Things To Do
in Florida
Florida is a small municipality in the Valle del Cauca department of Colombia, set in a warm valley dotted with sugarcane and coffee farms and framed by the foothills of the Western Andes. The town has a relaxed pace, a central plaza with a colonial-era church, and a strong rural and Afro-Colombian cultural influence visible in music, food and festivals. Visitors come for agricultural landscapes, nearby cloud-forest trails in the Farallones and friendly village life a short drive from the city of Cali.
Infrastructure is basic but improving, making Florida best suited for travelers seeking authentic countryside experiences rather than full-service tourism.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, indulging in fresh arepas and Colombian coffee. Afterward, take a guided walking tour through the historic center to admire the beautiful colonial architecture and learn about the rich history of Florida. Don't miss the chance to visit the main square, where you can see locals going about their daily routines.
In the afternoon, explore the charming streets of Florida, stopping by artisan shops that showcase local crafts and souvenirs. Visit the local market to taste exotic fruits and traditional snacks, mingling with the locals as you navigate through vibrant stalls. As the sun begins to dip, find a cozy spot to enjoy lunch with a view of the bustling city life.
As night falls, head to a nearby restaurant known for its authentic Colombian cuisine and enjoy a dinner of bandeja paisa. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll around the plaza, where you can experience the lively atmosphere filled with music and laughter from nearby cafés. End your evening with a refreshing cocktail at a rooftop bar, taking in the stunning views of the illuminated city.
Start your day early with a visit to the nearby wildlife reserve, where you can immerse yourself in the lush greenery and diverse ecosystems. Join a guided tour to spot native wildlife, including colorful birds and playful monkeys, while learning about the unique flora of the region. Enjoy a packed breakfast surrounded by nature, listening to the soothing sounds of the forest.
In the afternoon, continue your wildlife adventure with a canoe ride along the serene waters of the nearby river. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic wildlife and enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you glide through the picturesque landscape. After your canoeing experience, enjoy a picnic lunch by the riverbank, soaking in the natural beauty around you.
As the sun sets, return to Florida and unwind at a local eatery, trying out grilled fish or a traditional sancocho. The evening atmosphere is filled with the sounds of local musicians, so find a nearby spot to enjoy live music while sipping a refreshing drink. Conclude your day by taking a leisurely walk through the town, appreciating the warm night air and vibrant street life.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or street drink | $0.80-2 |
| 🚌Local bus ride or short colectivo | $0.30-1 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Colombian experience with strong local culture
- Close access to Andean foothills and diverse natural scenery
- Affordable prices for food, transport and lodging
- Friendly, community-oriented locals and markets
- Limited tourist infrastructure and English-speaking services
- Seasonal rains can make some roads and trails difficult
- Nightlife and upscale dining options are limited locally
- Public transport connections less frequent than in major cities
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿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
- "Soy vegetariano/a" - I am vegetarian
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Florida
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic town-center shots of colonial-style architecture, daily life and evening gatherings; excellent for candid street photography and portraiture.
Expansive agricultural landscapes with repeating lines of cane and golden light make for dramatic wide-angle photos, especially at golden hour.
Rustic farm buildings, coffee drying patios and narrow country roads framed by the Andes foothills offer intimate, textured compositions.
Near veredas and in the lower foothills you’ll find rivers and cascades ideal for nature photography, long exposures and birdlife shots.
A short drive away, this wetland reserve is great for birdwatching and capturing reflections, marsh scenes and wildlife.
Food in Florida
Florida Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Valle del Cauca–style tamal made with corn masa, rice, pork or chicken and vegetables wrapped in plantain leaves; commonly found at markets and family restaurants.
Must-Try!
Sweet ripe plantain stuffed with cheese, battered and fried — a common snack sold by street vendors and at local eateries.
A chopped fruit dessert topped with syrup, condensed milk and crunchy toppings; perfect for a hot afternoon and widely available from street stalls.
Traditional regional drinks: lulada (blended lulo fruit, sugar and lime) and champús (a thick, sweet drink made from corn, fruit and panela) — try them at markets and small cafés.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market where locals buy fresh produce, meats and snacks; ideal for sampling empanadas, tamales, tropical fruits and freshly brewed coffee from neighborhood stalls.
Around the central plaza in the evenings you’ll find street food sellers offering cholao, aborrajados, grilled meats and cold drinks — a social hub for tasting local flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Colombians value polite greetings: say 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' when entering shops or meeting people. A handshake or light cheek kiss is common in social situations; use formal courtesy with elders.
Dress modestly in churches and conservative settings; public displays of affection are generally acceptable but keep respect for local norms. Avoid loud behavior in residential areas at night.
Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in rural communities and markets; some vendors or residents may expect a small payment in exchange for posed photos.
Safety
Tipping in Florida
Ensure a smooth experience
Restaurants often include a 10% service charge on the bill; if the service charge isn’t included, a 10% tip is customary but not mandatory. For taxi rides, rounding up the fare is common; tip small amounts to guides, drivers and hotel staff for good service.
Cash (Colombian peso) is widely used in Florida, especially in markets and small restaurants. Credit/debit cards are accepted in some establishments but less reliably than in cities — carry enough cash for rural purchases and transport. ATMs exist in town but may have limits, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Most pleasant for travel: lower rainfall, fewer muddy trails and more comfortable conditions for hiking and exploring rural roads. Expect warm temperatures and busy local festivals around holidays.
Heavier showers return, trails can get slippery and some rural dirt roads may become difficult; waterfalls and rivers are fuller, which is attractive for nature photography but requires sturdy footwear.
A relative lull in rain offers another good window for outdoor activities and finca visits; landscapes remain lush from earlier rains.
Another period of increased rainfall and potential road impacts; carry rain gear and confirm transport plans, especially for visiting mountain trails.
Florida at Night
Hiking in Florida
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of trails ascending into the Farallones cloud forest with waterfalls, biodiversity and panoramic views — local guides recommended for navigation and safety.
Flat, accessible paths around a protected wetland area for birdwatching and easy nature walks; good for morning visits to see wildlife activity.
Shorter, informal trails through coffee farms, sugarcane plots and rural hamlets that offer cultural immersion and relaxed hikes suitable for most fitness levels.
Airports
How to reach Florida by plane.
The main international and domestic airport serving the region, located near Palmira/Cali. It’s roughly a 1–2 hour drive to Florida depending on traffic and route; buses and taxis connect the airport to regional destinations.
A regional airport serving the coffee growing region; travel times to Florida are longer (typically several hours by road) but it can be an option for multi-destination trips through the coffee axis.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents identify as mestizo (mixed European and Indigenous ancestry) and form the backbone of local agricultural and commercial life.
Significant Afro-Colombian communities contribute to the cultural fabric through music, food and traditions, especially in the broader Valle del Cauca region.
Smallholder farmers and laborers working in coffee, sugarcane and other crops shape the local economy and community rhythms.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport: local matches and informal games are common in town parks and school fields; national passion for the sport is strong.
Road cycling and mountain biking are popular due to varied terrain and scenic routes through valleys and foothills.
Traditional Colombian games like tejo and informal ball games are enjoyed socially during festivals and family gatherings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Florida.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in small towns; look for plantain-based dishes, rice and vegetable stews, fresh fruit and salads. Communicate clearly that you don’t eat meat ('soy vegetariano/a' or 'no como carne') and ask cooks to omit lard, which is common in traditional preparations.
Vegan dining requires communication and flexibility — fruits, plantains, corn-based items and rice are staples, but many dishes use dairy or lard. Bring snacks and use markets for fresh produce if options are limited.
Corn- and rice-based foods are common and often naturally gluten-free, but check for cross-contamination in fried foods and ask about thickeners in sauces.