences; a strong sense of community and tradition.
Visitors drawn to coffee culture, markets, and nature experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region loves football; watch local matches or play in informal pickup games when possible.
Rural roads and hills make for scenic cycling on weekends and holidays.
Community courts and school teams are common; a popular recreational activity.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Andes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarians can enjoy plant-based stews, corn-based dishes, plantains, yuca, and grilled vegetables; ask for arepas rellenas with cheese or mushroom dishes; many places can adjust offerings if you request it.