Things To Do
in Mesetas
Mesetas is a small rural municipality in the Meta department of Colombia, set where Andean foothills meet llanos plains and tropical forest. The town serves as a quiet base for exploring rivers, farms and lowland forests, with a strong llanero (plains) culture and agricultural economy. Visitors will find a relaxed pace of life, simple services, and friendly locals who maintain traditions of music, food and horsemanship.
Access can involve unpaved roads, so travel here feels remote and immersive rather than touristy.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delicious Colombian breakfast at a local café, savoring arepas and fresh coffee. After your meal, stroll through the colorful streets of Mesetas, admiring the charming colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Visit the main square, where locals gather, and soak in the lively atmosphere as you take in the sights and sounds of the town.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby Mesetas Cultural Museum to explore exhibits showcasing the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Afterward, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional restaurant, trying local dishes like sancocho or bandeja paisa. Conclude your afternoon with a walk to the viewpoint overlooking the town, where you can capture stunning panoramic photos.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a popular local eatery, trying out different Colombian specialties. After dinner, take a relaxed stroll through the town, perhaps stopping for an ice cream or a cup of hot chocolate. End your day by mingling with the locals at a nearby plaza, where you can experience the warmth of their hospitality.
Begin your day with a trip to a nearby coffee farm, where you can learn about the coffee production process from bean to cup. Participate in a guided tour of the lush coffee plantations, enjoying the stunning landscapes and fresh mountain air. Sample some freshly brewed coffee and appreciate the unique flavors that come from this region.
After the coffee farm tour, enjoy a hearty lunch at the farm's café, featuring local ingredients and traditional recipes. Spend the afternoon learning how to roast your own coffee beans and prepare your perfect cup under the guidance of an expert barista. Engage in conversations with the farmers to understand their daily lives and the significance of coffee in their culture.
Return to Mesetas and unwind at a local bar, where you can enjoy live music or cultural performances. Savor a refreshing cocktail made with local ingredients while mingling with fellow travelers and locals. As the night deepens, take a scenic walk back to your accommodation, appreciating the serene atmosphere of the town.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $0.80-2 |
| 🚌Local bus / shared transport | $0.40-1.50 |
| 🚕Short mototaxi/taxi ride | $1-5 |
| 🏨Basic guesthouse / mid-range hotel | $20-50 per night |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural llanero culture and hospitality
- Good access to rivers, wildlife and outdoor activities
- Low cost of travel and simple, fresh regional food
- Limited tourist infrastructure and medical facilities
- Unpaved roads can be difficult in the rainy season
- Fewer dining and nightlife options compared with larger towns
- "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
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Soy vegetariano/a" - I am vegetarian
- "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?
- "No hablo español muy bien" - I don't speak Spanish very well
Places to Visit in Mesetas
Visit one of these nice places.
Photograph daily life, market activity, colorful storefronts and community gatherings in the heart of town—especially lively in the morning and at sunset.
Early morning or late afternoon light along nearby river stretches provides reflections, birds and rural scenes—ideal for landscape and wildlife shots.
Wide open plains, grazing cattle and traditional ranch structures capture the llanero identity—sunrise and sunset offer dramatic skies.
Shaded streams and forest margins near the town present macro opportunities (butterflies, plants) and moody light for nature photography.
If your visit coincides with a town celebration or cattle event, you can capture traditional dress, music, dance and horsemanship—ask permission before photographing people.
Food in Mesetas
Mesetas Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-roasted or grilled beef prepared in the llanero tradition; find it at ranches and larger local celebrations or at regional fondas.
Must-Try!
A hearty soup of meat (chicken, beef or fish), tubers and plantain; a common comfort meal served at local eateries and family homes.
Cassava-based breads and rolls—staples sold at the municipal market and by street vendors.
When available from nearby rivers, fried fish served with rice, patacones (fried plantain) and salad at local restaurants.
Traditional fermented beverages sometimes offered at local gatherings; enjoy cautiously and ask about preparation.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small central market where farmers bring fresh fruit, vegetables, tubers, corn, cassava and local snacks—great place for cheap meals and to sample street foods like arepas and bollos.
Informal stalls and fondas around the plaza or along main roads offering sancocho, empanadas, grilled meat and fried snacks—ideal for quick, local plates.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'hola' and a handshake in formal situations; use 'usted' with older people or to show respect.
Be polite, ask before photographing people or private property, and dress modestly when visiting churches or family homes.
Time is more relaxed in rural Colombia—arrive with flexibility for meetings and tours, but keep hosts informed if plans change.
Locals are often generous—accept small offerings politely and reciprocate with courtesy; small gifts for hosts (coffee, fruit, school supplies) are appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Mesetas
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is modest and discretionary: around 5–10% in restaurants if service is not included, small tips or rounding up for guides, drivers and hotel staff are appreciated.
Cash (Colombian peso) is the norm in Mesetas—small shops, fondas and markets often don’t accept cards. Larger establishments may take cards, but always carry cash for transport, tips and market purchases.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Roads are more reliable and outdoor activities like horseback riding, hiking and river access are easier; expect dust on unpaved roads and warmer afternoons.
Frequent heavy rains can make dirt roads muddy or impassable, and some rural trails or river crossings may be hazardous—plan extra travel time and consider guided transport.
Shorter, unpredictable rains can occur between seasons—carry lightweight rain gear year-round and check local conditions before long transfers.
Mesetas at Night
Hiking in Mesetas
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A gentle walk along a nearby river offering birdwatching, shaded sections and places to swim—best early morning or late afternoon.
Short hikes into the lower foothills near town that reward visitors with panoramic views of the plains and opportunities to see wildlife.
A moderate trail leading to a seasonal cascade or stream; conditions vary with rainfall so check local advice before setting out.
Airports
How to reach Mesetas by plane.
Regional airport serving Villavicencio (the departmental capital). From Villavicencio, Mesetas is reached by road; travel time varies depending on road conditions (generally several hours).
Major international airport in Bogotá; from Bogotá you can travel by road or take a regional flight to Villavicencio then continue by land to Mesetas. Road travel from Bogotá takes several hours and traverses the Andes into the plains.
Smaller regional airport near La Macarena used by visitors to nearby natural attractions; useful if combining a trip to the national park region, but services are limited and onward ground travel to Mesetas is required.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are mestizo agricultural workers and ranching families who maintain traditional livelihoods.
The region includes Indigenous groups and some Afro-Colombian residents in nearby areas; cultural presence varies by locality and influences local traditions and crafts.
Many younger people migrate to larger cities for work, leaving a higher proportion of older adults and families engaged in farming and ranching locally.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local pickup games and community matches are common and a key social activity.
Traditional llanero horse-riding and cattle-handling competitions are part of regional culture and draw spectators during festivals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Mesetas.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; expect rice, beans, plantains, arepas and cassava dishes. Ask for plates without meat and seek out market stalls for fresh produce. Communicate 'soy vegetariano/a' and be prepared to adapt with simple, hearty options.
Vegan and strict gluten-free choices are challenging in a rural setting—focus on fruits, rice, beans and grilled vegetables, and carry snacks or specialty items if you need reliable options.
Ingredient labeling is uncommon; carry any necessary medication, translate allergies into Spanish ahead of time and confirm preparation methods with cooks.