Things To Do
in Castilla La Nueva
Castilla La Nueva is a growing town in Colombia's Meta Department, set on the expansive Llanos plains where savanna meets riverine ecosystems. The area is known for agriculture, cattle ranching, and a slowly developing local scene that blends ranch life with small-town charm. Visitors can experience rural Colombia through markets, horseback rides, and dramatic sunsets over flat horizons.
The town serves as a gateway to wildlife, culture, and outdoor adventures in the eastern plains.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin with a guided hike through the lush Macagual Forest Reserve led by a local naturalist who highlights exotic flora and fauna. Listen to the chorus of tropical birds as beams of sunlight filter through the canopy overhead. This serene trek offers an intimate connection with nature and insights into ongoing conservation efforts.
Enjoy a riverside picnic lunch beside a gentle stream before exploring hidden waterfalls tucked deep within the forest. Dip your feet in the cool water while watching howler monkeys swinging overhead. Continue photographing rare orchids and vibrant butterflies as you wander along forest trails.
Return to your eco-lodge for a farm-to-table dinner featuring freshly harvested ingredients from nearby farms. Gather around a crackling fire pit to share classic Llanero stories and enjoy traditional music under a starlit sky. Fall asleep in your cozy cabin, serenaded by the chorus of nocturnal wildlife.
Start the day at a local coffee plantation where you will learn about sustainable farming practices from dedicated growers. Participate in picking ripe coffee cherries and gain hands-on experience in processing beans. Enjoy the aroma of freshly roasted coffee during a tasting session overlooking rolling green hills.
Share a traditional Llanero lunch prepared with regional produce and sample dishes like cazuela de frijol and arepa con queso. Tour the drying patios and roasting facilities to see how green beans transform into the perfect cup. Engage in a barista workshop where you grind, brew and cup your own coffee creations.
Relax on the plantation veranda as the sun sets, sipping the same blend you helped produce. Swap stories with hosts and fellow travelers under lantern light. Unwind in a cozy farmhouse room, lulled by gentle night breezes carrying the scent of coffee blossoms.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| 🧃Coffee or soft drink | $1-3 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel room (1 night) | $25-60 |
| 🚎Local transport (one-way) | $0.50-2 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at a mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Extensive plains and open landscapes ideal for photography and wildlife watching
- Warm, welcoming local communities with strong llano culture
- Affordable food and accommodation in rural towns
- Good opportunities for outdoor activities like horseback riding and river trips
- Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale tourist amenities
- Roads can be rough in rural areas, with variable connectivity
- Weather can be hot and humid; rains can disrupt outdoor plans
- Medical facilities are basic in town; need to plan for emergencies
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "¿Puede recomendarme un lugar para comer?" - Could you recommend a place to eat?
Places to Visit in Castilla La Nueva
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic viewpoint over the flat savanna at golden hour, ideal for expansive landscape shots and silhouettes of cattle.
Placid river scenes with birdlife, reeds, and reflections—perfect for tranquil nature photography and wildlife moments.
Cattle ranches and traditional ranch architecture at sunset, offering warm tones and cultural context.
Colorful market facades and daily activity—great for candid street photography and vibrant textures.
Food in Castilla La Nueva
Castilla La Nueva Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A robust grilled beef dish cooked over an open flame, typically served with rice, beans, and plantains at ranch-style eateries.
Must-Try!
Crispy fried river fish paired with fried plantain chips, a popular choice near the water.
A hearty platter featuring meat, rice, beans, plantains, arepa, and sometimes fried eggs—great for sharing and straight from regional menus.
Warm corn arepa stuffed or topped with fresh cheese, a staple snack you’ll find in markets and cafés.
Simple countryside soups or stews made with corn, tubers, and greens—comforting and filling after a day outdoors.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local stalls selling arepas, empanadas, fresh fruit, and regional snacks; a great place to observe daily life and taste affordable bites.
Outdoor vendors along the riverfront offering fried plantains, grilled meats, and fruit smoothies—perfect for a casual meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'hola' or 'buenos días' and a handshake; maintain polite conversation when meeting locals.
Dress modestly in religious or community spaces and avoid overly flashy attire in rural areas.
Ask permission before photographing people or private property; be respectful of cultural norms.
Allow flexible timetables in social contexts; being late is common but appreciated when you communicate delays.
Avoid littering and protect natural areas; stick to trails and follow local guidelines when in nature reserves.
Safety
Tipping in Castilla La Nueva
Ensure a smooth experience
In good service establishments, a tip of 5–10% is appreciated if not included. Rounding up to the nearest 1000–2000 COP is common for taxis and informal services. Carry small bills for tips.
Cash (COP) is widely accepted in markets and rural eateries; many towns also accept cards in larger restaurants and hotels. Mobile wallet and card payments are increasingly available, but carry cash for smaller vendors and remote areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February and July–August bring sunnier days and less rain, making road travel easier and outdoor activities more predictable. Sand and dust can be common, so bring sunglasses and protective clothing.
April–June and September–November bring frequent rain showers and higher humidity. Trails can be muddy and some roads may be slower; pack ponchos, waterproof footwear, and a compact rain cover for gear.
Castilla La Nueva at Night
Hiking in Castilla La Nueva
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails that offer plains scenery, birdlife, and views of the expansive horizon.
Water-edge trails along the local rivers with opportunities to observe wetland habitats and wildlife.
A modest ascent to a lookout point for panoramic plains and sunset photography.
Airports
How to reach Castilla La Nueva by plane.
Regional hub with connections to Bogotá and other major cities; about a few hours’ drive from Castilla La Nueva depending on road conditions.
Major international gateway; serves as a reachable base for onward travel to Meta and the Llanos region by road or domestic flight.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents rooted in cattle ranching and Llanos culture; strong sense of community and traditional music and cuisine.
People involved in agriculture and livestock, often living in agricultural estates and small towns nearby.
Residents of the town center and nearby towns who balance traditional life with modern influences and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The region embraces soccer as the most popular sport, with local matches and informal games common in towns and communities.
Traditional llano rodeo activities and related competitions that showcase horsemanship and cattle handling.
Sport fishing along rivers and wetlands draws visitors and locals who enjoy fishing as recreation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Castilla La Nueva.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Navigate by choosing rice, beans, plantains, corn-based dishes, fresh salads, and veggie stews; ask for dishes prepared without meat stock and look for arepa and legume options.