Things To Do
in Toca
Toca is a small town located in the Boyacá department of Colombia, known for its beautiful natural surroundings. The town is surrounded by lush green mountains and countryside, making it a peaceful and picturesque place to visit. Toca is also recognized for its traditional architecture and colonial charm, with colorful buildings lining its streets.
The town's economy is primarily based on agriculture, with farmers cultivating crops such as potatoes, corn, and beans.
- "¿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 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike in the lush mountains surrounding Toca. Enjoy the crisp air and the beautiful views of the valley below.
Visit the local coffee plantation to learn about Colombia's famous coffee. Taste some fresh brews and relax in the serene environment.
Stroll through the village and engage with the friendly locals. Dinner at a traditional restaurant to savor local cuisine.
Participate in a cooking class to learn about Colombian dishes. Get hands-on experience preparing local favorites.
Head to Toca's historical sites to explore its rich cultural heritage. Take guided tours to gather interesting stories about the area's history.
Attend a folk music performance to enjoy traditional sounds. Share the experience with locals and other travelers for a genuine cultural exchange.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and vibrant local traditions.
- Beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains and rivers.
- A relatively low cost of living compared to other cities in Colombia.
- Friendly and welcoming community atmosphere.
- Opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring nature.
- Limited access to certain modern amenities and services.
- Potential challenges in transportation and infrastructure.
- Economic opportunities may be less diverse compared to larger cities.
- Higher elevation can lead to cooler temperatures than other regions.
- Limited tourist facilities and attractions compared to bigger Colombian cities.
Best Activities in Toca
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the unique ecosystem of the Páramo de Berlín, which features stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and numerous trails suitable for all hiking levels.
Toca is home to a variety of bird species. Join local birdwatching tours to spot colorful birds and learn about their habitats.
Engage with the local community through cultural tours that showcase traditional handicrafts, local cuisine, and historical sites in and around Toca.
Experience the thrill of mountain biking on scenic trails that offer different levels of difficulty, with breathtaking views of the Andean landscape.
Set up camp in designated areas near Toca to enjoy the beauty of nature and the peaceful environment, ideal for stargazing and connecting with nature.
Places to Visit in Toca
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of Toca and the surrounding mountains. It's perfect for sunrise and sunset photography.
The main park in Toca showcases vibrant local life and beautiful colonial architecture, providing excellent photo ops for capturing the essence of the town.
A hike up to this high viewpoint rewards visitors with breathtaking views of the entire region, ideal for landscape photography.
Located nearby, this sanctuary offers unique flora and fauna alongside stunning mountain vistas, perfect for nature photography.
This viewpoint features a cross on top of the hill, symbolizing the region, along with views of Toca and the expansive green valleys.
Food in Toca
Toca Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty chicken and potato soup flavored with guasca herb, corn, and served with avocado and capers. Try it at La Fonda de las Tres Esquinas.
Must-Try!
A generous platter featuring rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, chicharrón, avocado, and a fried egg. Sample this iconic dish at Restaurante Mi Viejo.
Fried leaf-cutter ants, a delicacy in the region. Visit the local markets for a chance to try this unique snack.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market is a treasure trove of fresh produce, meats, and street food. Indulge in empanadas, arepas, and tropical fruits.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Toca, it's important to greet people warmly. A handshake is common, but when you know someone well, a hug or cheek kiss may be appropriate. Always greet the oldest person first in a group.
Family is central to life in Toca. Show respect for family values and elders. It’s common to refer to older individuals with titles like 'Don' or 'Doña' as a sign of respect.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting rural areas or religious sites. While casual attire is acceptable in everyday situations, opting for conservative clothing demonstrates respect for local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Toca
Ensure a smooth experience
In Toca, Colombia, tipping is customary but not mandatory. It is common to leave a small tip for service providers such as waitstaff in restaurants, as a way to show appreciation for good service. Typically, the tip ranges from 10% to 15% of the bill. In some cases, if the service charge is already included, patrons might still leave loose change as a token of gratitude.
Payment methods in Toca reflect a mix of traditional and modern practices. Cash is still widely used, especially in smaller establishments. However, electronic payments via credit and debit cards are becoming more prevalent in urban areas and larger businesses. Additionally, mobile payment apps are gradually gaining popularity among the younger population, facilitating more convenient transactions.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit Toca as the weather is dry and sunny, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the natural beauty of the region. Expect pleasant temperatures and clear skies.
During this period, you might experience occasional rain showers, but there are still many dry days. It's a good time for fewer crowds and experiencing the lush greenery of the landscape.
This season tends to have heavier rainfall and humid conditions. While visiting during this time can still be enjoyable, expect muddy trails and possible interruptions to outdoor plans. It’s a great time to experience the local culture indoors.
Toca at Night
Hiking in Toca
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A stunning mountain range known for its diverse ecosystems and hiking opportunities, including the trek to Ciudad Perdida, an archaeological site of an ancient city.
A coastal park that offers various hiking trails through tropical forests, leading to beautiful beaches and stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.
Home to unique landscapes and wildlife, this reserve features various trails that showcase the natural beauty of Colombia and opportunities for exploring the picturesque Caño Cristales river.
A smaller hiking spot near Toca, offering a moderate trek with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Although a bit further away, this park is famous for its stunning glaciers and high-altitude hikes, with trails suitable for experienced hikers.
Aiports
How to reach Toca by plane.
Located in Bogotá, this is the largest and busiest airport in Colombia, serving as a major hub for international flights.
Located in Medellín, this airport is the second busiest in Colombia and offers a range of international flights.
Situated in Cartagena, this airport provides international flights, especially catering to tourist destinations.
Located in Santa Marta, this airport serves international destinations and is popular for visitors to the Caribbean coast.
Located in Cali, this airport is an important hub in the southwestern region of Colombia and offers international service.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Toca, typically characterized by a mixture of Indigenous and European ancestry.
A significant ethnic group in the region, recognized for their cultural heritage and traditions.
A smaller, yet important group contributing to the cultural diversity of Toca, with roots tracing back to African ancestry.
A demographic group composed primarily of individuals of European descent, often involved in agriculture and local commerce.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport in Toca, Colombia, with passionate local teams and a strong following among the community.
Cycling is widely enjoyed in Toca, with many residents participating in recreational rides and local competitions.
Tejo is a traditional Colombian sport played by throwing metal discs at a target, and is particularly popular in local gatherings.
Volleyball is also popular in Toca, with residents often playing on local beaches and during community events.
Basketball has a growing fan base in Toca, with community courts available for recreational play and organized competitions.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Toca.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Colombian cuisine features a lot of meat, many restaurants in Toca offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. Look for options like stuffed arepas, plantain-based dishes, and fresh tropical fruits.
Toca has a variety of naturally gluten-free options such as corn-based arepas and tamales. Additionally, many restaurants are accommodating to gluten-free dietary needs, offering modified versions of traditional dishes.