Things To Do
in Une

Une, Colombia is a small Andean town in Cundinamarca perched on rolling hills and surrounded by coffee farms. Its compact historic center preserves colonial charm with a colorful plaza and a church overlooking terraced streets. The town serves as a gateway to scenic hikes, rural experiences, and farm-to-table cuisine.

Visitors are welcomed by warm locals and sunset views over the valley.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Colombian arepas and fresh coffee. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the cobblestone streets of the historic center, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Don’t miss the beautiful Plaza de Bolívar, where you can soak in the atmosphere and visit the nearby cathedral.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a traditional Colombian lunch at a nearby restaurant, trying local specialties such as bandeja paisa or sancocho. Post-lunch, visit the local artisan shops and galleries to pick up unique handicrafts and souvenirs. Make sure to take the time to chat with the local artisans, who are often happy to share their stories and techniques.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot in the Plaza de Bolívar to enjoy an evening drink and watch the locals gather. Sample some of the region's craft beers or a refreshing aguardiente while listening to live music from local performers. Wind down your day with a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets, feeling the vibrant energy of Une at night.

day 2
Nature and Wildlife Exploration
morning
:

Wake up early and head to the nearby Parque Natural Chicaque for an immersive nature experience. After a hearty breakfast, embark on a guided hike through the lush cloud forest, where you can encounter diverse flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful birds and unique plant species as you traverse the well-marked trails.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the stunning scenery, surrounded by the sounds of nature and breathtaking views. Continue your exploration with a visit to the park's viewpoint, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Capture the moment with photos, and take in the serenity of this natural oasis.

evening
:

Return to Une and treat yourself to dinner at a local restaurant, where you can unwind with delicious local cuisine. After dinner, consider joining a guided night walk in the park to experience the nocturnal wildlife and marvel at the star-filled sky. This unique perspective of nature will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$5-12
🥗Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$15-30
🏨3-star hotel per night$40-90
🚆One-way public transit ticket$0.50-1
Coffee or cappuccino$1-3

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Friendly locals and warm hospitality
  • Close to nature and coffee country
  • Affordable prices and easy to reach from Bogotá
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment options
  • Smaller infrastructure for international travelers compared to big cities
  • Language barrier for non-Spanish speakers
  • "Hola, ¿cómo estás?" - Hello, how are you?
  • "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Estoy perdido" - I am lost
  • "¿Puede recomendarme un lugar para comer?" - Can you recommend a place to eat?

Places to Visit in Une

Visit one of these nice places.

Mirador del Valle

A vantage point above the town offering sweeping views of the valley, coffee hills, and sunsets.

Calle Empedrado de Une

A cobblestone street with colorful houses and hanging flower pots, ideal for morning or golden-hour photography.

Plaza de Armas

The central square framed by the church and colonial façades; great for street photography and capturing daily life.

Culinary Guide

Food in Une

Une’s cuisine blends Andean staples with fresh produce from valley farms and nearby coffee plantations, offering comforting soups, corn-based dishes, and grilled meats.

Une Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ajiaco Bogotano

A hearty chicken, potato and guasca herb soup often served with capers, cream, and avocado on the side.

Must-Try!

Tamales

Tamales wrapped in plantain leaves with cornmeal, meat, and vegetables; a comforting staple during weekends and market days.

Arepa de Choclo

Sweet corn arepa, crisp on the outside and soft on the inside, great with coffee.

Sancocho

A rustic stew made with root vegetables, plantains, and chunks of meat, typically enjoyed with a side of rice.

Changua

Milk-based soup with eggs, commonly eaten for breakfast with bread and scallions.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Une

A lively market where locals buy fresh produce, prepared foods, and regional snacks; great for sampling grilled arepas and seasonal fruits.

Climate Guide

Weather

Situated at a high elevation, Une enjoys a temperate Andean climate with moderate temperatures year-round. Days are often mild to warm, while nights can be cool. Seasonal rainfall follows the regional pattern of two wet seasons and two dry periods.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Begin with a warm 'hola' or 'buenos días' and a handshake; in more familiar settings, a cheek kiss may occur among friends.

Photography Consent

Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in rural or private settings.

Respect for Space

Avoid loud, confrontational behavior in public spaces; keep voices moderate in markets and churches.

Dress Code

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; comfortable shoes are recommended for cobblestone streets.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise standard travel precautions: keep valuables secure, be mindful in crowded markets, and use official taxis or ride-hailing apps after dark. Carry copies of important documents and have travel insurance. In rural areas, inform someone of your plans and travel with a companion if possible.

Tipping in Une

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is appreciated if service is not automatically included. For taxi drivers and street vendors, rounding up is common but not required.

Payment Methods

Cash (COP) is widely accepted, especially at markets and smaller eateries. Credit/debit cards are common in larger restaurants and hotels; inform your bank of travel plans to avoid issues with card payments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry season

Typically sunny with clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures; great for outdoor hikes and photography. Nights can be cooler; bring a light jacket.

Rainy season

Afternoon showers are common; trails can be slick and viewpoints may be shrouded in mist. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and waterproof footwear.

Nightlife Guide

Une at Night

Une’s nightlife is intimate and laid-back, centered around plazas, cafés, and small bars. Expect late-evening conversations, live acoustic music, and seasonal performances in town venues. It’s more about socializing and enjoying the scenery than clubbing, with a focus on local culture and cuisine.

Hiking in Une

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cerro de la Virgen Trail

A scenic moderate hike offering viewpoints over the valley and surrounding farms.

Reserva Natural de Une Cloud Walk

Forest trails through cloud cover ideal for birdwatching and photography.

Airports

How to reach Une by plane.

El Dorado International Airport (BOG)

Bogotá's major international gateway; about a 60–90 minute drive from Une depending on traffic, with frequent domestic and international flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Une's town center is compact and easy to explore on foot, with many attractions within short walking distance of the plaza. Some streets are steep and cobblestoned, so wear comfortable shoes and take your time savoring the scenery.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Demographic Groups

Predominantly Mestizo and White residents, with smaller Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities. Spanish is the primary language, and Catholic traditions influence daily life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Fútbol (soccer)

The most popular sport across Colombia, enjoyed by locals in parks and on informal pitches.

Ciclismo (cycling)

Cycling along the hills and rural roads is a favorite activity among residents and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic to and from Bogotá can be heavy during peak hours. Within Une, most travel is by car or local bus; taxis are common and affordable. Public transportation connects to larger towns, and ride-hailing services are increasingly available.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Une.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Opt for soups like ajiaco without meat, corn-based dishes, fresh market vegetables, and fruit-based desserts. Communicate clearly that you avoid meat and dairy if necessary.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local clinics in Une provide basic care; for specialized treatment or emergencies, larger private hospitals and clinics exist in Bogotá. Travel insurance with international coverage is advised.

Discover Colombia

Read more in our Colombia 2025 Travel Guide.

Colombia Travel Guide