Things To Do
in Apía
Apía is a small town located in the Risaralda department of Colombia. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by lush mountains and coffee plantations. The town has a charming main square with colonial architecture and a peaceful atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring nearby hot springs.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo te va?" - How's it going?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at a local café. Then, visit the Plaza de Bolívar to admire its beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
Head to the Santa Bárbara Church to explore its rich history and stunning design. Afterward, enjoy a traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant featuring Colombian cuisine.
Stroll through the town square and indulge in some local street food. End your day with a cultural performance from local artists showcasing their talents.
Visit a nearby coffee plantation for an insightful tour of the coffee-making process. Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee while taking in the picturesque views.
Participate in a coffee tasting session to learn about different varieties. Afterwards, have lunch at a café overlooking the lush coffee fields.
Take a leisurely walk through the plantation as the sun sets. Enjoy a cozy dinner at a local eatery with live music.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with a vibrant local community.
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains and rivers.
- Pleasant tropical climate year-round.
- Low cost of living compared to many other cities.
- Growing tourist destination with numerous outdoor activities available.
- Limited job opportunities in specialized fields.
- Potential issues with infrastructure and public services.
- Higher crime rates compared to larger Colombian cities.
- Less access to healthcare facilities and resources.
- Transportation can be challenging due to road conditions.
Best Activities in Apía
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore stunning trails with diverse ecosystems and breathtaking views, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
Discover an array of bird species in their natural habitat, making it a great spot for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Visit local coffee farms to learn about coffee production and enjoy scenic views of the lush coffee plantations.
Experience the thrill of paragliding while enjoying panoramic views of the beautiful Cauca Valley.
Take an adventurous ATV tour through the stunning mountainous landscapes and lush forests around Apía.
Engage in an exciting rafting expedition on the La Vieja River, suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters.
Explore this natural park which features hiking trails, hot springs, and diverse flora and fauna.
Visit local markets to experience the culture, taste fresh produce, and buy handcrafted goods.
Tours
Uncover the best of Apía with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Apía
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular viewpoint in Apía that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it an ideal spot for photography.
Located in the heart of Apía, this square features beautiful architecture and the iconic statue of Simón Bolívar, providing great photo opportunities.
This lookout point offers breathtaking views of the town and the lush landscapes, perfect for capturing the essence of Apía.
A picturesque waterfall located just outside Apía, it provides a stunning natural backdrop for photography.
A charming park filled with sunflowers, making it a vibrant location for photos, especially during the blooming season.
Food in Apía
Apía Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Colombian soup made with chicken, plantains, potatoes, and yuca, seasoned with herbs and served with rice.
Must-Try!
A hearty dish featuring red beans, rice, ground meat, chicharrón, arepas, avocado, fried egg, and plantain.
These savory pastries are typically filled with meat, potatoes, and spices, then fried to perfection.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Apía better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market offering a wide array of fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food stalls. Must-try items include arepas, tamales, and fresh tropical fruits.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Apía, Colombians typically greet one another with a handshake or a hug among friends. It's important to use a friendly tone and maintain eye contact during greetings to show respect and sincerity.
When invited to a meal, it is customary to wait for the host to say 'buen provecho' (enjoy your meal) before starting. Additionally, keep your hands on the table but not your elbows, and it is polite to finish everything on your plate.
Colombians tend to stand closer during conversations than in some other cultures. Being too distant might be considered aloof. However, it’s crucial to be mindful of individual comfort levels and to adjust accordingly.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Apía with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Apía
Ensure a smooth experience
In Apía, Colombia, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a small tip for services in restaurants, bars, and taxis, typically around 10% of the total bill. In informal settings, rounding up the bill is also a common practice. Service charges are not always included, so checking the bill is advisable.
Payments in Apía can be made in cash (Colombian Pesos) or by card, with an increasing number of establishments accepting credit and debit cards. However, it's advisable to carry cash for small vendors and local markets. Mobile payment options are also gaining popularity among younger populations, but cash remains the predominant method.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Apía.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Apía, as the weather is generally dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the beautiful coffee plantations in the area.
Expect frequent rainfall during these months, with May and October experiencing the heaviest precipitation. However, the lush landscape and vibrant greenery can be quite beautiful, and there are fewer tourists, offering a more tranquil experience.
This period attracts more visitors due to holidays and festivities. The atmosphere is lively, with local celebrations providing insight into the culture. However, bookings should be made in advance due to higher demand.
These months can also be a good time to visit, with fewer crowds and relatively pleasant weather. Visitors can enjoy a mix of clear skies and occasional showers, making it a balanced option for travel.
Apía at Night
Hiking in Apía
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning national park that features diverse ecosystems, including high-altitude páramos and glacial terrains, perfect for hiking and enjoying breathtaking views.
This natural reserve offers well-marked trails through lush cloud forests, where you can observe rich biodiversity and stunning vistas.
A popular local hiking spot that provides panoramic views of Apía and the surrounding valleys, with trails that cater to various skill levels.
Located a bit farther out, this park features trails that weave through the unique Chocó rainforest, known for its incredible flora and fauna.
Famed for its iconic wax palms, this area offers beautiful hiking trails blending stunning scenery with opportunities for birdwatching.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Apía through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Apía by plane.
Located in Bogotá, this is the largest international airport in Colombia, approximately 206 km from Apía.
Situated in Medellín, this is another major international airport, about 175 km from Apía.
Located in Pereira, this airport serves both domestic and international flights, approximately 80 km from Apía.
This airport is located in Cali and serves international flights, roughly 220 km from Apía.
Situated in Santa Marta, this airport handles international flights and is approximately 290 km from Apía.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population, consisting of individuals of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry.
A significant demographic group with African ancestry, contributing to the cultural diversity of the city.
Comprising various Indigenous communities that had historical presence in the region.
Individuals of European descent, representing a smaller segment of the population.
Includes various immigrant groups and people from other ethnic backgrounds.
The Soul of Apía
Discover the essence of Apía through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Apía, with many local teams and a strong following among the community. Local leagues and tournaments are commonly organized.
Basketball enjoys considerable popularity in Apía, particularly among the youth, with various community courts available for play and local competitions held regularly.
Volleyball is a favored sport in Apía, often played in schools and community gatherings, promoting teamwork and social interaction.
Cycling is a popular recreational activity in Apía, with scenic routes attracting local enthusiasts and occasional organized races.
Track and field events are prominent in local schools, fostering athletic talent and participation in regional competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Apía.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While meat features prominently in Colombian cuisine, many restaurants in Apía offer creative vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as plantain-based meals, hearty bean soups, and fresh fruit smoothies.
Visitors with gluten restrictions will find several eateries in Apía catering to their needs, with dishes like grilled fish, rice, and fresh salads featuring prominently on menus.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Apía with these cultural adventures.
