Things To Do
in Campamento

Campamento is a small municipality in the Antioquia department of Colombia, tucked among rolling hills and coffee-producing landscapes. It offers a friendly, rural atmosphere with a tight-knit community and a slower pace of life. Visitors can explore plazas, waterfalls, and nearby farms while enjoying warm hospitality.

The surroundings combine nature, culture, and traditional Antioqueño cuisine, making it a great gateway for rural Colombia exploration.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Campamento
morning
:

Arrive at José María Córdova International Airport and take a scenic drive to Campamento. Check into your local accommodation and freshen up for the day's adventures. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains as you settle into the tranquil atmosphere of this charming town.

afternoon
:

Explore the quaint streets of Campamento, visiting local artisan shops and sampling traditional Colombian snacks. As you wander, interact with friendly locals who can share stories and insights about the cultural heritage of the region. Stop by a local café for an afternoon coffee to recharge.

evening
:

Dine at a popular local restaurant, savoring authentic Campamento dishes prepared with fresh ingredients. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the plaza, observing the lively interactions among townsfolk. Conclude the evening by enjoying the cool mountain air and reflecting on your first day in this picturesque town.

day 2
Hiking in the Surrounding Hills
morning
:

Start your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a guided hike through the lush hills surrounding Campamento. The crisp morning air invigorates you as you traverse trails lined with wildflowers and local fauna. Capture stunning views of the valleys and cascading rivers below as you ascend the hills.

afternoon
:

After a packed lunch in nature, continue your hike towards a hidden waterfall known only to locals. Take time to swim or relax by the water, soaking in the serenity of the natural landscape. As the afternoon sun shines, you might spot colorful birds flitting among the trees.

evening
:

Return to Campamento and unwind with a few local brews or freshly made juices at a nearby tavern. Share stories with fellow travelers about the day's adventure and listen to traditional colombiana music that resonates throughout the village. Spend your evening reflecting on the beauty of the Colombian countryside.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
🥗Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$15-25
Coffee (regular cup)$1-3
🛏️1 night in budget hotel$20-50
🚕Local taxi ride (short distance)$3-8

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Authentic rural Colombian experience with warm hospitality
  • Access to coffee farms, waterfalls, and scenic hikes
  • Generally lower costs and fewer crowds than major cities
  • Limited nightlife and infrastructure compared to urban centers
  • Healthcare facilities are basic locally; longer trips for advanced care
  • Transportation between attractions can require private transport or guides
  • "Hola, buenos días" - Hello, good morning
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Estoy perdido" - I’m lost
  • "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please

Places to Visit in Campamento

Visit one of these nice places.

Plaza Central and Church Facade

The colorful colonial-style buildings around the main plaza provide classic street photography opportunities, especially in the morning light.

Mirador del Valle

A hillside viewpoint offering sweeping views of the valley and surrounding farms, perfect at sunrise or sunset.

Coffee Farm Terraces

Terraced hillsides with coffee plants, workers at dawn, and misty mornings create authentic agricultural imagery.

Riverside Trails

Photogenic river edges and forested paths with reflections and wildlife along the water.

Culinary Guide

Food in Campamento

The local cuisine blends traditional Antioqueño staples with rural Colombian flavors, focusing on corn, beans, and fresh produce from nearby farms.

Campamento Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Arepa de choclo

Sweet corn arepa commonly served with cheese; found at street stalls and markets in Campamento.

Must-Try!

Bandeja paisa

Hearty dish featuring beans, rice, plantain, avocado, chorizo, and meat; available in most local eateries.

Sancocho antioqueño

Hearty soup with meat, corn on the cob, yuca, plantain, and potatoes; a home-style favorite.

Tamales antioqueños

Steamed corn dough filled with meat, vegetables, and spices; common at markets and family-run kitchens.

Arepa con hogao

Corn cake topped with hogao (tomato-onion sauce); a common street snack.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Campamento

Local market offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and prepared foods; great for sampling arepas and tamales.

Street food stalls

Arepas, empanadas, picadas, and roasted plantains along the main streets and plaza.

Climate Guide

Weather

Campamento experiences a tropical highland climate with warm days and cooler nights. Expect humidity year-round, with seasonal rain patterns that affect trail conditions and outdoor plans.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and respect

Greet with a friendly 'hola' or 'buenos días'; use 'usted' with strangers and elders. A handshake and a smile go a long way.

Photographs

Ask before photographing people, especially elders or families; a simple '¿puedo tomar una foto?' is appreciated.

Punctuality and noise

Evenings are usually relaxed in residential areas; keep noise moderate and be mindful of neighbors.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of petty theft in busy markets and plazas; keep valuables secured and use reputable transportation after dark. In rural areas, travel with a local guide or trusted driver, especially when visiting remote trails or waterfalls. Have travel insurance and know the nearest healthcare facilities in case of illness or injury.

Tipping in Campamento

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In meals where service is not included, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated; in small cafes, rounding up is common.

Payment Methods

Cash (Colombian peso) is widely used in markets; many restaurants accept debit/credit cards in town; ATMs are available locally; mobile payment acceptance varies.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Dry season brings plenty of sunshine and clearer skies, ideal for outdoor activities and photography. Humidity is moderate, but carry water and sunscreen; occasional light showers are possible during transitional days.

Rainy Season

Frequent afternoon showers and higher humidity; trails can be muddy. Pack a light rain jacket, waterproof footwear, and plan indoor alternatives for heavy rain days.

Nightlife Guide

Campamento at Night

Nightlife in Campamento is modest and centered around the plaza and local bars. On weekends, some eateries host live music or acoustic acts; many evenings revolve around socializing in cafes, with a calm, village atmosphere rather than a party scene.

Hiking in Campamento

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Sendero Miradores

A short-to-moderate trail to several viewpoints overlooking the valley and surrounding farms.

Cascadas del Bosque

Forest trail leading to a series of small waterfalls and natural pools; suitable for a half-day hike.

Airports

How to reach Campamento by plane.

Jose María Córdova International Airport (MDE)

Located near Rionegro, serving Medellín; major gateway for international and domestic flights; reachable by road from Campamento with a transfer.

Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH)

Located in Medellín; handles domestic flights and regional connections; useful for quick arrivals or departures when staying near Medellín.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with short distances between the plaza, markets, and cafes. Some streets are steep, so comfortable footwear is recommended. For longer hikes and remote viewpoints, a vehicle or guided tour is helpful.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Primarily rural families and farmers, many involved in coffee or other agricultural activities; a mix of ages and generations.

Visitors and day-trippers

Tourists seeking rural Colombia experiences, photography, and nature activities.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Fútbol (soccer)

The dominant sport in the region, played informally in plazas and more formally in local clubs.

Ciclismo

Hilly terrain makes the area popular for road biking and mountain biking among locals and visitors.

Tejo

Traditional Colombian pastime occasionally seen in rural gatherings and bars.

Transportation

Traffic

Road travel is common, with buses and private vehicles serving the town and surrounding areas. Public transit options are limited within Campamento, so hiring a local driver or joining guided tours is typical for reaching trails and farms. Expect slower travel on rural roads, especially during the rainy season.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Campamento.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy arepas, plantain dishes, soups, beans, and corn-based plates; request hogao or sauces without meat and ask for veggie stews when available.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Campamento has local clinics and pharmacies for routine care. For specialized treatments or emergencies, you’ll generally travel to larger cities such as Medellín or Rionegro, where hospitals and specialists are more readily available. Ensure you have travel health insurance and carry any needed prescriptions.

Discover Colombia

Read more in our Colombia 2025 Travel Guide.

Colombia Travel Guide