Things To Do
in Mercaderes
Mercaderes is a small Andean town in southern Colombia, perched at a cool altitude with sweeping green valleys. It serves as a quiet gateway to rural haciendas, cloud forests, and river landscapes. Its streets blend colonial charm with a friendly, working-town rhythm, where markets buzz with fresh produce and crafts.
Visitors come for unhurried strolls, local cuisine, and easy access to nearby nature trails.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the main square of Mercaderes, where you can admire the charming colonial architecture and vibrant local life. Grab a cup of freshly brewed coffee from a nearby café, enjoying the aroma as you take in the ambiance of the town. Don’t miss the chance to chat with locals, who are often eager to share stories about their heritage and the significance of the area.
After a leisurely lunch at a local eatery, head to the nearby museum to discover the rich history of Mercaderes and its surrounding regions. The museum showcases a variety of artifacts and exhibits that provide insights into the indigenous cultures and colonial past. Spend time exploring the quaint streets and colorful murals, capturing the essence of this unique town through your camera lens.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant offering traditional Colombian cuisine and enjoy a meal made with locally sourced ingredients. The lively atmosphere will be complemented by the sounds of music and laughter, making it a perfect way to end your day. After dinner, take a stroll around the square, where you can often find local musicians performing, creating a magical evening experience.
Begin your day by visiting the bustling local market, where the vibrant colors of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies create a feast for the senses. Engage with friendly vendors, sampling exotic fruits and chatting about their goods, immersing yourself in the culture of Mercaderes. This experience will provide a genuine insight into daily life and the importance of market traditions in the area.
After exploring the market, participate in a traditional cooking class that highlights local recipes, such as 'ajiaco' or 'bandeja paisa'. You’ll learn about the ingredients that make these dishes unique, and enjoy the fruits of your labor as you savor your homemade meal. This hands-on experience not only fills your belly but also enriches your understanding of Colombian culinary heritage.
Wind down your day by attending a cultural event or performance, often held in the town’s plaza or community center. You may have the opportunity to witness traditional dances, music, and even storytelling that reflects the rich folklore of the region. This immersive experience will deepen your appreciation for the local culture and its artistic expressions.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-35 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly) | $20-50 |
| 🚎One-way public transport | $0.75-1.5 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Andean culture and warm hospitality
- Affordable prices and easy access to nature
- Quiet, safe environment for relaxed travel
- Limited nightlife and fewer big-city amenities
- Healthcare options are more basic locally; plan for Pasto or higher-level facilities
- Rural roads can be slow or challenging during the rainy season
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hablo un poco de español" - I speak a little Spanish
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ayuda, por favor" - Help, please
- "¿Puede recomendarme un lugar para comer?" - Can you recommend a place to eat?
- "Me gustaría pagar con tarjeta" - I would like to pay with a card
Places to Visit in Mercaderes
Visit one of these nice places.
A charming, well-lit plaza with the town’s cathedral, ideal for daytime street photography and golden-hour portraits.
A hillside vantage point overlooking the valley and distant mountains, perfect for panoramic shots at sunrise or sunset.
Shallow river scenes with reflections, rocks, and lanes of green; great for nature and travel photography.
Food in Mercaderes
Mercaderes Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh mountain trout, typically grilled or pan-fried with garlic, lemon, and herbs; best when sourced from nearby streams and served with potatoes or plantains.
Must-Try!
A robust stew featuring chicken or pork, yucca, plantain, and corn; commonly enjoyed with community-style bowls and rice.
Traditional corn arepas served with cheese, hogao (tomato-onion sauce), or butter; a staple accompaniment for many meals.
Tamales prepared in the Pasto region style, often seasoned with cornmeal, meat, and vegetables wrapped and steamed in leaves.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market offering fresh produce, regional snacks, and daily staples; a great place to sample street foods and observe local life.
Sidewalk stalls and small eateries selling empanadas, arepas, patacones, fresh fruit cups, and coffee on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' when entering shops or meeting people. A handshake is common; use polite forms like 'Señor'/'Señora' with names.
Ask before photographing people, especially in private settings or markets. Respect privacy and local customs.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; avoid loud behavior in quiet neighborhoods and observe local norms during celebrations.
Safety
Tipping in Mercaderes
Ensure a smooth experience
In cafes and restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service isn’t included. Taxis and casual staff typically expect small tips by rounding up or a dollar-equivalent. In markets, tipping is not expected.
Cash is widely accepted in local eateries and markets; many larger shops accept cards. ATMs are available in town for card cash withdrawals.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally sunny days with clearer skies, making outdoor activities more predictable. Evenings can be cool; bring a light jacket.
Frequent brief rain showers and higher humidity. Trails can be muddy but landscapes are lush and vibrant; pack rain gear and waterproof footwear.
Mercaderes at Night
Hiking in Mercaderes
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A set of short hikes to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints just outside the town, ideal for a half-day excursion.
Hiking combined with a coffee-farm visit, offering a chance to learn about processing and sample fresh brews.
Airports
How to reach Mercaderes by plane.
Closest regional airport with domestic flights; typically serves connections to Bogotá and other major cities.
Another regional option closer to the southern areas; useful for regional connections and travel to the border zone.
Major international hub for longer connections; typically reached by a domestic flight from PSO or IPI.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of mestizo residents and indigenous influences, with Spanish as the primary language and local traditions shaping daily life.
Many residents work in agriculture or crafts in surrounding countryside, contributing to a tight-knit community atmosphere.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across the region, with local leagues, pickup games, and street play centered on community spirit.
Hilly terrain and scenic routes make cycling a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Common in schools and community centers, especially in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mercaderes.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in most eateries; ask for veggie plates with plantains, beans, rice, and salads. If a dish isn’t clearly labeled, request substitutions like extra vegetables or cheese instead of meat.