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

day 1
Arrival in Anapoima
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

day 2
Exploring Local Nature
morning
:

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.

afternoon
:

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.

evening
:

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.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔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.

Main Plaza and Colonial Church

Colorful plaza life, traditional architecture and the town church make for classic small-town Colombian shots at golden hour.

Valley Viewpoints above town

Short hikes to hilltop lookouts provide sweeping panoramas of the river valley, ideal for sunrise or late-afternoon wide-angle landscapes.

River and Natural Pools

Rocky river corridors, small cascades and pools are photogenic — capture reflections, swimmers and textured stone formations.

Local Fincas (rural estates)

Working farms with fruit trees, rustic fences and livestock offer authentic rural scenes and portrait backgrounds.

Market and Street Stalls

Bustling fruit stalls and juice vendors present colorful close-up opportunities of produce, hands and everyday commerce.

Culinary Guide

Food in Anapoima

Anapoima's cuisine reflects Colombian valley traditions: fresh tropical fruits, grilled meats, hearty rice-and-bean plates and simple home-cooked flavors. Meals are typically generous, with an emphasis on corn (arepas), plantain, fresh fruit juices and beef or chicken based dishes. Weekend tourism has brought several casual restaurants and parrillas (grills) while small family kitchens serve classic regional comfort food. Drink options include natural jugos (fresh fruit juices), Colombian coffee and cold local beers.

Anapoima Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Sancocho

A comforting chicken or beef stew with plantain, potato and yucca — commonly prepared in family restaurants and roadside fondas.

Must-Try!

Bandeja Paisa (local variation)

A hearty plate with rice, beans, fried egg, pork rind, plantain and grilled meat — you'll find simplified local versions at many eateries.

Arepas and Calentado

Arepas (corn cakes) and calentado (reheated rice-and-bean mix) are breakfast staples available at small cafés and street stalls.

Fresh tropical fruits and juices

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

Town Market (Mercado Local)

Small morning market where vendors sell fresh fruit, vegetables, street snacks and juices — perfect for tasting seasonal produce and buying picnic supplies.

Plaza Food Stalls

Evening and daytime stalls near the main square offering arepas, empanadas and grilled meats; an easy place to sample inexpensive local street food.

Climate Guide

Weather

Anapoima has a warm, tropical valley climate with average daytime temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s °C (mid 70s–80s °F). Humidity can be moderate to high, and two main seasonal patterns prevail: drier months where outdoor activities are more comfortable, and rainy months with afternoon showers and higher river levels. Nights are pleasantly warm; altitude is low enough that cold weather is rare. Bring sun protection and a light rain layer during the wet season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting Customs

A warm handshake or a single cheek kiss (between acquaintances) is common; always greet shopkeepers and hosts when entering a space.

Dress and Behavior

Dress is casual but tidy; avoid loud or disrespectful behavior in religious sites and family-run establishments.

Politeness and Hospitality

Colombians value politeness—use please (por favor) and thank you (gracias), accept offers of hospitality graciously and reciprocate warmth.

Conversation Topics

Avoid confrontational or overly political subjects with strangers; asking about family or local life is appreciated.

Safety Guide

Safety

Anapoima is generally safe for tourists compared with bigger cities, but petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatches) can occur, especially in crowded or nightlife areas. Avoid poorly lit or isolated roads at night, keep valuables out of sight, use hotel safes and avoid flashing large amounts of cash. Be cautious around rivers after heavy rains—currents can strengthen quickly. Carry basic medical supplies, insect repellent (mosquitoes) and ensure routine vaccinations are up to date. If you plan remote hiking, inform someone of your route and expected return.

Tipping in Anapoima

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

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.

Payment Methods

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...

Dry Season (December–March, July–August)

Expect sunnier days, lower rainfall and easier hiking conditions; afternoons can be hot so plan outdoor activities for mornings and late afternoons.

Rainy Season (April–June, September–November)

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.

High Season / Holidays

Weekends and national holidays (Christmas, Easter, mid-year vacations) attract visitors from Bogotá — book lodging ahead and expect busier restaurants and pools.

Nightlife Guide

Anapoima at Night

Anapoima's nightlife is relaxed and community oriented — expect bars with live music, small discos or parrilla restaurants playing music and occasional cultural events. Weekends are livelier with families and visitors from Bogotá, but nightlife typically ends earlier than in big cities; for late-night clubbing you may need to travel to larger nearby towns.

Hiking in Anapoima

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Valley Ridge Viewpoint Trail

A short but rewarding hike up a ridge near town with panoramic views of the Anapoima valley — ideal for sunrise or late-afternoon photography.

River Corridor Walks

Gentle trails following the river provide shaded walks, birdwatching opportunities and access to natural pools for swimming.

Finca-to-Finca Country Trails

Network of rural paths linking local fincas and hamlets — good for longer walks or mountain-biking while experiencing local agriculture and landscapes.

Nearby Hill Loop Hikes

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.

El Dorado International Airport (BOG), Bogotá

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.

Gustavo Rojas Pinilla (regional) / small regional airfields

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.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center of Anapoima is compact and highly walkable; most shops, restaurants and the main plaza are within short walking distances. For attractions outside town—fincas, viewpoints and river spots—you will need local transport such as taxis, a rental car or arranged transfers. Sidewalks may be uneven in places, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mestizo and mixed-heritage population

The majority of residents identify as mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European ancestry) and form the core of local community life.

Working-class and rural families

Many locals are involved in agriculture, small business, tourism services and trades that support the town and surrounding fincas.

Weekend visitors from Bogotá and surrounding cities

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.

Fútbol (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Colombia — locals often play or watch matches in town and regional bars.

Tejo

A traditional Colombian target game sometimes played at local social gatherings and bars; it’s a fun cultural activity to try with friends.

Horseback riding

Equestrian activities are common around fincas and rural estates, both as transportation and recreation.

Cycling

Road and mountain biking are popular due to the rolling terrain and scenic country roads.

Transportation

Traffic

Roads to and from Anapoima are mostly two-lane and can be winding as they cross the valley and foothills; traffic is generally light outside peak holiday weekends but can become congested during national holidays and weekends with visitors from Bogotá. Public transportation includes intermunicipal buses and shared vans (colectivos) connecting to larger towns; within Anapoima taxis and mototaxis serve short trips. Drive carefully—expect local driving styles and variable road surfaces.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Anapoima.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

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

Vegan choices require more advance planning; carry snacks and communicate restrictions clearly—many restaurants will adapt simple dishes but vegan protein options are uncommon.

Gluten-free

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.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Anapoima has small clinics and urgent care centers that can handle minor ailments and first aid. For serious medical care, diagnostic services or specialist treatment, the nearest larger hospitals are in bigger regional towns (e.g., Girardot or Melgar) or in Bogotá, which has major hospitals and emergency facilities. Travel insurance that covers medical evacuation is recommended for remote activities. Pharmacies are available in town for over-the-counter medicines.

Discover Colombia

Read more in our Colombia 2025 Travel Guide.

Colombia Travel Guide