Things To Do
in Guamo

Guamo is a tranquil highland town in central Colombia, nestled among rolling hills and farmland just outside the Bogotá region. Its laid‑back streets, friendly residents, and accessible location make it a calm base for exploring the countryside. The town blends traditional Colombian hospitality with fresh local produce and simple, satisfying meals.

Visitors come for a relaxed day trip or a short stay to experience rural life with easy access to the capital’s amenities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring arepas and fresh coffee. Wander through the cobblestone streets of Guamo, admiring colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Visit the central plaza, where locals gather and the heart of the town beats.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a quaint restaurant offering traditional Colombian dishes, head to the Museo de Guamo to delve into the town's rich history. Spend the afternoon shopping for handmade crafts and souvenirs from local artisans. Take a moment to relax in the plaza, soaking in the lively atmosphere and watching the world go by.

evening
:

As the sun sets, enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of the town. Join locals for a cultural event or music performance in the plaza, experiencing Guamo's vibrant community spirit. End your night with a stroll through the illuminated streets, feeling the warm ambiance of this charming town.

day 2
Adventure in the Coffee Region
morning
:

Rise early and enjoy a hearty breakfast before embarking on a guided tour of a nearby coffee farm. Discover the intricate process of coffee cultivation, from bean to cup, while enjoying stunning views of lush green hills. Participate in a coffee tasting session to appreciate the unique flavors of Colombian coffee.

afternoon
:

After the tour, enjoy a traditional lunch at the farm, featuring local ingredients and flavors. Spend the afternoon hiking through the scenic trails around the coffee region, taking in the breathtaking landscapes and diverse flora. Capture photographs of the stunning vistas and perhaps spot some local wildlife.

evening
:

Return to Guamo for dinner at a local eatery known for its traditional dishes. Share stories with fellow travelers about your day’s adventures over a glass of local aguardiente. Wind down with a peaceful evening walk, reflecting on the beauty of Colombia's coffee culture.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-10
Coffee or tea$1-3
🚕Short taxi ride$2-5
🏨Budget hotel per night$20-40
🛍️Groceries or snacks$5-15

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed pace and friendly locals
  • Close to Bogotá for easy day trips
  • Rich agricultural produce and fresh cuisine
  • Reasonably affordable accommodations and food
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Rural roads can be rough after rain
  • Limited English in some areas
  • Fewer large-scale attractions compared to bigger cities
  • "Hola" - Hello
  • "Buenos días" - Good morning
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "Disculpe" - Excuse me

Places to Visit in Guamo

Visit one of these nice places.

Plaza Mayor and Historic Calle Principal

Colorful colonial balconies and stone-paved streets create classic Colombian townscape, especially striking during golden hour.

Hillside Viewpoints near Guamo

Elevated spots on the outskirts offer sweeping views of farmland, patchwork fields, and distant mountains.

Riverside Shorelines

Quiet banks of the local river or streams provide reflective water scenes and abundant greenery for nature photography.

Local Market Alleys

Bustling market lanes with vibrant produce, textiles, and friendly vendors; great for candid street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Guamo

In Guamo, expect hearty central Colombian fare with fresh local ingredients. Dishes emphasize comforting soups, corn products, and starches, often enjoyed with abundant fruit and coffee at hand-picked eateries.

Guamo Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ajiaco bogotano

A comforting chicken, potato, and corn soup typical of the Bogotá region; available in many town eateries and a reliable, warming option.

Must-Try!

Tamales tolimenses

Steamed corn dough filled with pork or chicken, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in plantain leaves for rich, fragrant flavor.

Sancocho de gallina

A hearty chicken stew with plantains, yucca, and corn on the cob; a popular choice for family-style meals.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Guamo Municipal Market

A central market where locals buy fresh produce,肉, cheeses, and baked goods; great for sampling seasonal fruit and snacks.

Street stalls (arepas and empanadas)

Casual spots along the main streets offering arepas, empanadas, buñuelos, and fresh juice—perfect for a quick bite.

Fruit stalls

Vendor stalls featuring mango, lulo, guanábana, and other regionally grown fruits—great for a refreshing, light snack.

Climate Guide

Weather

Guamo sits at a high elevation, resulting in a temperate climate with cool evenings and mild daytime temperatures. Average highs are usually in the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit (about 18–22°C), with nights dipping cooler. Rain can occur throughout the year, especially in the rainy seasons, so a lightweight rain layer is useful. Humidity is moderate, and air quality is generally good in the rural setting.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and respect

Greet people with a polite

Dress and demeanor

Casual, modest dress is common; avoid loud behavior in sacred or formal spaces. When in doubt, follow locals' lead.

Photo etiquette

Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in rural or intimate settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

Guamo is generally safe for visitors, but carry common-sense precautions: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, use licensed taxis, and avoid walking alone at night in isolated streets. Stay informed about local advisories and travel with health insurance. Be mindful of weather-related hazards on rural roads after rainfall, and keep a basic first-aid kit handy.

Tipping in Guamo

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a tip of 5–10% is appreciated if service is good; some establishments include service charge. Small tips for drivers or tour guides are common but not mandatory.

Payment Methods

Cash (Colombian pesos) is widely accepted, especially in markets and smaller eateries. Credit/debit cards are increasingly available in larger cafés and restaurants; mobile payments are growing in urban areas.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry Season

Typically sunny days with less rain; ideal for outdoor activities, hiking, and street photography. Nights can be cool and breezy due to elevation.

Rainy Season

Afternoons often see brief, heavy showers. Pack a light rain jacket, waterproof shoes, and a quick-dry bag; trails can be muddier but the scenery is lush.

Nightlife Guide

Guamo at Night

Nightlife in Guamo is typically low-key, centered on family-run eateries, quiet bars, and coffee houses. Expect laid-back conversations, occasional live local music on weekends, and a strong emphasis on late dinners and socializing around the plaza. For a livelier scene, residents often head to nearby towns or Bogotá for larger nightlife options.

Hiking in Guamo

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cerro Las Colinas Trail

Moderate hike with panoramic views of surrounding farmland and distant towns; best for a half-day excursion.

Reserva Natural de la Vereda

Rural nature reserve offering shaded trails, birdwatching, and a closer look at regional flora.

Mirador del Valle

An overlook point on a hillside outside town delivering sunset silhouettes over a patchwork of fields.

Airports

How to reach Guamo by plane.

El Dorado International Airport (BOG)

Major international airport serving Bogotá; ground transportation to Guamo typically takes 1.5–2.5 hours by car depending on traffic.

Guaymaral Airport (Private airstrip near Sopó)

Small, private airstrip offering limited services; primarily used by local clubs and for private flights, not a commercial hub.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is very walkable with compact streets and a central plaza. Sidewalks are common in the core, but some older streets can be uneven or steep. For longer distances or hillside viewpoints, expect a short bus ride or taxi.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

Longstanding residents who maintain agricultural livelihoods and strong community ties.

Students and young adults

Many commute to nearby towns for school and practical training; active in community events.

Farm workers and day laborers

People involved in fruit, coffee, and crop production who form a significant part of the local economy.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Fútbol (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Colombia, played in streets, schools, and local clubs.

Ciclismo (Cycling)

Flat and rolling rural roads make for enjoyable road cycling routes and training runs.

Baloncesto (Basketball)

Common in schools and community centers; pickup games are a frequent evening activity.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Guamo is light compared with major cities. In the town center, expect slower moving streets and stoplights; in rural outskirts, roads may be narrow and winding. For trips to Bogotá or larger towns, plan for peak-hour delays and varying road conditions.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Guamo.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many places offer vegetable-centered soups, salads, arepas with cheese, beans, and plantain dishes. When ordering, look for vegetarian options like sopa de verduras or arepa con queso, and ask for no carne.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are local clinics in the region plus nearby hospitals in larger towns. Major medical facilities and specialists are typically found in Bogota. Travel with comprehensive health insurance and carry any necessary prescriptions.

Discover Colombia

Read more in our Colombia 2025 Travel Guide.

Colombia Travel Guide