Things To Do
in Calamar
Calamar is a small municipality in the Bolívar department of northern Colombia, set inland near the foothills of the Montes de María. The town has a relaxed, rural atmosphere with a central plaza, a colonial-era church, and lively markets where local farmers sell produce. Life in Calamar centers on agriculture, family-run businesses and traditional coastal-Caribbean flavors that reflect the region's Afro‑Caribbean and mestizo heritage.
Visitors come for slow-paced cultural immersion, nearby nature walks and simple opportunities for birdwatching and landscape photography.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Colombian arepas and fresh coffee. After breakfast, take a stroll through the charming streets of Calamar, where you can admire the vibrant colonial architecture and colorful facades. Don’t miss the central plaza, where locals gather, and you can soak in the town's lively atmosphere.
Visit the local museum to learn about Calamar's history and its significance in the region. Afterward, enjoy a traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes such as sancocho or bandeja paisa. Spend your afternoon exploring artisan shops where you can find unique handicrafts and souvenirs, perfect for friends back home.
As the sun sets, head to a local eatery for dinner, indulging in freshly caught fish along the riverbank. After your meal, enjoy a leisurely walk along the waterfront, where you can hear the sounds of nature and perhaps spot some wildlife. Conclude your evening with a visit to a local bar, where you can enjoy live music or dance to traditional Colombian rhythms.
Set off early for a guided tour into the lush Amazon rainforest surrounding Calamar, where the air is filled with the sounds of exotic wildlife. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the flora and fauna as you trek through the vibrant greenery. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst the trees, immersing yourself in the serene and untouched beauty of nature.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest. In the afternoon, embark on a canoe ride along the river, where you can spot unique birds and perhaps even monkeys swinging through the trees. Your adventure continues with a visit to a local indigenous community, learning about their culture and traditions.
Return to Calamar in the evening, where you can unwind with a warm shower to wash off the day’s adventures. Savor a hearty dinner at a local restaurant, reflecting on the day’s experiences while tasting regional specialties. Spend your evening at leisure, perhaps chatting with locals or enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🚌Local bus or moto-taxi ride | $0.30-2 |
| 🏨Budget guesthouse / simple hotel (per night) | $15-40 |
| 🍺Local beer (bottle) | $1.50-3 |
| ⛽Gas / fuel (per liter approximate) | $1.00-1.20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Colombian culture and friendly locals.
- Good opportunities for low-cost travel, local food and relaxed pace.
- Close to natural areas like the Montes de María for outdoor activities and photography.
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few English speakers.
- Transport and road conditions can be challenging, especially in rainy season.
- Healthcare and emergency services are basic; serious cases require transfer to larger cities.
- "Hola, buenas." - Hello / Good day.
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias, muy amable." - Thank you, very kind.
- "Soy vegetariano/a." - I am vegetarian.
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
- "Necesito un médico." - I need a doctor.
Places to Visit in Calamar
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic town scenes with colorful facades, daily life, and evening light — great for street and portrait photography.
Rolling hills and farmland at sunrise or sunset offer sweeping landscape shots and opportunities for bird and nature photography.
Photograph farmers, plantain and cassava fields, and rustic farmsteads that showcase everyday rural life.
Vibrant colors, fresh produce and candid vendor portraits make the mercado an ideal spot for documentary photography.
Food in Calamar
Calamar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fried fish served with coconut rice and patacones — common in coastal-influenced areas and often available at local eateries and market stalls.
Must-Try!
A hearty Caribbean-style soup with yuca, plantain, corn and meat or fish; a common weekend dish in family restaurants.
Fried yuca dough stuffed with meat or cheese — a popular breakfast or snack sold in markets and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market is the best place to sample fresh fruit, empanadas, arepas, carimañolas and to buy local produce. Try stalls that serve quick home-style plates (platos del día).
Evenings often bring small street vendors selling snacks and beverages — great for trying local sweets and fried treats while mingling with residents.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
People are friendly and greet with a handshake or a cheek kiss in informal settings; start interactions with 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes.'
Show respect at churches and public events — dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be courteous during community gatherings.
Life is unhurried; be patient with service and schedules. Polite phrases and a calm demeanor are valued.
Safety
Tipping in Calamar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and discretionary; rounding up a bill or leaving 5–10% in restaurants is appreciated but not always expected. Small tips for drivers, guides and hotel staff are welcomed for good service.
Cash (Colombian pesos) is king in Calamar — many small businesses and markets do not accept cards. ATMs may be limited; bring enough cash for meals, transport and incidentals. Use cards in larger towns or cities and notify your bank before travel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Drier weather, sunnier days and more comfortable travel conditions on rural roads; best time for hiking, outdoor photography and exploring trails without heavy rain.
Expect heavy showers and occasional flooding on unpaved roads; some trails may be muddy or impassable. Carry rain gear, leave extra travel time and confirm transport ahead of trips.
Shorter bursts of rain and humidity changes — early mornings and late afternoons can be pleasant but check local forecasts for sudden storms.
Calamar at Night
Hiking in Calamar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of low-elevation trails and rural routes through the Montes de María foothills offering short hikes, birdwatching and panoramic views over agricultural valleys.
Short guided walks on working farms where visitors can learn about crops, take photos of rural landscapes and interact with local hosts.
Undemanding walks along country roads and dirt tracks around Calamar, best during the dry season for landscape photography and observing daily life.
Airports
How to reach Calamar by plane.
The nearest major international airport for the region; from Calamar it can be several hours by road depending on route and conditions — good for international connections and flights to major Colombian cities.
A smaller regional airport that may be closer than Cartagena for some travelers; limited commercial connections but useful as a regional gateway.
Additional regional airports (e.g., in Montería or Barranquilla) serve the wider Caribbean and northern inland areas but may require longer land travel to reach Calamar.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population identifies as mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European ancestry) and works in agriculture, trade and services.
Afro‑Colombian communities and cultural influences are present in food, music and traditions, reflecting the Caribbean heritage of the region.
Many residents are smallholder farmers or involved in local agribusiness (plantain, cassava, cacao, livestock).
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport — played and watched widely across ages, with informal matches in town fields and an enthusiastic local following.
Community festivals often feature traditional sporting events and friendly competitions; rural sports and folkloric games remain part of cultural celebrations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Calamar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited in small towns; focus on rice, beans, fried plantain, soups without meat, and vegetable stews. Ask for 'sin carne' and communicate clearly at mercados and restaurantes populares.
Vegan and gluten-free diets can be managed with rice, beans, plantains and fresh fruit, but cross-contamination and hidden animal products (broths, lard) are common — ask questions and carry snacks if you have strict needs.
If you have serious allergies (seafood, peanuts), speak to cooks in Spanish and consider staying at accommodations with kitchen access; medical facilities are limited for severe reactions.