Things To Do
in Anserma

Anserma is a historic Andean town in Caldas, Colombia, perched in a lush valley and surrounded by coffee farms. It blends colonial charm with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere and a central square that comes alive with markets and music. The town serves as a gateway to the surrounding countryside, offering easy access to hillside trails, farms, and panoramic viewpoints.

Visitors can savor regional flavors, learn about coffee culture, and experience authentic small-town rural life without the crowds of larger cities.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Welcome in Anserma
morning
:

Arrive in Anserma and breathe the fresh morning air as the town wakes. Take a gentle stroll toward the central square to observe daily life and friendly greetings.

afternoon
:

Visit the local market to sample fresh fruits, coffee, and handmade crafts. Listen to shopkeepers' stories and plan a short visit to a nearby coffee cooperative.

evening
:

Dine at a family-run restaurant where typical dishes blend with quiet street music. Find a comfortable spot to watch the town light up as evening settles, letting conversations drift.

day 2
Streets and Stories of the Old Town
morning
:

Wake early to the scent of brewing coffee and the rhythm of the town waking. Climb a modest hill behind the cathedral for a gentle overlook and a moment of calm.

afternoon
:

Join a guided walk through historic buildings and muraled walls that tell local legends. Stop at a café to try arequipe and freshly pressed fruit juice while listening to a storyteller.

evening
:

Attend a small cultural show featuring folk songs and dance by local performers. End the evening with a stroll along cobbled streets, letting the night air mix with the scent of coffee.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🏨1-night hotel stay (budget)$25-50
Coffee$1-3
🚕Short taxi ride$1-3
🧺Groceries (basic weekly)$20-40

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, authentic Andean town with warm locals
  • Access to coffee country and nearby nature
  • Low-cost destination with rich culture
  • Easy to combine with Pereira or Manizales for more amenities
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife options
  • Some attractions require day trips to larger cities
  • English may be limited in rural areas
  • "Buenos días" - Good morning
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Hablo un poco de español" - I speak a little Spanish

Places to Visit in Anserma

Visit one of these nice places.

Iglesia de San Antonio de Padua (central church)

Anserma's historic church with white walls and a red-tiled roof, ideal for early-morning or golden-hour photography.

Plaza de Anserma

The central plaza framed by colonial buildings and arcades, perfect for candid street photography.

Mirador del Valle

A hilltop viewpoint offering sweeping views of the valley and surrounding coffee farms.

Culinary Guide

Food in Anserma

Anserma sits in Colombia's coffee region, where rich coffee culture blends with traditional dishes like arepas, tamales, and hearty stews. Expect fresh produce, impactful coffee, and simple, flavorful preparations that showcase regional ingredients.

Anserma Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Bandeja Paisa

A hearty platter with beans, rice, chicharrón, ground meat, plantain, arepa, and a fried egg; commonly found in local eateries.

Must-Try!

Arepa de choclo

Sweet corn arepa often served with cheese; a popular snack or side.

Tamales Caldenses

Corn dough stuffed with meat and vegetables, wrapped in plantain leaves.

Sancocho or Caldas-style chicken stew

Hearty broth with yucca, plantain, and chicken; a comforting regional dish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Anserma

A bustling market with fresh produce, cheeses, and street-food stalls.

Street food near the Plaza

Arepas, empanadas, fresh fruit juices, and small bites to-go.

Climate Guide

Weather

Anserma sits at about 1,400 meters and has a mild highland climate with warm days and cooler nights. Typical temperatures range from 18°C to 30°C (65°F to 86°F), with humidity and year-round rain possible in showers. Dry spells and rainy periods alternate across the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and respect

Greet with a courteous 'Buenos días/tardes' and use formal titles like Señor/Señora with adults.

Photography

Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas or religious sites; dress modestly in sacred places.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise normal travel precautions: secure valuables in crowds, use registered taxis, avoid isolated areas at night, and carry a copy of your passport and emergency contacts. Stay aware of weather-related road conditions in the surrounding hills.

Tipping in Anserma

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In restaurants, tip 5-10% if service is not included. Small tips for hotel staff, porters, and guides are customary.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry season (Dec–Mar)

Longer sunny spells and comfortable daytime temps; cooler nights.

Rainy season (Apr–May, Sep–Nov)

Afternoon showers are common; carry a compact rain shell and footwear with grip.

Nightlife Guide

Anserma at Night

The nightlife in Anserma is low-key and family-friendly. Expect small bars and cafes with regional music, occasional salsa or vallenato nights, and community gatherings in plazas rather than large clubs.

Hiking in Anserma

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Cerro Alto Ridge Trail

Ridge hike offering panoramic valley views and coffee-farm scenery.

Cascades and river trails near the Cauca valley

Gentle to moderate forest trails with shaded sections and picnic spots.

Airports

How to reach Anserma by plane.

Matecana International Airport (Pereira, PEI)

Closest major airport, about 60-70 km away; connections via Bogotá and other cities; road transfer to Anserma.

Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO) – Cali

Larger international airport about 160-180 km away; many international and domestic connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most attractions and plazas reachable on foot. Some surrounding viewpoints and farms require short drives or local transport.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Mestizo and White communities

Predominant urban and rural population.

Indigenous and Afro-Colombian minority groups

Smaller communities contributing to local culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The dominant sport with local matches and informal games in plazas.

Cycling

Hilly terrain makes for scenic rides and local routes for cyclists.

Basketball

Common in schools and community centers; casual games in the evenings.

Transportation

Traffic

Main roads to Anserma are winding rural routes. In town, traffic is light; buses and colectivos are common public transport; taxis are readily available. During market days, expect brief delays near the market square.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Anserma.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available in most eateries; look for bean dishes, corn arepas, fresh fruit, vegetables; ask to avoid meat stock and opt for olive or vegetable oil.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Local clinics and a small hospital serve basic needs; for more advanced care, head to Pereira or Manizales where larger hospitals and specialists are available. Travel insurance is recommended.

Discover Colombia

Read more in our Colombia 2025 Travel Guide.

Colombia Travel Guide