Things To Do
in Ricaurte
Ricaurte is a small Andean municipality in Nariño Department, set among rolling highland valleys and cloudforests near Colombia's southern border. The town has a quiet central plaza, colonial-era church architecture, and close ties to agricultural life—coffee, potatoes and trout farms are common. Its location offers sweeping mountain views, easy access to rural trails and waterfalls, and a calm, community-oriented atmosphere.
Ricaurte is best for travelers who enjoy low-key cultural encounters, nature activities and authentic regional food in a rural setting.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying fresh arepas and fragrant Colombian coffee. After breakfast, visit the local artisans’ market to pick up handcrafted souvenirs and experience the warmth of Ricuaurte's community. Take a stroll through the main plaza and admire the colorful architecture that reflects the town's history.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the region's natural beauty by hopping on a guided tour to explore nearby waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the water, surrounded by lush greenery and the sounds of nature. Finish your adventure with a swim in the refreshing pools before heading back to town.
As evening falls, indulge in the local cuisine at a traditional restaurant that offers the best of Columbia's culinary delights. Savor dishes like bandeja paisa while enjoying live music that showcases local talent. Conclude your night with a leisurely walk through the town, taking in the vibrant nightlife and friendly atmosphere.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting out on a day trip to the beautiful town of Girardot, just a short drive away. Explore the historic sites and enjoy the stunning views of the Magdalena River from various lookout points. Venture to La Pérgola, a nearby park, for some scenic walking trails.
After a morning of exploration, enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, trying delectable seafood or traditional Colombian fare. Spend the afternoon relaxing by the river, partaking in leisure activities like kayaking or paddleboarding. If time allows, visit local shops for unique handicrafts and gifts.
Return to Ricaurte in the evening and unwind at a local bar or café, sipping on a refreshing Colombian cocktail. Engage with locals and fellow travelers to share stories and experiences. As the night deepens, take a moment to gaze at the stars, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🛌Basic guesthouse per night | $15-30 |
| 🚕Short taxi or colectivo ride | $1-4 |
| 🎫Guided half-day hike | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Andean atmosphere and friendly locals
- Excellent access to nature: hikes, waterfalls and birdwatching
- Affordable prices and fresh, farm-to-table food
- Great opportunities for photography and cultural exchange
- Limited nightlife and few tourist amenities
- Card payments and ATMs are scarce—cash is essential
- Unpaved or slippery roads in rainy season can make travel slow
- Fewer organized tours and less English spoken compared with larger cities
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Soy alérgico a..." - I am allergic to...
- "No como carne" - I don't eat meat
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Ricaurte
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture daily life, colonial architecture and people gathered at the heart of town—best light in the morning and late afternoon.
Panoramic views of the surrounding Andes and layered ridgelines at sunrise or sunset—good for wide landscapes and cloud formations.
Nearby streams and cascades framed by lush vegetation provide great opportunities for nature macros and long-exposure waterfall shots.
Document agricultural life: coffee plants, drying patios, and trout pools—excellent for close-ups and cultural storytelling.
Misty highland ecosystems with dramatic skies and endemic flora—ideal for moody, atmospheric landscapes and bird photography.
Food in Ricaurte
Ricaurte Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A thick, comforting potato-and-cheese soup often served with avocado—find it at local fondas and family eateries.
Must-Try!
Fresh trout from nearby streams, typically seasoned simply and grilled; available at riverside restaurants and farms.
Regional style tamales with corn dough, meats or vegetables and spices—sold at markets and breakfast stalls.
Traditional Andean specialty you'll find on special occasions or at some rural restaurants; try it if you want an authentic regional experience.
Cheese breads and corn-based buns sold at bakeries and markets—perfect with local coffee.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market offers fresh produce, bread, street breakfasts and snacks; try fritters, empanadas, and freshly brewed coffee here.
Evening stalls sometimes serve hot soups, grilled trout or snacks—great for people-watching and sampling street-level flavors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a polite 'Buenos días' or handshake; use formal titles (Señor/Señora) when meeting elders or officials.
Locals are welcoming—accept invitations courteously and bring small gifts (coffee or sweets) if visiting a home.
Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in rural communities and markets.
Dress modestly for churches and formal occasions; be discreet with public displays of affection in conservative settings.
Avoid heated political or regional debates unless you know someone well—stick to neutral topics like food, farming and local culture.
Safety
Tipping in Ricaurte
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory; in restaurants a 10% service charge may be included—if not, leaving small change or 5–10% for good service is appreciated. Tip guides and drivers directly in cash.
Cash (Colombian peso) is king in Ricaurte—many small businesses do not accept cards, and ATMs are limited. Bring enough cash for daily expenses and use the nearest larger town (Pasto) to withdraw money or pay with cards.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Days are sunnier and trails are firmer—best time for hiking, photography and easier road travel. Nights can still be cool; bring a warm layer.
Expect frequent afternoon showers and muddier trails; rivers swell and some secondary roads can be slippery or affected by landslides. Pack rain gear, waterproof shoes and allow extra travel time.
Transitional months can offer a mix of clear mornings and brief storms—good for fewer crowds and dramatic skies, but check local conditions before hiking.
Ricaurte at Night
Hiking in Ricaurte
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short hike from town to a lookout offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and ridgelines—ideal for sunrise or sunset photography.
Moderate trail that follows a river to a series of small waterfalls and natural pools—great for cooling off after a hike.
A longer trek into higher-elevation ecosystems featuring unique flora, misty landscapes and birdwatching opportunities—bring warm clothing and a guide for remote sections.
Network of dirt roads and footpaths connecting local farms and hamlets—perfect for walking or cycling to experience rural life and agricultural practices.
Airports
How to reach Ricaurte by plane.
The nearest major regional airport serving Pasto; from here it is a drive (often 1–2 hours depending on road conditions) to Ricaurte. Flights connect to Bogotá and other regional hubs.
Ipiales is another regional point of access close to the border with Ecuador; commercial flight options are limited and service may be irregular—ground transport from Ipiales to Ricaurte varies with road links.
As an international option, Quito is across the border in Ecuador; it offers many international connections but requires a longer overland transfer and border formalities—useful if combining Ecuador travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents are mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European heritage), engaged in agriculture and small-scale commerce.
Nearby rural areas may include indigenous families and communities that maintain traditional practices and local dialects—respect for customs is important.
A large segment of the population works in farming (potatoes, vegetables, coffee) and small-scale aquaculture (trout).
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local matches and informal games are common in the plaza and fields, and community support for regional teams is strong.
Road and mountain cycling are popular among locals and visitors because of the varied terrain and scenic routes.
Traditional and practical in rural areas; used for transport and leisure rides during festivals or farm visits.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ricaurte.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; soups, potato dishes, beans, arepas and market salads are reliable—ask for dishes without meat or chicken broth.
More challenging in traditional spots because dairy and eggs feature heavily; bring snacks and be ready to explain restrictions in Spanish.
Corn-based items like arepas and certain tamales can be gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible; communicate needs clearly and prefer simple grilled dishes.
Always tell cooks about allergies in Spanish ("Soy alérgico a...") and carry any necessary medication—local kitchens may not label ingredients.