Things To Do
in El Bordo
El Bordo is a small, rural Colombian town tucked into the Andean foothills, where agriculture and local traditions shape daily life. The town offers scenic views of rolling coffee fields, patchwork farms and nearby forested hills, giving visitors a quiet, authentic feel of the countryside. Residents are friendly and community-oriented, and the town center typically revolves around a modest plaza, church and weekly market.
El Bordo is a great base for short hikes, birdwatching and experiencing regional food and culture away from tourist crowds.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Colombian breakfast at a local café, savoring arepas and fresh coffee. After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets, admiring the colorful colonial architecture. Visit the main square, Plaza de Bolívar, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps enjoy a local street performance.
Head to the nearby Museo de El Bordo to learn about the town’s rich history and cultural heritage. Enjoy lunch at a quaint restaurant, trying regional specialties like bandeja paisa or sancocho. Post-lunch, explore the artisan shops for unique handicrafts and souvenirs to take home.
As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a terrace bar overlooking the town, where you can unwind with a refreshing cocktail. Engage with locals and other travelers, sharing stories and experiences from your day. End the evening with a traditional Colombian dance performance, immersing yourself in the local culture.
Begin your day early with a hearty breakfast before setting out for a guided hike in the lush hills surrounding El Bordo. The trail leads you through coffee plantations and offers stunning views of the valley below. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, such as colorful birds and playful monkeys, as you trek along the scenic paths.
After reaching the summit, enjoy a packed lunch amidst the breathtaking natural beauty, surrounded by the serene sounds of nature. Spend some time taking photos and appreciating the panoramic views before descending back to town. Once back, relax and refresh at a local café with a cool drink.
In the evening, partake in a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Colombian dishes using fresh local ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labor as you share dinner with your fellow participants, discussing the day’s adventures. Wind down with a stroll through the town, taking in the twinkling lights and lively atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Café / coffee | $1-2 |
| 🚕Local taxi ride (short) | $1-4 |
| 🛏️Basic guesthouse / room | $15-35 |
| 🚌Intercity bus to regional town | $3-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Colombian experience with friendly locals
- Beautiful Andean landscapes and good opportunities for hiking and photography
- Affordable prices for food, lodging and activities
- Limited tourist infrastructure and few English speakers
- Restricted or intermittent public transport and limited ATMs
- Weather can be unpredictable with muddy trails in the rainy season
- "Hola, buenos días" - Hello, good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "Perdón / Disculpe" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in El Bordo
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture daily life, colonial-style architecture, and locals gathering—best in soft morning or golden-hour light.
Terraced fields, rows of coffee plants and farmers working create intimate rural compositions, especially at sunrise with mist in the valleys.
Nearby streams and cascades provide dynamic water shots and opportunities for long-exposure photography; wear good shoes to access viewpoints.
Short hikes to local miradores (viewpoints) reward you with panoramas of the town, patchwork fields and distant mountains at sunset.
Vibrant colors, produce stalls and candid portraits of vendors and shoppers—ideal for documentary-style photos and close-ups of food and crafts.
Food in El Bordo
El Bordo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A flavorful, hearty stew made with chicken or beef, plantains, yuca and corn; commonly found at local eateries and weekend family meals.
Must-Try!
Corn patties served plain or stuffed with cheese or meat; available at markets, street stalls and most restaurants.
Corn dough filled with meat, vegetables and spices, wrapped in banana leaf and steamed—a common breakfast or festive food found at vendors and markets.
Seasonal fruits (like mango, guava, lulo) and locally roasted coffee are staples; try coffee at small cafés or on farm tours for the freshest brews.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively market where farmers sell produce, cheese, corn-based snacks and ready-to-eat items like empanadas and tamales—great for sampling local flavors and photographing daily commerce.
Small stalls near the plaza offer quick bites such as empanadas, arepas, sweet pastries and hot drinks—ideal for casual tasting and cheap meals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake and eye contact are common; among acquaintances a single cheek kiss or close greeting may occur. Always greet shopkeepers and locals when entering a space.
Dress modestly for church visits and community events; remove hats in sacred spaces and be respectful during religious ceremonies.
Ask permission before photographing people—many appreciate being asked and may pose if they consent. Be sensitive when photographing indigenous communities or ceremonies.
Time is generally relaxed; social invitations may start later than scheduled. If you’re visiting a household, bringing a small gift (sweets or coffee) is polite.
Safety
Tipping in El Bordo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but modest: 5–10% in full-service restaurants if service is not already included. Small tips for guides, drivers and hotel staff are customary; round up taxi fares rather than tipping large amounts.
Cash (Colombian pesos) is king in small towns—carry enough for markets, transport and small purchases. ATMs may be limited, so withdraw in the nearest larger town. Credit cards are accepted in some cafes and hotels but expect cash-only vendors in markets and rural businesses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect clearer skies, more reliable hiking and better photography conditions; daytime is pleasant though mornings can be cool at elevation. This is the most comfortable time for outdoor activities and farm visits.
Frequent afternoon rains and occasional heavy downpours, muddy trails and intermittent road disruptions—pack waterproof gear and plan flexible itineraries. Rivers rise after storms, so avoid risky crossings.
Transitional periods offer a mix of sun and showers; crowds are minimal and prices may be lower, but pack layers and a rain jacket just in case.
El Bordo at Night
Hiking in El Bordo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short to moderate hike to a hillside viewpoint overlooking El Bordo and the surrounding valleys; excellent for sunrise and landscape photography.
Guided walks across coffee farms that include plantation rows, processing areas and shaded trails—informative and relatively gentle terrain.
A trail following a nearby river with small waterfalls and natural pools; good for birdwatching and cooling off on warm days—avoid after heavy rains.
Longer, higher-elevation treks that traverse páramo-like habitats or upper forest, offering dramatic views and unique flora; prepare for colder, windier conditions and variable weather.
Airports
How to reach El Bordo by plane.
Regional airports serve short domestic flights and are the fastest way to reach the general area; from the airport, travel to El Bordo is typically by bus or private car.
Larger international airports offer more flight options and car/bus connections to regional towns; expect a road journey of several hours from major airports to El Bordo.
As the country's primary international hub, Bogotá is a common entry point; domestic connections or a longer overland journey are required to reach rural Andean destinations like El Bordo.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents identify as mestizo, reflecting mixed indigenous and Spanish ancestry; families are often involved in small-scale farming and local trades.
Depending on the exact locale, there may be nearby indigenous communities with distinct languages, customs and artisan traditions—respect and prior permission are important when visiting.
The demographic profile includes a mix of younger residents (studying or working locally) and multigenerational farming households who maintain local traditions.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Colombia, enjoyed socially and competitively in towns and schools; local pickup games are common in open fields.
Cycling—both road and mountain biking—is popular in Andean regions due to varied terrain and scenic routes; locals and visitors enjoy group rides and challenging climbs.
Regional traditional games like tejo may be played at social gatherings or festivals; they offer cultural insight and lively competition.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting El Bordo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited in small rural towns; focus on vegetable stews, rice, beans, arepas and salads. Ask for 'sin carne' (without meat) and be specific about dairy or egg preferences.
Vegan choices may require preparation requests—order vegetable-based dishes, fruit and plain arepas, and confirm there is no butter or cheese. Carry snacks if you have strict needs.
Many traditional items are corn-based (arepas, tamales) and naturally gluten-free, but always confirm cross-contamination and any wheat additions in sauces or fried items.