Things To Do
in Candelaria
Candelaria is a picturesque hillside town in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, just a short drive from Cali. Its colorful streets, warm hospitality, and rural ambience evoke a relaxed, small-town vibe. The surrounding coffee country and farmlands offer easy day trips and authentic agricultural culture.
With convenient access to Cali’s amenities, Candelaria serves as a calm base for exploring western Colombia.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Colombian arepas and fresh coffee. After breakfast, stroll through the charming streets of Candelaria, admiring the colorful colonial buildings and vibrant street art that tell the story of the area. Visit the impressive Plaza de Bolívar, where you can see the stunning Cathedral Primada and other historical landmarks.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at a local restaurant, savoring traditional dishes such as bandeja paisa or ajiaco. Spend your afternoon visiting the Gold Museum, where you can marvel at pre-Columbian artifacts and learn about the indigenous cultures of Colombia. Don't forget to explore the nearby Botero Museum, showcasing the whimsical works of renowned Colombian artist Fernando Botero.
As the sun sets, find a cozy bar or café to unwind and enjoy a refreshing tropical drink. Take a leisurely evening stroll through the lively streets, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps catching a street performance. End your day with dinner at a rooftop restaurant, where you can relish delicious local cuisine while enjoying panoramic views of the city.
Begin your day by visiting the bustling Plaza de Mercado de las Cruces, where you can experience the lively atmosphere of a local market. Browse through stalls filled with fresh produce, artisanal crafts, and traditional Colombian snacks. Engage with friendly vendors and sample local delicacies like empanadas or buñuelos.
After exploring the market, head to the nearby Casa de la Moneda, where you can learn about the history of money in Colombia and see fascinating exhibits. For lunch, try a local eatery known for its fresh ceviche or sancocho, a hearty soup. Spend your afternoon visiting the nearby Chorro de Quevedo, a lively square known for its artistic vibe and street performers.
As evening approaches, find a traditional restaurant for dinner, where you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and sample dishes like lechona or tamales. After dinner, take a guided walking tour of Candelaria, where you can learn about the area's rich history and folklore. The night ends with a visit to a local bar, where you can enjoy live music and dance to traditional Colombian rhythms.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🚎Public transit ride | $0.5-1 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Hostel dorm (night) | $8-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (night) | $25-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed, friendly atmosphere
- Proximity to Cali and easy day trips
- Affordable costs and authentic regional cuisine
- Rich coffee culture and rural scenery
- Limited English in some areas
- Smaller nightlife scene compared to larger cities
- Occasional transportation delays during peak hours
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Estoy perdido" - I’m lost
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "Una mesa para dos" - A table for two
Places to Visit in Candelaria
Visit one of these nice places.
A colonial church with clean white walls and blue accents, offering classic photography backdrops.
Colorful streets and lively plaza scenes with local life, ideal for street photography and portraits.
Hilltop viewpoint that frames the town and surrounding hills, perfect for sunset shots.
Narrow artisan alley with murals and crafts; great for vibrant, intimate photos.
Food in Candelaria
Candelaria Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sweet corn arepa often enjoyed with cheese; a popular snack found at markets and street stalls.
Must-Try!
Plantain stuffed with cheese, battered and fried; a Cali specialty that makes a delicious bite or side dish.
Hearty chicken or beef soup with corn on the cob and plantains; a comforting, common home-cooked dish.
Refreshing lime-based fruit drink with mashed fruit; a staple in the Cali region, perfect to cool down on warm days.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling market with fresh produce, arepas, empanadas, chontaduro, and other street snacks.
Parkside stalls offering fried snacks, arepas and fruit shakes—great for quick, flavorful bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly handshake; among friends, a warm hug or cheek kiss may occur. Polite conversation and smiling go a long way.
When offered food, accept with gratitude; wait for everyone to be served before starting. Use both hands or the right hand when receiving items.
Arrive on time for appointments, but social events may start a bit later; a relaxed pace is common in social settings.
Safety
Tipping in Candelaria
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is appreciated if service is good; some places include a service charge, but not all. For street vendors and casual spots, tipping is discretionary and small coins are common.
Cash is widely accepted, especially at markets and smaller eateries. Many urban businesses accept cards, but carrying some cash is helpful in rural areas and at markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect mostly sunny days with warm temperatures; humidity is present but lower than in the rainy months. Great for outdoor activities and long walks.
Afternoon showers are common; carry a light rain jacket and quick-drying gear. Trails may be slippery, so plan accordingly.
Candelaria at Night
Hiking in Candelaria
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Parks and hills within a short drive offering easy to moderate hikes with scenic valley views.
Airports
How to reach Candelaria by plane.
Airport serving Cali and surrounding areas; about a 40–60 minute drive from Candelaria depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents living in Candelaria’s town center and nearby neighborhoods.
Young people and university students from the area, contributing to a lively daytime cadence.
People who work in the surrounding agricultural areas and frequented markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Colombia’s national pastime; local games and pickup matches are common across towns.
Hilly terrain and scenic routes attract cyclists; Valle del Cauca hosts local cycling events and casual rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Candelaria.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants can offer vegetarian options such as beans, rice, plantains, arepas, and salads; look for vegetable stews or roasted vegetables if available.