Things To Do
in Intich’o
Intich’o is a highland town in northern Ethiopia framed by terraced fields and rolling plateaus. The town serves as a quiet gateway for visitors seeking coffee culture, hillside views, and traditional markets. Daily life blends market chatter, church bells, and the aroma of fresh coffee roasted nearby.
The climate stays mild by day and pleasantly cool at night, inviting slow walks and late sunsets over the valleys.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
After arriving in Intich’o, you’ll be greeted with warm Ethiopian hospitality. Check into your accommodation, where you can freshen up and enjoy a traditional breakfast featuring injera and fresh vegetables. Spend some time relaxing or exploring the nearby village to acclimatize to the local culture.
Join a guided orientation tour that highlights the geography and significance of Intich’o. Visit local markets to experience the vibrant colors and aromas of Ethiopian spices and handicrafts. Don't forget to interact with the locals and learn about their daily lives and traditions.
For dinner, indulge in authentic Ethiopian cuisine at a local restaurant, savoring dishes while surrounded by local music. Spend your evening at a cultural center where you can watch traditional dance performances. Wind down with conversations under the starlit sky.
Start early with a hearty breakfast, fueling up for a day of adventure. Join a small group and embark on a guided hike to the majestic waterfalls nearby, surrounded by lush landscapes and birdsong. The early morning light casts a magical glow on the scenery, making photography irresistible.
After reaching the waterfalls, take time to revel in the beauty of nature, snap photos, and enjoy a picnic lunch by the water's edge. Swim in the refreshing pools beneath the falls or relax on the shores, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. The sheer power and beauty of the waterfalls offer plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Return to Intich’o as the sun begins to set, painting the sky with orange and pink hues. Have a leisurely dinner at your accommodation, sharing stories with fellow travelers about your day’s adventures. Unwind with some hot tea or coffee, a must-have in Ethiopian culture.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $0.5-2 |
| 🚗Short local taxi ride | $1-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $25-60 |
| 🧵Local crafts/souvenirs | $2-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning highland scenery and panoramic viewpoints
- Rich coffee culture and welcoming communities
- Authentic markets and opportunities to learn crafts
- Mild climate conducive to walking and hiking
- Limited infrastructure in some areas
- Travel times can be longer than expected due to road conditions
- Less nightlife and entertainment compared to larger cities
- Occasional security advisories in remote regions; stay with reputable guides
- "Selam" - Hello
- "Dehna neh?" - How are you? (to a man)
- "Amesegnallo" - Thank you
- "Be’kni yemiwenidewol?" - Please (polite request)
- "Ishtebet new? / Dehna nesh?" - Are you well? / How is it going?
Places to Visit in Intich’o
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over terraced fields, the town below, and distant plateaus at golden hour.
Ruins perched on a hillside with soft morning light and a quiet atmosphere ideal for atmospheric shots.
Vibrant stalls, colorful textiles, and local faces—perfect for candid street photography.
Observe coffee cherries, washing stations, and drying patios, with hands-on textures for detail shots.
Silhouettes of workers and the geometry of terraces framed by a warm evening sky.
Food in Intich’o
Intich’o Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, spicy chicken stew served on soft injera; a staple at many homes and restaurants.
Must-Try!
A lentil stew flavored with berbere and onions, a popular vegetarian option.
A smooth chickpea flour stew, often enjoyed with injera; comforting and protein-packed.
Spiced minced beef that can be served lightly cooked or fully cooked; ask for a fully cooked version if preferred.
Shredded injera sautéed with spices and sometimes vegetables; a great way to nibble through the day.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling hub to taste seasonal produce, spices, and quick street bites like grilled corn and lentil snacks.
Small stalls offering roasted coffee beans, boiled eggs, and spicy lentil snacks to munch on while you walk.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a warm “Selam” and a handshake; use your right hand for giving and receiving; ask before photographing people.
Dress modestly, especially in religious sites; remove hats and cover shoulders when visiting churches or mosques.
Show deference to elders in conversations and avoid loud displays of wealth in public.
Safety
Tipping in Intich’o
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for guides, drivers, and hotel staff; 10-15% in larger restaurants if service is not included; small tips for porters and shop staff are common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Relatively warm days with cooler nights. Short, refreshing rain showers may occur; trails can be damp, so bring waterproof gear and sturdy footwear.
Clear skies and dry conditions make for excellent visibility and comfortable day trips, though nights can be quite cool; pack layers.
Increased rainfall brings lush greens but can slow road travel and trail conditions; plan extra time for excursions and carry rain gear.
Intich’o at Night
Hiking in Intich’o
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Ridge and valley trails that offer dramatic scenery and wildlife viewing across a series of plateaus.
Accessible day hikes along traditional terraces with pastoral farmland and village scenery.
Gentle walks through nearby estates, with insights into harvest and processing and opportunities to sample fresh coffee.
Airports
How to reach Intich’o by plane.
Regional airport serving the Axum area; convenient for reaching northern destinations and connecting to major hubs.
Small regional airport useful for accessing the northern highlands and neighboring towns.
Major international gateway; many travelers fly here first, then transfer to domestic flights or overland routes to Intich’o.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Amhara and Tigray communities with small representation from Oromo and other groups; languages and customs vary by village and religious affiliation.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in towns across the region, with local matches and informal games on weekends.
Ancient sport often performed at cultural gatherings and festivals in rural areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Intich’o.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Injera-based dishes are naturally vegetarian; plenty of vegan options appear especially during fasting periods. When ordering, confirm no animal fats or ghee in the dish and ask for dairy-free options if needed.