Things To Do
in Tame

Tame is a river-adjacent town in eastern Colombia, tucked along the Orinoco basin. It serves as a gateway to the Llanos and Guahibo communities, offering a window into rural Colombian life. The town blends markets, ranches, and riverfront scenery into a compact, welcoming experience.

With warm weather year-round, Tame invites relaxed exploration, local flavors, and scenic sunsets.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying freshly brewed coffee and arepas. Afterward, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Tame, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Visit the historic Church of San Juan Bautista, taking in its stunning interior and rich history.

afternoon
:

For lunch, savor traditional Colombian dishes at a nearby restaurant, where you can taste the flavors of the region. Spend your afternoon exploring the local market, where you can find handmade crafts and fresh produce, engaging with friendly vendors. Don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby Parque Principal, a perfect spot for relaxing and people-watching.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, enjoy a dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views over Tame. Try dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, paired with a glass of Colombian wine. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town square, where you can often find live music or cultural events.

day 2
Nature Walks and Birdwatching
morning
:

Begin your day early with a guided nature walk in the nearby forests, where you can observe the diverse flora and fauna of the region. Listen to the sounds of chirping birds while you spot various species, making sure to bring your binoculars for a closer look. Stop for a mid-morning snack of tropical fruits brought by your guide.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a packed lunch amidst nature, surrounded by the beauty of the Colombian landscape. Afterward, continue your exploration, perhaps visiting a waterfall where you can cool off and take stunning photographs. Your guide will share stories about the ecosystem and the importance of conservation.

evening
:

Return to Tame and unwind with dinner at a local eatery, choosing from a variety of grilled meats and vegetarian options. Reflect on your day while enjoying the warm evening breeze and the sounds of nature. If you're lucky, you may catch a local storytelling session or folk music performance in the town center.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-8
🥗Lunch at mid-range restaurant$8-15
🚖Short taxi ride$2-5
Coffee or snack$1-3
🛏️Hostal/hotel per night$10-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and river life
  • Affordable prices and authentic experiences
  • Good birdwatching and nature on the doorstep
  • Compact, walkable town center
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife venues
  • Healthcare facilities are basic in town
  • Transportation can be slow and infrequent
  • Hottest time of year can be very humid
  • "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
  • "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
  • "¿Puede recomendarme un plato típico?" - Could you recommend a local dish?
  • "Estoy perdido" - I am lost

Places to Visit in Tame

Visit one of these nice places.

Orinoco River at Dawn

Soft morning light and quiet waters ideal for reflections and wildlife shots.

Plaza de Armas, Tame

Central square with lively activity, colonial façades, and portraits of everyday life.

Riberas del Orinoco at Sunset

Golden hour along the riverbank with silhouettes of boats.

Mercado Municipal stalls

Colorful arrays of fruit, vegetables, and local textures for vibrant street photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Tame

Tame’s cuisine blends river-fish dishes with staple Colombian flavors, highlighting yucca, plantains, tropical fruits, and simple grilled fare. Expect hearty meals built around fish, cassava, and rice, with fresh juices from local fruits.

Tame Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Arepa de huevo

A cornmeal arepa fried with a soft egg inside; a popular riverfront snack.

Must-Try!

Sancocho de pescado

A hearty fish stew with corn, plantains, and herbs.

Pescado a la plancha con yuca

Grilled river fish served with cassava or plantains.

Casabe

Cassava bread often eaten with cheese or warm soups.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Tame

Central market where locals buy produce, fish, and prepared snacks.

Riverfront street stalls

Casual vendors offering fried plantains, fresh fruit, and coconut water.

Climate Guide

Weather

Tame has a hot, humid tropical climate year-round. Expect daytime highs around 30-34°C (86-93°F) and warm nights; humidity is consistently high; the dry season is sunnier and the rainy season brings heavy showers.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and respect

Greet with a smile and say Buenos días/Buenas tardes; handshake or friendly nod; avoid intrusive questions with strangers.

Photograph consent

Ask before photographing people, especially in Indigenous communities; show respect for local customs.

Safety Guide

Safety

Stay aware of petty theft in crowded markets and on riverfronts. Use reputable transport, keep valuables secure, and avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas. Follow local advice during flood or weather events and stay hydrated.

Tipping in Tame

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A 5-10% tip is appreciated in restaurants if service is good; small tips to street vendors are not common.

Payment Methods

Cash (COL pesos) is widely used; many places accept debit cards in town; mobile payments are increasing.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry Season

December–March commonly brings sunny days and lower humidity; excellent for outdoor exploration.

Rainy Season

April–November brings frequent afternoon showers and high humidity; plan indoor activities or early-morning outings.

Nightlife Guide

Tame at Night

In Tame, nightlife is low-key and village-like. You’ll find small bars with regional music, casual gatherings by the river, and family-friendly evenings. Expect relaxed atmospheres rather than club scenes.

Hiking in Tame

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

SavanNA trails along the Orinoco edge

Flat, easy trails ideal for day hikes and wildlife watching.

Riberas del Orinoco

Riverbank trails with scenic views and birdlife.

Airports

How to reach Tame by plane.

Tame Airport (TME)

Small regional airport with limited flights; taxi to town center.

Arauca Airport (ACR)

Larger regional airport with more frequent domestic connections; transfer by road to Tame.

Getting Around

Walkability

Tame is small and walkable in the center, with markets and the riverwalk close by. Sidewalks can be uneven; some routes require short taxi hops. Early mornings are best for on-foot exploring and photography.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mestizo

Predominant mixed-heritage community.

Guahibo Indigenous communities

Significant presence with distinct language and customs; respectful engagement is encouraged.

Afro-Colombian communities

Smaller presence in riverine areas and cultural events.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular pastime with local clubs and informal games.

Cattle ranching and Llanero traditions

Ranch work, horseback riding, and rodeo-style exhibitions.

Fishing

River fishing in the Orinoco basin.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light within town. Public transport is limited to buses and informal taxis; rural roads can be rough, especially during the rainy season. Allow extra time for travel and plan connections in advance.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Tame.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist (beans, rice, yuca, plantains) but fish and meat are common; ask for vegetable stews and salads.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic medical facilities are available in town; for more advanced care, travel to Arauca city or Bogotá. Bring essential medications and documentation; check with your insurer about coverage abroad.

Discover Colombia

Read more in our Colombia 2025 Travel Guide.

Colombia Travel Guide