Things To Do
in Anserma
Anserma is a small historic municipality in the department of Caldas, Colombia, set in the Andean foothills and surrounded by coffee farms and green valleys. The town retains a quiet colonial feel with a central plaza, traditional architecture and a close-knit community life. Visitors come for slow-paced cultural experiences, farm visits, and access to nearby natural areas without the crowds of larger regional cities.
Anserma is a good base for day trips into the coffee-growing landscape and for experiencing authentic small-town Colombian life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at the Juan José Londoño Airport in Anserma and check into your accommodation. Take some time to relax and freshen up after your journey. Enjoy a delightful breakfast at a local cafe to get a taste of the region's cuisine.
Explore the vibrant local market, where you can find fresh produce, handmade crafts, and traditional Colombian snacks. Engage with the friendly vendors and learn about their daily life and the culture of Anserma. Visit the historical landmarks in the town, including the beautiful Church of San Carlos.
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a popular local restaurant, sampling dishes like bandeja paisa or sancocho. After your meal, stroll through the town's main square to soak in the lively atmosphere as locals gather in the evening. Wind down with a traditional coffee or an arepa at a nearby cafe while watching the sunset.
Participate in a guided tour that delves into the rich cultural heritage of Anserma. Discover the stories behind local traditions and the significance of the festivals celebrated in this charming town. Stop for a traditional breakfast served by a local family, complete with fresh coffee.
Visit the nearby artisanal workshops where you can see craftsmen at work, creating beautiful handmade goods. Engage in a hands-on experience, trying your hand at pottery or weaving with local artisans. Enjoy a traditional lunch, perhaps ajiaco, while discussing the importance of these crafts to the community.
Attend a local dance performance showcasing traditional Colombian music and dance styles. Immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats and vibrant costumes, tapping your feet along with the locals. After the show, share your thoughts with fellow travelers over a casual dinner at a community gathering spot.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $0.70-2 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.30-0.70 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / room | $15-35 per night |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Colombian culture and hospitality
- Access to coffee farms and scenic Andean landscapes
- Lower prices than major tourist centers
- Quiet, relaxed atmosphere ideal for slow travel
- Limited tourist infrastructure and nightlife
- Fewer accommodation and dining options compared with regional cities
- Public transport connections are infrequent—best with a car or arranged transport
- Weather can be unpredictable with heavy rains during wet seasons
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde queda...?" - Where is...?
- "Una taza de café, por favor" - A cup of coffee, please
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Gracias, muy amable" - Thank you, very kind
Places to Visit in Anserma
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture colonial facades, daily life, market activity and the rhythms of the town in golden-hour light.
Nearby viewpoints offer panoramic shots of coffee farms, terraced fields and the Andean valley—ideal at sunrise or late afternoon.
Photograph plantation rows, drying patios, traditional equipment and portraits of workers during a finca tour.
Riverbanks and rural paths provide intimate landscape and nature shots, plus opportunities for bird and macro photography.
Bright produce, local vendors and handicrafts make for colorful street photography and candid portraits.
Food in Anserma
Anserma Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A filling plate featuring rice, beans, ground meat or pork, chicharrón, plantain and an arepa — available in local eateries, though portions and ingredients may be lighter than in big-city versions.
Must-Try!
A traditional hearty stew with root vegetables and meat, perfect after a morning of walking; commonly found at family restaurants and roadside diners.
Staples for breakfast or snacks; buy fresh arepas and fried empanadas at bakeries and market stalls throughout town.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small but lively market where you can sample fresh fruit, local cheese, arepas and inexpensive cooked dishes; great place to try fruit juices and snacks.
Evening and midday stalls offer empanadas, buñuelos, hot chocolate and coffee—ideal for quick, affordable bites while exploring.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake or a single cheek kiss (between acquaintances) is common; always greet shopkeepers and neighbors with a polite 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes.'
Show respect in conversations and when attending local events; modest dress and respectful behavior are expected in churches and formal gatherings.
Social events often run on relaxed schedules—be patient with start times, but be punctual for any formal appointments.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets, farms or private settings; many vendors appreciate a small purchase in return.
Safety
Tipping in Anserma
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in small-town restaurants; a 5–10% tip is appreciated for good service, and rounding up or leaving small change for porters and guides is common. In many eateries a service charge may be included—check your bill.
Cash (Colombian peso) is king in Anserma—carry small bills and coins for markets, taxis and street food. Credit/debit cards are accepted at a few larger cafés or restaurants but may not work everywhere; ATMs are available but limited, so withdraw in regional cities if possible.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
These are the best windows for outdoor activities, with more sunshine and fewer afternoon showers; mornings can still be cool. Expect clearer vistas for photography and easier access to rural trails.
Frequent afternoon or all-day rains make trails muddy and can cause local road disruptions or landslides in steep areas—carry a waterproof layer and plan flexible travel times. Rivers rise quickly, so avoid risky crossings.
Anserma at Night
Hiking in Anserma
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short to moderate walks across plantation paths where you can learn about coffee cultivation, see scenic terraces and enjoy close-up landscape photography.
Unmarked or lightly marked country trails lead through farms, secondary forest patches and river valleys—suitable for half-day hikes and birdwatching; bring a local guide if unfamiliar with the area.
For more ambitious hiking and high-mountain scenery, organized day trips or multi-day tours to Los Nevados are possible from regional cities—these require more time, proper gear and acclimatization.
Airports
How to reach Anserma by plane.
The largest nearby airport offering national and some international flights; reachable by road in roughly 1–2 hours depending on traffic—common arrival point for travelers to the coffee axis.
A smaller regional airport serving Manizales—used for domestic flights and sometimes subject to weather-related limitations; travel time to Anserma is typically 1.5–2.5 hours by car.
Located in the neighboring department of Quindío, this airport serves the coffee region and can be a practical option for visitors planning wider travel across the coffee triangle; expect longer ground transfers to Anserma.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents identify as mestizo or white, reflecting mixed indigenous and European ancestry common in the Andean region.
A significant portion of the population works in agriculture—coffee, plantains, beans and cattle—forming cohesive rural communities with family-run farms.
There may be small Afro-Colombian or indigenous families and cultural influences in the wider region, though these groups are less numerous in this part of Caldas than in coastal areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local matches and impromptu games are common in parks and school fields, and many residents follow professional teams passionately.
Cycling is popular regionally; the hilly terrain attracts road cyclists and recreational riders who enjoy scenic climbs and country roads.
Traditional Colombian games such as tejo (a clay-target throwing game) and informal community sports are played at local social gatherings and festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Anserma.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited—expect rice, beans, fried plantain, salads and egg dishes. Bring snacks if you have strict preferences and ask staff for simple vegetable-based plates (comida vegetariana).
Vegan choices are scarce in small towns; you may rely on fruit, juices, arepas (confirm butter/cheese), rice, beans and salads. Communicate clearly in Spanish about no dairy or eggs.
Maize-based foods like arepas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur. Ask about ingredients and preparation methods at eateries.