Things To Do
in La Unión
La Unión is a picturesque town set in a lush valley, surrounded by coffee hills and rivers. It offers a relaxed pace, colorful plazas, and warm hospitality from local families. The area is known for coffee farming, small farms, and access to scenic waterfalls and trails.
Visitors come to experience rural Colombia with authentic meals, crafts, and easy day trips to nearby natural attractions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at La Unión and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast at a local café, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming town. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets to appreciate the colorful architecture and friendly locals.
Visit the central park, where you can relax by the fountain and observe daily life in the town. Grab lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring regional dishes while chatting with fellow travelers. Afterwards, explore the local artisan shops for unique handicrafts.
End the day with a visit to a plaza donde the residents gather at dusk. Enjoy the cool evening breeze while sipping on an authentic Colombian coffee. Join in the conversation with locals, sharing stories of your travels and forging new friendships.
Begin your day with a guided walking tour of La Unión, learning about its history from a knowledgeable local. Visit the town's museum to see artifacts that tell the story of its heritage. Stop by a bakery for some freshly baked pan de yuca as a mid-morning snack.
Enjoy lunch at a popular eatery known for its hearty bandeja paisa, a dish that showcases the region’s flavors. In the afternoon, participate in a workshop that teaches local crafts, such as pottery or weaving, giving you a chance to create your own souvenir. Engage with artisans and ask questions about their techniques.
Dine at a family-run restaurant that hosts live music on weekends. Indulge in traditional Colombian dishes while listening to local musicians play folk tunes. Later, take a moonlit walk around the park, absorbing the peaceful ambiance of the town at night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within town | $2-4 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (1 night) | $25-40 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🛍️Groceries (1 week staples) | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cordial locals and a safe, relaxed vibe
- Excellent base for nature trips and coffee country
- Affordable costs and straightforward travel around the region
- Limited nightlife and fewer luxury options
- Occasional limited English among stallholders
- Roads can be hilly and some trails require a guide
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "¿Aceptan tarjetas?" - Do you accept cards?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Ayuda" - Help
- "Disculpe" - Excuse me
- "¡Salud!" - Cheers!
Places to Visit in La Unión
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful colonial façades, daily activity, and a vibrant early-morning light ideal for street photography.
Panoramic views over the valley and coffee country, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
A scenic hike to a nearby waterfall with lush forest and misty spray for dramatic shots.
Water reflections and waterfowl along the riverbank; good for wide-angle landscape shots.
Food in La Unión
La Unión Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty platter featuring rice, beans, ground meat or pork, fried egg, plantain, arepa, and avocado. A signature Antioqueño dish to try at traditional eateries.
Must-Try!
A thick corn flatbread typically filled with cheese or served with hogao sauce; a staple meal to accompany other dishes.
Steamed masa stuffed with meat, vegetables, and spices, wrapped in plantain leaves for rich, comforting flavors.
Crispy fried pork served with cassava and a tangy sauce; popular as a robust street or restaurant dish.
Sweet arequipe (dulce de leche) paired with light, airy buñuelos—easy to share as a dessert or snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling center for fresh fruit, local vegetables, regional snacks, arepas, empanadas, and grilled specialties.
Stalls around the plaza offer quick bites like arepas, salgados (savory pastries), and fresh fruit juices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake or a warm
Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in intimate or family settings.
Dress modestly in churches and smaller towns; avoid loud, intrusive behavior in public spaces and show respect for elders and local customs.
Safety
Tipping in La Unión
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping 5–10% is appreciated if service isn’t included. Small tips to guides or drivers are common after a day trip.
Cash is widely accepted in markets and smaller eateries; many places take cards in towns, while rural spots may be cash-only. ATMs are available in town and at airports.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically sunnier days and clearer skies; ideal for outdoor hikes and long plaza strolls. Pack sun protection and stay hydrated.
Afternoon showers are common; trails can be muddy. Carry a light rain jacket and quick-dry footwear; mornings are often misty and atmospheric for photography.
La Unión at Night
Hiking in La Unión
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hike to a nearby waterfall with forest paths, suitable for most ages.
Ridge trail offering panoramic valley views and photography opportunities.
Gentle circuit through a working coffee farm with insights into processing and tasting.
Airports
How to reach La Unión by plane.
Major international airport serving Medellín; roughly 1.5–2 hours by road to La Unión depending on traffic.
Medellín's city airport offering regional flights; typically shorter trips from central Medellín and connects to domestic destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-standing residents who form the core community.
People who work on nearby farms and plantations into the region’s coffee belt.
Youth and visitors staying for study, work, or tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local leagues and informal games around town.
Hilly terrain and scenic routes attract day cyclists exploring coffee country.
Popular on forested hills and along river paths; great for weekend fitness.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting La Unión.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes feature beans, rice, plantains, and cheese. Request vegetables or avoid meat and hogao sauces. Look for veggie-friendly options at cafes and ask for substitutions if needed.