Things To Do
in Obando
Obando is a small town in Colombia's coffee region, nestled among green hills and colorful colonial houses. The town center offers a quiet plaza, a centuries-old church, and welcoming markets that showcase daily rural life. Surrounding landscapes mix coffee fincas, rivers, and cloud-kissed mountains, inviting relaxed exploration.
The pace here favors slow travel, authentic encounters, and a connection with Colombia’s rural charm.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, where you can savor traditional Colombian arepas and fresh coffee. Afterward, wander through the charming streets of Obando, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant street art that brings the town to life. Make sure to visit the main square, Plaza de Bolívar, where you can soak in the atmosphere and see local vendors setting up their stalls.
After lunch at a local restaurant, embark on a guided walking tour to learn about the town's rich history and cultural significance. Visit the beautiful Church of San Juan Bautista, a historical landmark with stunning interiors and a peaceful ambiance. Spend some time browsing local artisan shops, where you can find unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.
As the sun sets, head to a popular local eatery to enjoy a dinner of traditional dishes, such as bandeja paisa or sancocho. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll back to Plaza de Bolívar, where you can enjoy live music and the vibrant nightlife of Obando. End your night with a delicious dessert from a local vendor, perhaps some buñuelos or natilla.
Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before departing for a nearby coffee farm nestled in the lush hills. On the way, enjoy the scenic views of the coffee plantations and learn about the importance of coffee in Colombian culture. Upon arrival, participate in a guided tour of the farm, where you’ll witness the coffee-making process from bean to cup.
After the tour, enjoy a traditional lunch at the farm, featuring local ingredients and flavors. Spend the afternoon participating in a coffee tasting session, where you can sample different varieties and learn how to identify their unique profiles. You may also have the opportunity to try your hand at picking coffee beans, getting a taste of the hard work that goes into each cup.
Return to Obando as the sun begins to set, allowing for breathtaking views of the landscape. Relax at your accommodation or a local café, reflecting on your immersive experience with Colombian coffee. For dinner, choose a cozy restaurant offering a fusion of traditional and modern Colombian cuisine.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🥤Coffee or soft drink | $1-3 |
| 🚎Local transit fare | $0.50-1 |
| 🏨Budget hotel or hostel per night | $12-40 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction entrance | $2-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic experience in the Colombian coffee region
- Warm, welcoming locals and affordable travel
- Scenic landscapes with opportunities for outdoor activities
- Compact town center that’s easy to explore on foot
- Limited English spoken in some spots
- Fewer amenities and nightlife compared to larger cities
- Public transport can be sparse outside the main routes
- Humidity and occasional rain can affect outdoor plans
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Puede recomendar un lugar para comer?" - Can you recommend a place to eat?
- "Me gustaría una habitación" - I would like a room
Places to Visit in Obando
Visit one of these nice places.
The central square with colonial façades and the church provides classic street photography opportunities, especially at dawn or dusk.
The historic church with its bell towers offers architectural detail and color contrasts against the town’s hills.
A hilltop view overlooking the town and surrounding green valleys—perfect for wide-angle landscape shots.
Terraced coffee plantations and processing stations provide intimate portraits of farming life and plantation architecture.
Food in Obando
Obando Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sweet corn arepa, a regional staple often enjoyed with cheese or hogao (tomato-onion sauce).
Must-Try!
A hearty platter featuring beans, rice, ground meat, plantain, chicharrón, avocado, and a fried egg; widely available in local eateries.
Corn dough wrapped in plantain leaves with meat, vegetables, and seasonings; common at markets and family-run kitchens.
Hearty soup with chicken or beef, corn on the cob, plantain, and potatoes—comfort food in many local homes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market offering fresh fruit, cheeses, arepas, and prepared snacks; great for a quick, authentic bite.
Arepas, empanadas, and fresh fruit cups along the plaza; ideal for a stroll-and-snack experience.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Start interactions with a friendly greeting such as 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' and a handshake in formal settings.
Ask permission before photographing people or private homes; a polite '¿Puedo tomar una foto?' is appreciated.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural areas; casual, neat attire is generally appropriate.
Safety
Tipping in Obando
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included. For street vendors and casual cafes, rounding up is common but not mandatory.
Cash (COP) is widely accepted in markets and small establishments. Credit/debit cards are common in larger restaurants and hotels; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with longer sunny days and warm afternoons; ideal for outdoor exploration, market strolls, and hilltop views. Evenings can be cooler, so bring a light layer.
Two rainy periods (roughly Mar–May and Sep–Nov) bring lush green landscapes and afternoon showers. Trails can be slippery; plan for lighter schedules and indoor activities.
Transition periods with variable rain and sun; flexible plans work best, and coffee harvest activity may be visible in certain months.
Obando at Night
Hiking in Obando
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A forested hike to a nearby waterfall with opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Hilltop trail offering sweeping views of the valley and surrounding coffee fields.
A route along working coffee plantations with interpretive stops on farming practices and plant life.
Airports
How to reach Obando by plane.
Armenia, approximately 1–2 hours by road; serves domestic flights and some regional connections.
Pereira, a larger regional hub with more flight options; about 2–3 hours by road depending on traffic.
Medellín, a major international hub; longer transfer but broad flight options.
Cali, convenient for connections to other parts of Colombia; transfer times vary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of rural families and town residents; agriculture and small-scale crafts are common livelihoods.
A young population supported by regional schools and community programs.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, with local clubs and informal pickup games around town.
A common activity in the hills and valleys of the coffee region; scenic routes attract riders and hobbyists.
Played in community courts and schools, especially among youth.
Reached through nearby farms and rural trails; a traditional way to explore the countryside.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Obando.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes center on corn, beans, rice, and vegetables. Ask for vegetables, plantains, and cheeses; you can often substitute meat with beans or eggs.