Things To Do
in El Cerrito
El Cerrito is a small town in Valle del Cauca, Colombia, perched in the Andean foothills just east of Cali. It blends agricultural countryside with a quiet, intimate town center and welcoming locals. The surrounding coffee-growing landscapes offer scenic viewpoints and farm visits that reveal Colombia's rich rural culture.
It serves as a tranquil base for exploring the broader Cali metropolitan area and nearby nature reserves.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Kick off your adventure by visiting the quaint Plaza de la Independencia, surrounded by colorful colonial buildings that tell the story of El Cerrito's rich history. Enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast at a local café, and try a calentado - a delicious mix of meat, rice, and beans. As you stroll through the plaza, take in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps chat with friendly locals who are eager to share their stories.
After lunch, head to the nearby Church of San Juan Bautista, an architectural gem that showcases intricate colonial design. Spend some time wandering the cobblestone streets, discovering hidden art galleries and artisan shops that feature handmade crafts. Finish your afternoon with a visit to the local market, where you can sample tropical fruits and snacks while mingling with vendors.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant to savor traditional Colombian dishes such as bandeja paisa or sancocho. Enjoy live music that often fills the air, as local musicians play folk tunes that reflect the region's culture. Wrap up your day with a leisurely stroll back to your accommodation, soaking in the warm evening atmosphere of El Cerrito.
Begin your day with a scenic drive to a nearby coffee farm, where you'll learn about the coffee production process from bean to cup. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour that includes picking coffee cherries and exploring lush coffee plantations surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Savor a freshly brewed cup of coffee as you take in the panoramic views of the Colombian hills.
After your coffee experience, indulge in a farm-to-table lunch featuring local ingredients and traditional Colombian flavors. Spend your afternoon participating in a coffee tasting session, where you'll learn how to distinguish different coffee varieties and their unique flavor profiles. Take some time to relax in the serene surroundings before heading back to El Cerrito.
Upon returning, enjoy a leisurely evening at a local café, sipping on your favorite Colombian coffee while reflecting on your day. Engage with locals who may join you, sharing stories and laughter over delicious pastries. As night falls, consider visiting a nearby open-air market to explore local handicrafts and enjoy the lively ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $1-3 |
| 🚍Local transit ticket | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-70 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly) | $30-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Proximity to Cali and access to urban amenities
- Warm, welcoming local culture and safe, walkable town center
- Rich coffee country scenery and markets for day trips
- Relatively affordable compared to larger cities
- Smaller town with limited nightlife and fewer international dining options
- Variable English proficiency among locals
- Travel time to larger airports and some attractions can be longer
- "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?
- "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
- "Ayuda" - Help
Places to Visit in El Cerrito
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful colonial facades, the town clock tower, and the main church provide classic street photography opportunities.
Painted walls and street art in older lanes offer vibrant backdrops for portraits and editorial shots.
Elevated viewpoints on the surrounding hills yield sweeping views of the valley and farm landscapes.
Soft light along the river creates reflective water scenes and silhouettes of local boats.
Food in El Cerrito
El Cerrito Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sweet corn arepa, often enjoyed with cheese; a popular breakfast or snack in cafes and markets.
Must-Try!
A hearty corn-stew-style soup with yucca, plantain and chicken or beef; a comforting regional staple.
Traditional tamales wrapped in plantain leaves, filled with meat, vegetables and spices.
A hearty platter adapted to the region, including beans, rice, plantain, and protein; widely available in local eateries.
A sweet palm fruit often eaten with honey or salt; typically found at street stalls and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market where you can sample fresh fruit, arepas, tamales, and regional snacks.
Casual vendors offering arepas, empanadas, and fruit cups; great for quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake or cheek kiss among friends; address strangers with 'usted' as formal form of 'you'.
Casual but neat; modest dress is appreciated in religious sites and markets.
Ask permission when photographing locals or private spaces; some vendors may request a small fee for commercial photography.
Avoid sensitive topics such as politics and security; speak respectfully about regional differences.
Safety
Tipping in El Cerrito
Ensure a smooth experience
At sit-down restaurants, a 5-10% tip is appreciated if service is not included; small cafés and street stalls usually do not expect tips.
Cash is widely accepted; many places also take cards, though some small vendors prefer cash; ATMs available in town and nearby Cali.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically sunny and warm with low precipitation; good for outdoor activities and photography, but stay hydrated and use sun protection.
Transition to rains; brief showers possible in the afternoons; plan flexible outdoor plans.
Rainier months; expect frequent showers and high humidity; bring a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear.
Another period of rainfall; lush green landscapes and vibrant sunsets can occur post-rain; plan indoor options as backups.
El Cerrito at Night
Hiking in El Cerrito
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate trails offering valley views and opportunities to observe regional flora and fauna.
Organized hikes or farm visits that incorporate walking through coffee plots and learning about processing.
Airports
How to reach El Cerrito by plane.
Located near Cali and Palmira; the primary gateway for international and domestic flights serving the region; about 1-1.5 hours by road from El Cerrito depending on traffic.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People who commute to Cali for work or study and live in outlying towns like El Cerrito.
Households involved in coffee, fruit and crop farming in the surrounding countryside.
People studying or working in the region, drawn to lower living costs and a relaxed pace.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; many parks and fields host informal matches and local leagues.
Flat and hilly routes attract cyclists; the countryside offers scenic training routes.
Common in schools and community centers; local courts in town.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting El Cerrito.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In El Cerrito, vegetarian options include arepas, beans, plantains, fresh fruit, salads and veggie-based stews; ask for vegetable-forward dishes and confirm no meat-based broths when ordering.