Things To Do
in Anapoima
Anapoima is a small, sun-drenched town in the warm Magdalena River valley of Cundinamarca, Colombia, known for its relaxed pace, lush vegetation and pleasant year-round temperatures. It has developed as a weekend and holiday destination for residents of Bogotá seeking pools, countryside stays and local festivals. The town center retains a compact, walkable core of colorful houses, restaurants and small shops, while the surrounding hills, rivers and rural estates offer outdoor activities.
Expect friendly hospitality, simple tourist infrastructure and an atmosphere that blends traditional Colombian small-town life with resort-style weekend tourism.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at El Dorado International Airport and take a scenic drive to Anapoima, admiring the lush countryside along the way. Check into your charming accommodation nestled in the heart of this picturesque town. Once settled, spend some time exploring the local markets for a taste of Colombian culture.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional dishes such as bandeja paisa or ajiaco. Afterward, stroll through the town’s vibrant streets, visiting spots like the Plaza de Anapoima and local artisan shops. Don’t forget to take plenty of photos of the colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop.
As the sun sets, dine at a terrace restaurant with breathtaking views of the valley. Indulge in local specialties while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. End the night with a leisurely walk under the stars, letting the soothing sounds of nature accompany you.
Start your day early with a hearty breakfast featuring fresh tropical fruits and Colombian coffee. Head out for a guided hike in the nearby hills, where you can immerse yourself in the diverse flora and fauna. Keep your camera ready for potential wildlife sightings, including colorful birds and playful monkeys.
After the hike, refresh yourself at a local café with some ice-cold lemonade. Spend the afternoon visiting the nearby thermal springs, where you can relax in the warm waters surrounded by nature. Unwind in the serene environment, enjoying a well-deserved soak after your morning adventure.
Return to Anapoima for dinner at a nearby eatery that offers traditional Colombian BBQ. Engage with locals and fellow travelers as you share stories of adventure and experiences. Conclude the evening with a friendly game of tejo, a traditional Colombian sport, at a local venue.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee or juice | $1.50-3 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $20-40 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $1-4 |
| 🥘Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-35 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Warm, pleasant climate year-round and proximity to Bogotá
- Relaxed, authentic small-town atmosphere with outdoor activities
- Affordable food, lodging and activities compared with major cities
- Good spots for photography, rivers and countryside exploration
- Limited high-end infrastructure and fewer medical facilities in town
- Can be crowded on weekends and holidays with domestic tourists
- Outdoor activities can be affected by the rainy season
- Limited nightlife and fewer cultural institutions compared with cities
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
Places to Visit in Anapoima
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful plaza life, traditional architecture and the town church make for classic small-town Colombian shots at golden hour.
Short hikes to hilltop lookouts provide sweeping panoramas of the river valley, ideal for sunrise or late-afternoon wide-angle landscapes.
Rocky river corridors, small cascades and pools are photogenic — capture reflections, swimmers and textured stone formations.
Working farms with fruit trees, rustic fences and livestock offer authentic rural scenes and portrait backgrounds.
Bustling fruit stalls and juice vendors present colorful close-up opportunities of produce, hands and everyday commerce.
Food in Anapoima
Anapoima Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A comforting chicken or beef stew with plantain, potato and yucca — commonly prepared in family restaurants and roadside fondas.
Must-Try!
A hearty plate with rice, beans, fried egg, pork rind, plantain and grilled meat — you'll find simplified local versions at many eateries.
Arepas (corn cakes) and calentado (reheated rice-and-bean mix) are breakfast staples available at small cafés and street stalls.
Mango, guava, lulo, maracuyá and papaya juices are served everywhere — try them freshly made at mercados and juice stands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small morning market where vendors sell fresh fruit, vegetables, street snacks and juices — perfect for tasting seasonal produce and buying picnic supplies.
Evening and daytime stalls near the main square offering arepas, empanadas and grilled meats; an easy place to sample inexpensive local street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake or a single cheek kiss (between acquaintances) is common; always greet shopkeepers and hosts when entering a space.
Dress is casual but tidy; avoid loud or disrespectful behavior in religious sites and family-run establishments.
Colombians value politeness—use please (por favor) and thank you (gracias), accept offers of hospitality graciously and reciprocate warmth.
Avoid confrontational or overly political subjects with strangers; asking about family or local life is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Anapoima
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; leave 10% in restaurants if service is good (check the bill for a service charge). Tip hotel porters a small amount and drivers or guides a modest sum for good service.
Cash (Colombian pesos) is widely used for markets, street food and smaller establishments. Credit/debit cards are accepted at many hotels and larger restaurants but coverage can be spotty; carry cash for rural services. ATMs are available in town but may be limited—withdraw in larger centers if unsure.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect sunnier days, lower rainfall and easier hiking conditions; afternoons can be hot so plan outdoor activities for mornings and late afternoons.
Showers and heavy rains are more frequent, particularly afternoons and evenings; trails become muddy, some river crossings can swell and some outdoor operators reduce activity.
Weekends and national holidays (Christmas, Easter, mid-year vacations) attract visitors from Bogotá — book lodging ahead and expect busier restaurants and pools.
Anapoima at Night
Hiking in Anapoima
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A short but rewarding hike up a ridge near town with panoramic views of the Anapoima valley — ideal for sunrise or late-afternoon photography.
Gentle trails following the river provide shaded walks, birdwatching opportunities and access to natural pools for swimming.
Network of rural paths linking local fincas and hamlets — good for longer walks or mountain-biking while experiencing local agriculture and landscapes.
Moderate loop routes on surrounding hills that offer varied terrain, native vegetation and lookout points over the valley.
Airports
How to reach Anapoima by plane.
The main international gateway to Colombia — roughly 1.5–3 hours by road depending on traffic. Many visitors fly into Bogotá and travel by car, shuttle or bus to Anapoima.
There are smaller regional airfields in the broader region with limited service; schedules and routes can be sporadic, so most travelers rely on Bogotá for dependable flights and connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents identify as mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European ancestry) and form the core of local community life.
Many locals are involved in agriculture, small business, tourism services and trades that support the town and surrounding fincas.
A steady flow of urban weekenders and second-home owners from Bogotá influences the local economy and services, especially on holidays.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Colombia — locals often play or watch matches in town and regional bars.
A traditional Colombian target game sometimes played at local social gatherings and bars; it’s a fun cultural activity to try with friends.
Equestrian activities are common around fincas and rural estates, both as transportation and recreation.
Road and mountain biking are popular due to the rolling terrain and scenic country roads.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Anapoima.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited compared with larger cities; request dishes based on rice, beans, plantain and salads, and ask cooks to omit meat or stock. Markets and juice stands make it easy to eat fresh fruit and vegetable dishes.
Vegan choices require more advance planning; carry snacks and communicate restrictions clearly—many restaurants will adapt simple dishes but vegan protein options are uncommon.
Corn-based foods like arepas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur in small kitchens. Ask about ingredients in sauces and breaded items.