Things To Do
in Tello
Tello is a small town located in the Huila department of Colombia. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including waterfalls and rivers. The town has a rich agricultural heritage, with coffee being a prominent crop grown in the region.
Tello is also recognized for its warm and welcoming community, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a tranquil and picturesque retreat.
- "¿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 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by strolling through Tello’s local market, sampling fresh fruits and local delicacies. Enjoy the vibrant colors and friendly atmosphere as you interact with vendors.
Visit the historic church in the town center, appreciating its architecture and the surrounding square. Take some time to soak in the local culture and perhaps enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Spend the evening at a local cafe, sipping on coffee and watching the sunset. Engage with locals and other travelers to share stories about your day.
Embark on a hike in the lush landscapes surrounding Tello, early in the morning to enjoy the cooler temperatures. Keep your eyes peeled for unique flora and fauna.
Have a packed lunch amidst nature and relax by a tranquil stream. Take time to reflect on the beauty of the Colombian outdoors.
Return to Tello for dinner at a cozy restaurant, trying out traditional Colombia cuisine. Wind down your day with a pleasant walk through the illuminated streets.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and friendly local community
- Affordable cost of living compared to major Colombian cities
- Beautiful natural landscapes and biodiversity
- Growing opportunities for tourism and entrepreneurship
- Access to various outdoor activities like hiking and bird watching
- Limited access to healthcare and educational facilities
- Infrastructural challenges, including poor road conditions
- Higher levels of crime compared to larger cities
- Potential issues with water supply and quality
- Less access to international markets and employment opportunities
Best Activities in Tello
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning trails in the Andes mountains surrounding Tello, offering breathtaking views and opportunities to experience local flora and fauna.
Tello is home to diverse bird species, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching enthusiasts to observe and photograph exotic birds in their natural habitat.
Visit local coffee farms to learn about the coffee production process, enjoy tastings, and experience the beautiful landscape of coffee plantations.
Engage with the local community through cultural tours that highlight traditional practices, festivals, and the lifestyle of the inhabitants of Tello.
Ride through the scenic countryside and rugged terrains around Tello, suitable for both novice and experienced mountain bikers.
Experience fishing in the pristine rivers nearby, where you can catch a variety of local fish while enjoying the serene landscape.
Embark on a journey to discover hidden waterfalls in the region, perfect for swimming and picnicking amidst nature.
Tours
Uncover the best of Tello with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Tello
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning lookout point that provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, ideal for capturing the natural beauty of Tello.
A beautiful waterfall location where visitors can photograph the cascading water surrounded by lush greenery, especially vibrant during the rainy season.
The main square of Tello, featuring charming architecture and vibrant local life, perfect for street photography and portraits.
A nearby cave that offers unique photo opportunities with its mystical rock formations and the chance to capture the interplay of light and shadow.
An expansive valley known for its breathtaking landscapes, particularly at sunrise and sunset, providing stunning backdrops for landscape photography.
Food in Tello
Tello Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty dish featuring rice, beans, ground meat, chorizo, chicharrón, avocado, fried egg, and plantain. Savor this iconic Colombian meal at La Chatica Restaurante.
Must-Try!
A traditional soup made with chicken, yuca, corn, and cilantro. Visit Comedor Donde Juan for an authentic preparation of this comforting dish.
A flavorful chicken and potato soup often enhanced with corn and a herb called guascas. Sample this beloved Colombian stew at De Mi Tierra Restaurante.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Tello better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Explore Tello Food Plaza to immerse yourself in the vibrant street food scene, offering an array of empanadas, arepas, and tropical fruit juices.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone in Tello, it's customary to greet with a handshake, direct eye contact, and a warm smile. Among friends and family, a hug or a kiss on the cheek may be common.
Colombians value politeness. Use formal titles such as 'Señor' or 'Señora' until invited to use first names. Always say 'por favor' (please) and 'gracias' (thank you) to show respect.
Family is central in Colombian culture, especially in Tello. Show interest in family discussions, and be respectful during community gatherings. Asking about someone's family is a sign of respect and friendliness.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Tello with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Tello
Ensure a smooth experience
In Tello, Colombia, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is customary to leave a small tip of about 10% at restaurants if service is satisfactory. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or leaving a small amount as a tip is common practice, though it is not obligatory. In other service sectors, such as hair salons and hotels, a small tip can also be left at the customer's discretion.
Payments in Tello can be made in cash, primarily using Colombian pesos. While some establishments may accept credit or debit cards, cash is still the preferred payment method, especially in smaller shops and local markets. Mobile payment options are becoming more popular, but they are not universally accepted. It is advisable for visitors to carry cash for convenience.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Tello.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit Tello, Colombia, as the weather is typically warm and dry. You can expect sunny days and lower humidity, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring local attractions.
During the wet season, Tello experiences increased rainfall and higher humidity. Expect cooler temperatures and occasional thunderstorms. This season is less favorable for outdoor activities, but the landscape becomes lush and vibrant, perfect for nature photography.
These months serve as a transition between the wet and dry seasons. Visitors can expect unpredictable weather with a mix of showers and sunny days. It's a good time for those looking to avoid the peak tourist season while still enjoying Tello's beauty.
Tello at Night
Hiking in Tello
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An island national park known for its rich biodiversity, offering various hiking trails through lush rainforests and along rugged coastlines.
Located a few hours from Tello, this park offers diverse ecosystems and challenging hikes with breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys.
A stunning hiking destination featuring volcanic landscapes, snow-capped peaks, and opportunities to see diverse flora and fauna.
A natural park characterized by its misty cloud forests, offering hiking trails that lead through canyons and stunning viewpoints.
A spectacular mountain range providing a variety of hiking trails, including routes to the ancient Ciudad Perdida (Lost City).
Aiports
How to reach Tello by plane.
Main international airport serving Bogotá, the capital of Colombia.
Main airport serving Medellín and the surrounding region.
International airport serving Cartagena, a major tourist destination.
International airport serving Santa Marta, near the Caribbean coast.
Serving Cali, it is one of the largest airports in Colombia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group, consisting of individuals of mixed European and Indigenous ancestry.
A significant group comprising various Indigenous communities, each with its unique culture and traditions.
People of African descent, contributing to the cultural diversity of Tello with their unique heritage.
People of European descent, representing a smaller segment of the population in Tello.
Includes people from various ethnic backgrounds and nationalities, contributing to the multicultural landscape of Tello.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Tello, Colombia, with a strong local following and community participation in both amateur and professional leagues.
Basketball has been growing in popularity, especially among the youth, with local courts and schools hosting leagues and tournaments.
Tejo is a traditional Colombian game that involves throwing metal discs at a target, often enjoyed socially and as part of local festivities.
Volleyball is popular in Tello, played both indoors and on the beach, fostering community involvement and recreational opportunities.
Cycling is a favored activity for both leisure and sport, with various trails and cycling events organized in and around Tello.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tello.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Colombian cuisine leans towards meat-centric dishes, many eateries in Tello now offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. La Vida Verde is a fantastic option for plant-based fare.
Those with gluten sensitivities can find safe options at Mercado Orgánico de Tello, known for its array of gluten-free products and organic produce.