Castilla La Nueva
,Castilla La Nueva is a small municipality located in the Meta Department of Colombia. It is known for its lush green landscapes and agricultural activities, mainly focusing on cattle farming and rice cultivation. The town has a peaceful and rural atmosphere, offering visitors a tranquil escape from city life.
Its warm and welcoming community makes it a pleasant destination for those seeking a slower pace of life.
- "¿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 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore the Beauty of Castilla La Nueva
morning
:Start your day with a visit to the local market to experience the vibrant culture. Try some fresh local fruits and traditional breakfast dishes to fuel your day.
afternoon
:Head to the nearby natural parks for a hike filled with scenic views and engaging wildlife. Pack a picnic to enjoy lunch surrounded by nature.
evening
:Wind down by visiting a cozy café in the town center. Enjoy local coffee while soaking in the lively atmosphere of Castilla La Nueva.
Nature and Adventure
morning
:Begin your morning with an exhilarating horseback ride through the lush countryside. This is a great way to see the beautiful landscapes and feel the fresh air.
afternoon
:After lunch, visit the local waterfall for a refreshing dip. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and taking stunning photographs.
evening
:As the sun sets, enjoy a traditional dinner at a regional restaurant. Experience the fusion of flavors that local cuisine has to offer.
Highlights
Good
- Rich biodiversity and natural beauty, including mountains and rivers.
- Cultural diversity with a mix of indigenous and mestizo heritage.
- Strategic location for agriculture due to fertile lands.
- Growing tourism opportunities, especially in eco-tourism.
- Access to various resources like timber and minerals.
Bad
- Infrastructure challenges, particularly in rural areas.
- Economic inequality and poverty in some regions.
- Issues with safety and crime in certain parts.
- Environmental concerns, including deforestation and pollution.
- Limited access to healthcare and education in isolated areas.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Hiking in the Amazon Rainforest
Explore the lush landscapes of the Amazon rainforest, taking in the rich biodiversity and stunning scenery through guided hiking tours.
Birdwatching
Castilla La Nueva is home to a variety of bird species, making it an excellent location for birdwatching enthusiasts to observe native wildlife in their natural habitat.
Riverside Fishing
Try your hand at fishing in the rivers surrounding Castilla La Nueva, where you can catch local fish species while enjoying the peaceful riverbanks.
Cultural Route Tours
Engage with the local culture by participating in guided tours that showcase the region's heritage, including traditional crafts, culinary experiences, and visits to local farms.
Mountain Biking
Take advantage of the diverse terrains in the area by exploring the countryside on a mountain bike, with trails suitable for different skill levels.
Camping under the Stars
Experience the beauty of the night sky by camping in the natural reserves around Castilla La Nueva, enjoying a night of stargazing and tranquility.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Castilla La Nueva with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Cerro de Monserrate
A mountain that overlooks Bogotá, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. The hike to the top or taking the cable car provides excellent photo opportunities.
Plaza de Bolívar
The main square in Bogotá that features impressive architecture, including the Capitolium and the Cathedral. It's a perfect spot for capturing the essence of the city's history.
Laguna de Guatavita
A beautiful lagoon surrounded by lush vegetation. It's known for its legendary connection to the El Dorado myth and offers scenic views that are ideal for photography.
Puente del Común
An iconic bridge located in the countryside that provides stunning views of the surrounding valleys and rivers. It's a favorite spot for photography due to its picturesque setting.
Chicaque Natural Park
A protected area close to Bogotá, featuring cloud forests and diverse wildlife. The park has various viewpoints that allow for breathtaking landscapes and nature photography.
Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
An impressive underground church built within the tunnels of a salt mine. The unique lighting and architecture present fantastic photo opportunities both inside and outside the cathedral.
Casa de Nariño
The presidential palace located in Bogotá. Its beautiful exterior and grounds offer a classic backdrop for photographs, especially during events or guided tours.
Torres del Parque
A modern architectural landmark in Bogotá that features striking towers and a well-kept park. The combination of nature and urban design makes it a great photography spot.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Lechona
A must-try dish, lechona is a traditional Colombian delicacy made from roasted pork stuffed with rice, peas, and spices. It's commonly served during festive occasions and can be found at local eateries and street food stalls.
Must-Try!
Ajiaco
Ajiaco is a hearty chicken and potato soup, flavored with corn on the cob and a herb called guascas. This iconic dish is often garnished with capers, avocado, and cream, and is a staple in many restaurants throughout the region.
Sancocho
Sancocho is a hearty soup or stew made with chicken, plantains, yuca, corn, and other vegetables. It's a popular comfort food and can be found at local family-owned restaurants and markets.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Castilla La Nueva better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Villavo Food Market
Villavo Food Market offers a vibrant and bustling atmosphere, with a wide variety of fresh produce, local delicacies, and street food vendors. Visitors can sample an array of authentic Colombian dishes, including arepas, empanadas, and tropical fruit juices.
Plaza de Mercado de Castilla La Nueva
Plaza de Mercado de Castilla La Nueva is a central market where locals gather to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats. The market also features small eateries offering traditional Colombian dishes, making it an ideal spot to immerse in the local food culture.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greetings
In Castilla La Nueva, a friendly handshake or a warm hug is a common greeting. It's respectful to greet everyone present when entering a room and maintain eye contact, which signifies attentiveness and respect.
Personal Space
Colombians tend to have a smaller personal space compared to some cultures. It’s common to stand closer during conversation. However, be attentive to the comfort level of others and adjust your distance accordingly.
Social Etiquette
When invited to a local’s home, bringing a small gift, such as flowers or sweets, is a thoughtful gesture. Always show appreciation for hospitality, and remember to say 'gracias' often, as expressions of gratitude are highly valued.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Castilla La Nueva with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Castilla La Nueva, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a small tip for good service in restaurants, usually around 10% of the bill. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a common practice. In bars and cafes, leaving coins or rounding up the bill is also customary.
Payment
Payments in Castilla La Nueva can be made using cash, which is widely accepted, especially in small local businesses. Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in larger establishments. Mobile payments are becoming popular, especially among younger consumers. It is advisable to carry some cash, as smaller vendors may not have card facilities.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Castilla La Nueva.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry Season (December to March)
This is considered the best time to visit Castilla La Nueva due to the lower rainfall and pleasant temperatures. Expect sunny days with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F). This season is ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the region.
Wet Season (April to November)
During the wet season, visitors can expect higher humidity and more frequent rain showers. April and May may experience heavy rains, but the showers often come in the afternoon. Temperatures remain warm, averaging between 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F). It’s a good time for lush landscapes, but outdoor activities may be limited due to rain.
Transitional Months (October to November)
These months can feature a mix of both weather patterns, with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. The temperature remains similar to the wet season, but visitors can still enjoy the vibrant greenery and blooming flora resulting from the rains. It's less crowded during this period, providing a more peaceful experience.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Parque Nacional Natural El Tuparro
A national park featuring diverse ecosystems, offering various hiking trails through lush landscapes and stunning views.
Cerro de la 9ª
A popular hiking destination providing a panoramic view of the surrounding area, suitable for day hikes.
Cascadas de La Chorrera
A series of beautiful waterfalls accessible by hiking trails, great for nature lovers and photography.
Parque Natural Chicaque
Located a bit further, this park offers unique cloud forest trails with diverse flora and fauna.
Cerro el Águila
A lesser-known spot providing a moderate hike with rewarding views at the summit, ideal for adventurous hikers.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Castilla La Nueva through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Castilla La Nueva by plane.
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Located in Bogotá, approximately 105 km from Castilla La Nueva, it is the main international airport serving the capital of Colombia.
Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO)
Located in Cali, around 189 km from Castilla La Nueva, it serves as an important international gateway in the southwest of Colombia.
José María Córdova International Airport (MDE)
Situated near Medellín, approximately 162 km from Castilla La Nueva, this international airport services domestic and international flights.
Matecaña International Airport (PEI)
Located in Pereira, around 217 km from Castilla La Nueva, this airport services various regional and international routes.
Corto Malpelo International Airport (CPL)
Approximately 238 km away from Castilla La Nueva, located in the Valle del Cauca, it caters to both domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mestizo
The majority demographic group, consisting of individuals of mixed European and Indigenous descent.
Indigenous Peoples
Groups such as the Guahibo, Sikuani, and others who inhabit areas within Castilla La Nueva.
Afro-Colombian
People of African descent, primarily living in rural areas and contributing to the cultural diversity.
White or European descent
A smaller demographic group mainly composed of settlers of European origin.
Other ethnic minorities
Includes small groups of other ethnicities that may reside in the region.
The Soul of Castilla La Nueva
Discover the essence of Castilla La Nueva through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (Soccer)
Football is the most popular sport in Castilla La Nueva, with many local teams and a strong community following.
Baseball
Baseball has a significant following in Castilla La Nueva, often played at local parks and schools.
Cycling
Cycling is commonly enjoyed in the region due to its favorable terrain and is a popular recreational activity.
Basketball
Basketball is widely played among the youth, with several courts available for community use.
Voleibol
Volleyball is popular in local schools and community centers, often played in recreational tournaments.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While traditional Colombian cuisine tends to be meat-centric, many restaurants and cafes in Castilla La Nueva now offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes, such as plantain-based stews, vegetable arepas, and tropical fruit salads.
Gluten-Free Choices
Visitors with gluten intolerance can enjoy dishes like grilled fish with fresh tropical salsas, ceviche, and rice-based tamales, which are widely available at local eateries and street food vendors.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Castilla La Nueva with these cultural adventures.
