Things To Do
in Flandes
Flandes is a small, warm riverside municipality in the Tolima department of Colombia, located near the Magdalena River and surrounded by agricultural plains. It offers a laid-back, rural atmosphere with easy access to nearby regional centers such as Ibagué and other Tolima towns. The town mixes riverfront scenery, modest colonial-era architecture and active local markets where everyday Colombian life is visible.
Flandes is a practical base for short nature outings, river activities and sampling Tolimense cuisine while experiencing a quieter side of Colombian life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your morning with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Flandes, soaking in the colonial architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Visit the local market to experience the flavors of fresh tropical fruits and traditional Colombian snacks. Don't forget to stop by the Church of San Juan Bautista, a beautiful example of local religious architecture.
In the afternoon, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local eatery, sampling classic dishes like bandeja paisa or sancocho. Afterward, take a guided tour of the town's historical sites, learning about its rich history and cultural significance. Engage with local artisans as they showcase their crafts, providing a unique insight into traditional Colombian culture.
As the sun sets, find a cozy café in the town square where you can relax and watch the locals go about their evening routines. Savor a cup of Colombian coffee, known for its rich flavor and quality, while enjoying the lively ambiance. If you're in the mood, join a local dance class or simply enjoy a night of traditional music at a nearby venue.
Start your day early with a drive to Parque Natural de la Isla de los Micos, where you'll be greeted by the sounds of nature and the lush greenery. Explore the park's trails, observing diverse flora and fauna while keeping an eye out for playful monkeys swinging through the trees. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst the serene landscape, surrounded by the beauty of the Colombian rainforest.
Continue your adventure with a guided canoe tour on the river, where you can spot exotic birds and wildlife along the banks. Experience the tranquility of the water as you navigate through the park, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Afterward, enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the park's designated areas, appreciating the serene environment.
Return to Flandes in the early evening and freshen up before heading out to explore the local dining scene. Choose a restaurant that offers authentic Colombian dishes and enjoy a hearty meal. Conclude your day by taking a leisurely walk along the river as the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride (3–5 km) | $2-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $20-45 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $0.30-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed, authentic small-town atmosphere
- Access to riverfront scenery and outdoor activities
- Affordable food and accommodation
- Good base for day trips to nearby Tolima attractions
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with larger cities
- Some services and medical facilities require travel to Ibagué
- Roads and transport can be affected by seasonal rains
- "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
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Flandes
Visit one of these nice places.
Long riverside stretches with boats, fishermen and dramatic sunsets — ideal for golden-hour photography and capturing local river life.
Picturesque town square and main church offering classic small-town Colombian scenes, people-watching and street photography opportunities.
Vibrant market stalls with colorful fruits, vegetables and traditional food vendors — great for candid portraits and detail shots.
Surrounding farmland at dawn and dusk creates wide-open landscapes, dramatic skies and rural scenes with workers and traditional equipment.
Food in Flandes
Flandes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-roasted stuffed pig with rice and peas; a regional specialty often found at markets, celebrations and traditional restaurants.
Must-Try!
Corn dough with meat and vegetables wrapped in banana leaf and steamed — popular for weekend breakfasts and local markets.
Freshly caught fish from the Magdalena prepared fried and served with patacones, rice and salad at riverside eateries.
A rich, thick rice dish cooked with meat and vegetables, common at family meals and local restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local market with fresh produce, tropical fruit, arepa stands and tamales in the mornings — a great place to try breakfasts and snacks.
Informal vendors near the river selling fried fish, patacones, empanadas and cold fruit juices — ideal for a casual lunch with a view.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Warm, polite greetings are important — handshake, smile and a friendly 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' go a long way. People often use formal 'usted' for politeness.
Dress modestly for daytime and when visiting churches; public displays of affection are common but keep a respectful tone in conservative settings.
Family, community gatherings and local traditions are important — show respect at events and ask before photographing people in private settings.
Safety
Tipping in Flandes
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected; many restaurants add a 10% service charge — if not included, a 5–10% tip for good service is customary. Small tips for porters, guides and taxi drivers are common.
Cash (Colombian peso, COP) is king in small towns and markets; credit/debit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and hotels but many local businesses are cash-only. ATMs are available in larger nearby towns — carry enough cash for smaller purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect hotter, sunnier weather and lower river levels — best time for outdoor activities, boat trips and clear photography conditions.
Afternoon and evening showers are common; some rural roads can become muddy or slow, river currents stronger, and small excursions may be disrupted.
Transitional months can be pleasant with fewer tourists; pack layers and a lightweight rain jacket as weather can change quickly.
Flandes at Night
Hiking in Flandes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic canyon and nature area near Ibagué offering trails, waterfalls and cloud-forest scenery; suitable for day trips and moderate hikes (access via Ibagué).
Part of the broader Andean highland region — high-altitude hiking and volcanic landscapes are accessible from Tolima with a longer drive; trips require preparation and acclimatization.
Short, informal trails along the Magdalena and through agricultural land provide gentle walks, birdwatching and close-up rural scenery — best explored with a local guide or host.
Airports
How to reach Flandes by plane.
The nearest regional airport serving Ibagué with domestic flights; reachable by road in roughly an hour or so depending on traffic and exact starting point.
Colombia's main international hub; a longer drive (typically several hours) from Flandes but offers the most international and domestic connections.
Regional airport in Neiva that can be a convenient option depending on travel routes; reachable by intercity road connections from Tolima.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are mestizo or of mixed Hispanic heritage, engaged in agriculture, commerce and local services.
A significant portion of the population works in agriculture — rice, plantain, cassava and other crops — and contributes to the town's rural character.
Flandes has a vibrant community of families and young people who maintain local traditions and community events.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region, with local matches and strong community support for clubs and youth leagues.
Cycling and road biking are popular in Tolima's varied terrain; both recreational rides and competitive cycling have local followings.
A traditional Colombian throwing game sometimes played at social gatherings and informal spots — expect to see it at local fiestas or fondas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Flandes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited; expect rice, beans, arepas, salads and fried plantains. Ask for dishes without meat (sin carne) and look for vegetable stews or egg-based breakfasts.
Vegan choices can be more challenging in small towns; rely on fruit markets, rice and bean combinations, yuca and plantain dishes and request that dairy or eggs be omitted where possible.
Many traditional staples (arepas, rice, grilled meats, fish) are naturally gluten-free, but check batters for empanadas or fried items and ask about cross-contamination at busy stalls.