Things To Do
in Teruel
Teruel is a small highland town in southern Colombia, set among green, rolling hills and coffee-fueled landscapes. Its colonial-era streets, colorful balconies, and friendly locals give the town a warm, intimate vibe perfect for slow travel. The surrounding countryside offers scenic views, small farms, and opportunities to connect with regional culture through markets and food.
Visitors enjoy a relaxed pace, local hospitality, and easy access to nearby natural and cultural sights.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by wandering through the cobbled streets of Teruel's historic center. Admire the intricate architecture of the Mudéjar-style churches, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take plenty of photos. Stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional breakfast of arepas and coffee while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
After lunch, visit the iconic Torre de El Salvador, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the city. Next, explore the nearby Plaza del Torico, a popular gathering spot surrounded by charming shops and boutiques. Take some time to relax in the plaza, enjoying a local ice cream as you people-watch.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for a taste of Teruel's famed Jamón de Teruel, a delicious cured ham. After dinner, stroll through the illuminated streets, taking in the beauty of the historic buildings against the night sky. Cap off the evening with a visit to a local bar for some live music, immersing yourself in the local culture.
Begin your day at the bustling Mercado Municipal, where you can interact with local vendors and sample fresh produce. Engage with the friendly locals as you browse through stalls filled with vibrant fruits, vegetables, and artisanal goods. Enjoy a hearty breakfast of empanadas from one of the vendors while soaking in the lively atmosphere.
Spend your afternoon visiting the Museo Provincial de Teruel, where you can learn about the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Explore the various exhibits, including archaeological artifacts and contemporary art pieces. Afterward, take a leisurely walk to the nearby Plaza de San Juan, where you can relax in the shade of the trees.
In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at a restaurant specializing in traditional Teruel cuisine. Savor dishes such as the local stew, known as 'ternasco,' paired with a fine glass of wine from the region. End your day with a peaceful stroll along the river, enjoying the sounds of nature.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🚌Local transport (bus/taxi short ride) | $0.50-2 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $40-80 |
| 🛒Groceries (weekly estimate) | $20-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, welcoming local culture and friendly people
- Relaxed pace of travel with rich food and nature nearby
- Reasonable costs and easy access to markets and cafes
- Pleasant highland climate with scenic landscapes
- Limited nightlife compared to big cities
- Smaller-town infrastructure may require planning for services
- Some attractions are best reached by car or guided tours
- Weather can be unpredictable in the hills; rain gear recommended
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Hablo un poco de español" - I speak a little Spanish
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Ayuda, por favor" - Help, please
- "¿Puede recomendarme un restaurante?" - Can you recommend a restaurant?
- "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
Places to Visit in Teruel
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful balconies, colonial facades, and lively plazas provide vibrant photo opportunities at any time of day.
A hill overlook offering sweeping views of the town and surrounding green hills, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Nearby waterfalls and forest patches offer lush natural backdrops and opportunities for nature photography.
Bright produce stalls and market life create dynamic, colorful scenes full of texture and character.
Terraced fields near the town provide classic coffee-growing scenery, perfect for wide landscape shots.
Food in Teruel
Teruel Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Corn dough filled with pork or chicken, vegetables, and sauce, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed; a staple at markets and family eateries.
Must-Try!
Creamy baked rice with pork, vegetables, and a rich, comforting sauce.
Flavorful stew with meat, plantain, yuca, and corn; typically served with side portions like rice and avocado.
Cornmeal flatbreads served plain or with cheese; a common street and market street food.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Vibrant market with fresh produce, tropical fruits, baked goods, tamales, arepas, and casual street bites.
Open-air stalls around the main plaza offering quick bites like empanadas, tamales, and fruit cups.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake is common; in social circles, a cordial cheek kiss may occur among friends. Use polite language (usted) with strangers and elders.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; avoid loud behavior in sacred spaces; maintain a relaxed, friendly demeanor in social interactions.
Spanish is spoken; attempting basic phrases in Spanish is appreciated and helps in markets and eateries.
Punctuality is appreciated but casual in social contexts; plan with local flexibility.
Safety
Tipping in Teruel
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is not automatically included. For guides or drivers, small tips are common after a day trip.
Cash is widely accepted; many businesses also take debit/credit cards in town centers. ATMs are available in town and nearby larger towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Usually sunny and pleasant with minimal rain; great for outdoor activities, hill walks, and daytime exploration. Pack sunscreen and a light layer for cooler evenings.
Afternoon downpours are common; trails can become muddy, and visibility may vary. Bring a rain jacket or poncho and plan some indoor activities for wetter days.
Teruel at Night
Hiking in Teruel
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic hillside route offering panoramic views of the valley and opportunities to observe local flora and birds.
A moderate trail to a picturesque waterfall with a shaded area suitable for a picnic.
A combination of coffee-farm paths and forest trails that showcase cultivation terraces and understory vegetation.
Airports
How to reach Teruel by plane.
Small regional airport near Ibagué with domestic flights; serves as a convenient gateway to the area.
Major international hub; used for longer-distance connections and international travel; typically reached by domestic flight from nearby regional centers.
Another major hub offering international connections; useful for combining a visit with the broader southwest Colombia region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Spanish-speaking with rich family and community ties; hospitality is central to daily life.
Varied from domestic travelers to international visitors seeking culture, nature, and cuisine.
Many families work on farms nearby, contributing to the region’s coffee and food production.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across towns; expect lively games and local clubs.
Cycle-friendly roads and nearby scenic routes make cycling a favorite activity for locals and visitors.
Basketball is commonly played in community centers and schools, with friendly community games.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Teruel.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many staples can be prepared without meat (veggie soups, arepas with cheese, bean dishes). Inform cooks with 'sin carne' or 'vegetariano' and be prepared for dairy or egg options in some dishes. When in doubt, request sides like plantains, rice, beans, and fresh vegetables.