Things To Do
in San Fernando
San Fernando is a municipality located in the department of Bolívar in Colombia. It is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with colonial architecture and traditional festivals attracting visitors. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.
The local community is warm and welcoming, making San Fernando a charming destination for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Colombian culture.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo te va?" - How's it going?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1.50
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Plaza Principal, the heart of the town. Enjoy a local breakfast at one of the nearby cafes, soaking in the atmosphere.
Visit the local market to taste fresh produce and regional delicacies. Don't forget to take some time to explore local artisans' shops.
Wind down at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Colombian dishes. Stroll through the plaza to enjoy the lively atmosphere at night.
Head to nearby Parque Natural Los Nevados for a morning hike. Immerse yourself in stunning views and diverse wildlife.
Pack a picnic to enjoy in the park while surrounded by nature. Explore additional trails to discover hidden gems within the park.
Return to San Fernando and find a cozy spot for dinner. Enjoy a relaxed evening recounting your adventures with friends or family.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and festivals celebrating local traditions.
- Beautiful natural landscapes and proximity to the Andes mountains.
- Friendly and welcoming local community.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities.
- Access to various outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching.
- Limited employment opportunities, particularly for specialized fields.
- Infrastructural challenges, including road conditions and public transportation.
- Safety concerns related to crime in certain areas.
- Limited access to higher education institutions and healthcare facilities.
- Potential language barrier for non-Spanish speakers.
Best Activities in San Fernando
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful trails of Chicaque Natural Park, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the cloud forest and diverse wildlife.
San Fernando is a great location for bird watching, with a variety of species in their natural habitats, particularly around the rivers and forested areas.
Experience the exciting terrain of San Fernando by mountain biking through its scenic routes, which offer a mix of challenging trails and beautiful landscapes.
Enjoy an adrenaline-pumping river rafting adventure on the Rio San Juan, where you can navigate through rapids and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding you.
Take a tour of local coffee farms to learn about the coffee-making process, enjoy tasting fresh coffee, and soak in the picturesque landscapes.
Set up camp at Alto del Viento, a high-altitude location that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and a chance to connect with nature.
Places to Visit in San Fernando
Visit one of these nice places.
A hill offering panoramic views of San Fernando and the surrounding areas, ideal for capturing breathtaking sunset photographs.
The main park in San Fernando, featuring beautiful landscapes and vibrant local life, perfect for candid street photography.
A viewpoint that provides stunning vistas of the Chicamocha Canyon, known for both scenic beauty and dramatic photo opportunities.
A bridge with a backdrop of the river and lush green surroundings, great for both landscape and architectural photography.
A bustling market square filled with colorful stalls and local vendors, excellent for capturing the vibrant culture and daily life of the city.
An ecological park with diverse flora and fauna, providing natural beauty and unique opportunities for nature photography.
The main cathedral in the city featuring stunning architecture and lively surrounding squares, perfect for architectural and cultural captures.
Food in San Fernando
San Fernando Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty dish featuring rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, chicharrón (crispy pork belly), fried egg, arepa, and avocado. Best enjoyed at La Hacienda del Bosque, a popular local eatery known for its traditional Bandeja Paisa.
Must-Try!
A flavorful soup made with chicken or beef, yuca, plantains, and other vegetables, seasoned with local herbs. Visit La Cocina de Doña Carmen, a family-owned restaurant famous for its authentic Sancocho.
A stew featuring three types of potatoes, chicken, corn, capers, and guascas (a native herb). Head to Restaurante El Fogón de la Abuela for a delightful serving of Ajiaco, prepared according to a cherished family recipe.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, local cheeses, and artisanal goods. Sample an array of street foods such as empanadas, arepas, and tropical fruit juices as you explore the lively stalls.
A bustling market where you can savor authentic Colombian street food delicacies such as tamales, buñuelos, and pandebonos. Don't miss the opportunity to engage with local vendors and experience the bustling ambiance firsthand.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In San Fernando, a warm and friendly greeting is important. It is customary to greet people with a handshake or a light hug, especially among acquaintances. Always make eye contact and smile to convey friendliness.
Showing respect to elders is a significant cultural norm in San Fernando. It is common to address older individuals with titles such as 'Don' or 'Doña,' and to listen attentively to their advice and opinions.
When engaging in conversation, it is important to maintain a polite and courteous tone. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics or personal finances, especially with new acquaintances, as this can be considered impolite.
Safety
Tipping in San Fernando
Ensure a smooth experience
In San Fernando, Colombia, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is common to leave a small tip (around 10% of the bill) in restaurants and cafes if the service is satisfactory. In other service industries, such as taxis and hotels, rounding up the fare or leaving small change is also customary.
Payments in San Fernando can be made with cash, credit, and debit cards. While cash is widely accepted, especially in smaller establishments, larger businesses and chains typically accept card payments. Mobile payment options are also becoming more popular. It is advisable to carry some cash, as not all places will have card facilities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit San Fernando as the weather is pleasantly warm with less rainfall. Expect sunny days, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the lush landscapes.
During these months, San Fernando experiences significant rainfall. While it may be less ideal for outdoor activities, the surroundings are beautifully lush and green. Expect higher humidity and occasional heavy showers.
These months serve as transitions between dry and wet seasons. Visitors can expect a mix of sunny and rainy days. This time can be a great opportunity to enjoy fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates.
San Fernando at Night
Hiking in San Fernando
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful park located just outside of San Fernando offering various hiking trails through lush forests and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
A popular hiking destination with a challenging trail that rewards hikers with panoramic views of the valley and surrounding peaks.
An expansive national park featuring diverse ecosystems, with numerous trails for hiking through the rich flora and fauna.
A scenic area offering various trails that wind through beautiful landscapes, perfect for both novice and experienced hikers.
This eco-tourism trail leads to a stunning waterfall and provides opportunities to explore the local wildlife and plant species.
Aiports
How to reach San Fernando by plane.
Located in Bogotá, this is the main international airport serving Colombia and is approximately 13 hours from San Fernando.
Located near Medellín, this airport serves domestic and international flights and is roughly 10 hours drive from San Fernando.
Situated in Cartagena, this airport handles both domestic and international flights and is about 11 hours away from San Fernando.
Located in Santa Marta, this airport is approximately 8 hours by road from San Fernando and serves international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in San Fernando, comprising individuals of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry.
A significant group that includes various Indigenous communities native to the region.
Individuals of African descent, contributing to the cultural richness and diversity of the region.
A smaller demographic group primarily descended from European immigrants, often involved in commerce and agriculture.
Includes expats and individuals from various ethnic backgrounds not specifically categorized.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in San Fernando and throughout Colombia, known for its passionate local leagues and national teams.
Ballet has a significant cultural presence in San Fernando, with various schools and performances showcasing the art.
Cycling is popular among locals, especially given the region's scenic routes and the country's strong cycling culture influenced by professional cyclists.
Tejo is a traditional Colombian sport involving throwing metal discs at a target with explosive packets, commonly played socially.
Baseball has a devoted following in certain communities, with amateur leagues and local games frequently organized.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Fernando.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Colombian cuisine traditionally features a lot of meat-based dishes, many restaurants in San Fernando offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Look for eateries that specialize in plant-based cuisine or are willing to accommodate dietary preferences upon request.
Those with gluten sensitivities can indulge in dishes such as grilled fish with tropical salsa, fresh salads, and rice-based specialties that are prevalent in the local culinary scene. Communicate your dietary needs to the restaurant staff for tailored recommendations.