Things To Do
in Hacarí
Hacarí is a small, agricultural municipality in Norte de Santander, Colombia, nestled in a lush valley near the Catatumbo region and the Venezuelan border. The town thrives on farming, cattle ranching, and local crafts, with a lively but compact market scene that reflects rural life in the hills. Visitors will find welcoming communities, panoramic views over green terraces and rivers, and a sense of authentic Colombian countryside away from large cities.
Be prepared for limited infrastructure and varying safety considerations, but you’ll be rewarded with genuine hospitality and memorable landscapes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Hacarí and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast featuring arepas and fresh coffee while soaking in the local ambiance. Take a leisurely stroll around the town to familiarize yourself with the surroundings.
Visit the main square and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Hacarí. Explore artisanal shops selling handmade crafts and sample local street food delights. Engage with locals and learn about their everyday life and traditions.
Dine at a local restaurant and savor authentic regional cuisine. Connect with fellow travelers or locals over the meal, sharing stories and experiences. Wind down with a peaceful walk through the town, enjoying the cooler evening air.
Start the day with a guided hike to the nearby hills and experience breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Capture stunning photographs of the lush greenery and unique flora. Listen to the sounds of nature as you breathe in the fresh mountain air.
After lunch, engage in birdwatching or visit a nearby waterfall for a refreshing swim. Enjoy a packed picnic surrounded by the tranquility of nature. Take time to appreciate the diverse wildlife that thrives in this beautiful region.
Head back to town and relax in a local café while enjoying a sweet treat like buñuelos. Spend your evening conversing with fellow adventurers recounting the day's discoveries. As night falls, experience the gentle tones of local music drifting through the streets.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧃Bottle of water (1L) | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🚍Local bus ride | $0.25-0.75 |
| 🏨Budget hotel room per night | $15-40 |
| 🧺Groceries for 1 day | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Colombian experience
- Friendly, welcoming local communities
- Affordability and value for money
- Scenic landscapes and photography opportunities
- Limited tourist infrastructure in some areas
- Safety considerations in border regions and rural zones
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Buenas tardes" - Good afternoon
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "No entiendo" - I don’t understand
- "Me gustaría una mesa para dos" - I would like a table for two
Places to Visit in Hacarí
Visit one of these nice places.
The town square framed by a simple church and early-morning light, with market activity beginning and colorful storefronts.
Riverside outlook that blends the valley, fields, and distant hills with soft reflections in the water at dawn or dusk.
Steep lanes and brightly painted houses cascading toward the valley, offering dynamic perspective and texture.
A hillside terrace overlooking farm plots and distant ridges—great for wide landscapes and golden-hour shots.
Food in Hacarí
Hacarí Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sweet corn arepa with cheese, commonly grilled or fried and available at street stalls and bakeries.
Must-Try!
Cornmeal tamales filled with pork or chicken and vegetables, a staple at markets and home kitchens.
Hearty chicken or beef stew with plantains, yuca, and corn, typically served with rice and avocado.
River fish stew with vegetables and coconut or tomato-based broth, popular in river towns.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A compact market where you can find fresh fruit, arepas, tamales, and grilled snacks. Great for sampling local flavors and observing daily life.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly 'hola' or 'buenos días.' Use señor/señora with elders and keep conversations respectful, especially in religious or formal settings. Ask permission before photographing people.
Safety
Tipping in Hacarí
Ensure a smooth experience
If a service charge isn’t included, a tip of 5–10% is typical in restaurants. For guides or taxi drivers, rounding up the fare or a small extra tip is appreciated.
Cash (COP) is widely accepted in small vendors; cards are more common in larger establishments and hotels; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mostly sunny days with clear skies, ideal for walking and outdoor exploration. Nights can be cool and comfortable.
Afternoon rain showers are common; landscapes turn lush and dramatic. Trails can become muddy, so carry a light rain jacket and sturdy footwear.
Hacarí at Night
Hiking in Hacarí
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Nearby hilltop with sweeping valley views and photo opportunities at sunrise or sunset.
A trail along the river gorge offering wildlife sightings and scenic river landscapes.
Airports
How to reach Hacarí by plane.
Nearest major gateway for the region, located in Cúcuta; connects to domestic and some international destinations. From the airport, continue to Hacarí by road.
A larger airport in Bucaramanga; farther away but offers broader connections. Useful if routing through northern Colombia before heading to Hacarí.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Most residents identify as mixed Indigenous and European ancestry, with communities spread through the valley.
Smaller groups in surrounding areas contribute cultural diversity; respectful engagement is encouraged.
Some presence in border regions; be mindful of local dynamics and cross-border logistics.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport, played in schools, streets, and local clubs.
Rural roads and valley routes attract local cyclists and visitors seeking scenic rides.
Common in community centers and schools; informal games often occur in evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hacarí.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian travelers can rely on beans, rice, corn-based dishes, fresh vegetables, and fruit. Look for cheese or egg toppings as protein, ask for soups or broths to be prepared without meat stock, and shop at the market for fresh produce to assemble simple meals.