Things To Do
in San Carlos
San Carlos (Antioquia) is a small Paisa town set among green Andean hills and reservoirs created by hydroelectric projects, known for its relaxed rural atmosphere and scenic river valleys. The economy mixes agriculture (coffee, cattle), hydroelectric infrastructure and growing nature-based tourism. Visitors come for outdoor activities — hiking, birdwatching, boat rides and swimming in calmer river sections — and for authentic regional food served in family-run fondas.
The town retains traditional architecture, friendly locals and easy access to quieter, off-the-beaten-path Colombian countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at a local café in San Carlos, savoring traditional Colombian dishes like arepas and freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast, stroll through the charming cobblestone streets, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals that tell the story of the town's rich history. Don’t forget to visit the Plaza de Bolívar, a lively square that serves as the heart of San Carlos.
For lunch, enjoy a hearty meal at a local restaurant, where you can indulge in regional specialties such as bandeja paisa. Post-lunch, immerse yourself in the town’s culture by visiting the Museo de San Carlos, which showcases artifacts and exhibits that highlight the area’s heritage. Spend some time shopping for local crafts and souvenirs at the artisan market, where you can find unique handmade items.
As the sun sets, head to a cozy restaurant for dinner, enjoying fresh fish dishes paired with local flavors. Afterward, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, where you can catch glimpses of locals gathering for evening chats and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Wrap up your day by sipping on a refreshing cocktail at a rooftop bar, enjoying panoramic views of the town and the surrounding landscapes.
Begin your morning by taking a guided tour to the nearby natural parks, where you can witness the stunning flora and fauna that Colombia is known for. Enjoy a hearty breakfast packed with energy-boosting foods before heading out, ensuring you’re ready for a day of exploration. The crisp mountain air and chirping birds provide the perfect backdrop as you hike through lush trails.
After an invigorating hike, relax with a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Spend the afternoon birdwatching or exploring hidden waterfalls, taking in the tranquility of nature. Capture the beauty of the surroundings with your camera, as every corner offers a new postcard-worthy view.
Return to San Carlos in the evening and indulge in a delicious dinner featuring local ingredients. Consider joining a storytelling session at a local café, where residents share folklore and legends of the area. End the night with a peaceful walk under the stars, listening to the sounds of nature surrounding you.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus / short inter-municipal ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel / simple guesthouse (per night) | $20-40 |
| 🚕Taxi / private short transfer | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery and quiet, authentic rural atmosphere
- Affordable prices and hearty local cuisine
- Plenty of outdoor activities: hiking, birding, boating and coffee tours
- Friendly, welcoming Paisa culture
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers
- Transport connections are less frequent — you’ll rely on buses or private transfers
- Medical facilities are basic; major care requires travel to a bigger city
- Weather can be unpredictable in rainy seasons, affecting outdoor plans
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Sin carne, por favor" - No meat, please
- "¿Dónde queda la clínica / hospital?" - Where is the clinic / hospital?
Places to Visit in San Carlos
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture daily life, colonial-style façades, and warm golden light in the late afternoon; great for street and portrait shots.
Elevated lookouts over hydroelectric reservoirs provide sweeping water-and-mountain panoramas ideal for wide-angle landscape photos at sunrise or sunset.
Close-up nature shots of cascades, rock pools and lush riverside vegetation; long-exposure waterfall images work well here when flows are moderate.
Photograph terraced fields, coffee plants, farm workers and rustic backroads — excellent for environmental portraits and details of agricultural life.
Colorful markets, food stalls and any local festivals provide vibrant cultural and candid street photography opportunities.
Food in San Carlos
San Carlos Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The iconic Antioquian platter with rice, beans, ground beef or shredded meat, chicharrón, fried egg, plantain, avocado and arepa — available at most fondas and restaurants.
Must-Try!
Fresh river or farmed trout, usually fried or baked with herbs and served with rice and patacones; common in riverside eateries.
Hearty stew made with chicken or beef, tubers and plantains — a comforting lunch option often found at family restaurants and markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small morning market with fresh fruit, local cheeses, arepas, empanadas and homemade snacks; perfect for breakfast and trying seasonal produce.
Afternoon/evening fondas and roadside stalls selling empanadas, buñuelos and tamales — inexpensive, authentic and widely available.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A warm handshake and eye contact are customary; friends may use a single cheek kiss. Politeness and small talk are appreciated before diving into business.
Show respect in religious settings — dress modestly for church visits and speak quietly during services.
Spanish is the lingua franca; learning basic phrases goes a long way. Use 'por favor' and 'gracias', and avoid loud or confrontational behavior in public.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in markets or private homes; some may expect a small tip for portraits.
Safety
Tipping in San Carlos
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small towns. In restaurants a 10% service charge may be included; if not, leaving 5–10% for good service is polite. Tip guides, drivers and hotel porters directly in cash.
Cash (Colombian peso) is king in San Carlos — bring enough for markets, taxis and small purchases. Credit/debit cards are accepted at some restaurants and hotels but network reliability can vary; ATMs exist in town but may be limited, so plan accordingly.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best for hiking, boat trips and clear-sky photography — trails are drier, road access is easier and rivers are calmer. Peak daytime temperatures are pleasant, but bring sun protection.
Expect frequent showers and possible afternoon downpours; trails can be muddy and rivers may swell — avoid risky swimming and check local conditions before hiking. Prices and visitor numbers are usually lower.
Transitional months with mixed weather; you can find quiet trails and decent windows of clear weather but remain flexible with outdoor plans.
San Carlos at Night
Hiking in San Carlos
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate hike following a river valley to a scenic waterfall; good for swimming in dry months and for nature photography. Check water levels before visiting.
Short uphill trail to panoramic viewpoints over the hydroelectric reservoirs and surrounding mountains — ideal at sunrise or sunset.
A gentle walking loop through coffee plots and rural lanes that includes a farm stop for a tour and tasting; great for learning about local agriculture.
Shaded trail into remnant forests where local guides can help spot endemic and migratory bird species; early morning is best.
Airports
How to reach San Carlos by plane.
Medellín’s main international airport — the most common arrival point for visitors. From the airport it’s a multi-hour drive by road to San Carlos; arrange private transfer or bus connections to regional hubs and then onward transport to the town.
Smaller domestic airport in Medellín offering regional flights; useful for connecting within Colombia, but road travel is still required to reach San Carlos.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People of Paisa culture form the majority — known for hospitality, strong family ties and regional traditions.
Farmers and smallholder families working coffee, cattle and other crops — they maintain much of the town’s traditional lifestyle.
Younger locals who may commute to larger towns for work or study; some seasonal workers and entrepreneurs involved in tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The nation’s favorite — local matches and informal games are common and community-oriented.
Equestrian culture and riding are popular in the countryside for transport, work and leisure.
Hilly roads and dirt tracks attract cyclists and mountain bikers who enjoy challenging routes and scenic rides.
Recreational fishing in rivers and reservoirs is a common pastime and sometimes an income source for locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting San Carlos.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but are limited; request dishes based on beans, rice, plantains, salads and eggs. In rural fondas, explain preferences clearly — 'sin carne' — and consider carrying snacks if you have strict needs.
Vegan and gluten-free options are less common; cafés and larger restaurants in nearby towns may accommodate requests better. Communicate clearly in Spanish and plan ahead for special diets.