Things To Do
in Taminango
Taminango is a small highland municipality in the Nariño department, set among rolling green hills and fertile valleys. The town has a relaxed, rural vibe with a strong community spirit and a blend of mestizo and indigenous influences. Its scenic surroundings range from coffee farms to cloud forests, punctuated by a central plaza and hillside viewpoints.
Visitors should be prepared for modest infrastructure but warm hospitality and rewarding encounters with local people and traditions.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Plaza Principal, where you can admire the colonial architecture and the vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast at a local café, sampling arepas and fresh coffee. Take a leisurely stroll around the square, soaking in the sights and sounds of the bustling market.
In the afternoon, explore the charming streets of Taminango, dotted with colorful houses and artisan shops. Visit the local museum to learn about the region's rich cultural heritage and history. Don’t miss the opportunity to chat with local artists who often display their crafts nearby.
As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant to savor a delicious dinner featuring regional specialties like trout or bandeja paisa. After your meal, enjoy a casual walk back to your accommodation, taking in the twinkling lights of the town. End the evening with a refreshing drink at a local bar, mingling with friendly locals.
Embark on a guided nature walk through the lush hills surrounding Taminango, where you can appreciate the stunning landscape and diverse flora. The fresh morning air and the sound of chirping birds create a serene atmosphere as you trek along well-marked trails. Keep your camera ready for potential sightings of local wildlife like colorful birds and playful monkeys.
After a packed morning, enjoy a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint, taking in panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. Spend the afternoon exploring hidden waterfalls, where you can relax in the cool mist and take a refreshing dip. Engage with your guide, learning about the local ecosystem and the importance of conservation.
Return to Taminango in the late afternoon, where you can unwind at a local café with a refreshing drink. As evening approaches, consider visiting a cultural performance, where you can experience traditional music and dance. Wrap up your day with a light dinner at a nearby eatery, reflecting on your adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee or soft drink | $0.75-2 |
| 🚕Taxi ride (short distance) | $2-5 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $15-35 |
| 🧃Fresh fruit or snacks | $1-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm hospitality and a strong sense of community
- Stunning rural landscapes and coffee country scenery
- Limited infrastructure and fewer services outside the town center
- Smaller culinary scene outside of markets and tourist spots
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cómo está?" - How are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Taminango
Visit one of these nice places.
A sweeping hillside overlook offering dramatic views of the valley, perfect at sunrise or golden hour.
The quiet plaza with colonial facades and colorful market activity makes a vibrant morning photograph.
Curving river lines and reflections create compelling landscape compositions just outside town.
The town’s church and adjacent streets showcase traditional architecture and vibrant colors, especially after rain.
Food in Taminango
Taminango Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Griddled corn cake served plain or with cheese; a staple for breakfast or a light meal found at markets and cafés.
Must-Try!
Rib bone soup with potatoes and corn, a comforting option popular in cooler weather.
Freshly grilled river trout with lime, served with rice and plantains in many riverside eateries.
Beans cooked with rice and cilantro, a hearty and affordable everyday dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Central market stalls offering fresh produce, cheeses, and quick prepared bites; great for sampling everyday flavors.
Small roadside spots where you can grab arepas, empanadas, and seasonal fruits.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake is common; a nod or kiss on the cheek may occur among friends. Use polite forms (usted) with elders and strangers.
Ask before taking photos of people, particularly in rural or family settings.
Punctuality is appreciated but flexibility is common in rural areas; avoid loud behavior in residential areas, especially after dusk.
Safety
Tipping in Taminango
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, tipping 5-10% is appreciated if service is not included. Small tips for taxi drivers by rounding up the fare are common; in casual cafés, rounding up is fine.
Cash (COP) is widely used, especially in markets and small shops. Cards are accepted in larger restaurants and hotels, with ATMs available in town. Mobile payments are less common but increasingly seen in bigger establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Generally clear skies with mild days and cooler nights. Great for outdoor hikes and long photography sessions, but carry sun protection and a light layer for evenings.
Afternoon showers are common; trails can be slick, and photography benefits from dramatic cloud cover and lush greenery. Pack a light rain jacket and quick-dry gear.
Taminango at Night
Hiking in Taminango
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short-to-moderate hike to a hilltop with panoramic valley views and opportunities for birdwatching.
Farm-to-trail route through coffee fields with insights into cultivation and processing, ending at scenic overlooks.
Forest-and-stream path offering shade, fresh air, and chances to spot local flora and fauna.
Airports
How to reach Taminango by plane.
Regional airport serving Pasto and the Nariño Department; connections to major Colombian cities and some regional flights.
Airport in Ecuador near the border; offers regional flights and serves as an alternative for travelers crossing from Ecuador into southern Colombia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most residents share a mestizo heritage, blending Indigenous and European influences in daily life, cuisine, and crafts.
Nearby areas include communities with unique traditions and crafts that enrich the cultural landscape.
Many residents are involved in agriculture, producing coffee, maize, and beans for local markets.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local matches and community leagues common on weekends.
Cycling is enjoyed in the surrounding hills and rural roads, popular with locals and visiting riders.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Taminango.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in town-focused eateries, including bean dishes, plantains, fresh salads, and corn-based plates. When ordering, ask for vegetable-forward dishes and request without meat stock or pork products. In some rural sites, be prepared for meat-centric options and consider visiting vegetarian-friendly cafés in town centers.