Things To Do
in Suárez
Suárez is a small municipality in the department of Cauca in southwestern Colombia, set where Andean foothills meet river valleys. It combines rural agricultural landscapes (coffee, sugarcane and plantain) with a compact town center anchored by a central plaza and a colonial-era church. The town reflects a mixture of mestizo, Afro-Colombian and indigenous cultural influences and offers a relaxed, authentic pace of life compared with larger cities.
Suárez is a good base for exploring nearby páramo, volcanic terrain and river landscapes within a few hours' drive.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Suárez, Colombia, and check into your accommodation. Take a moment to settle in and get familiar with the quaint surroundings of the town. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café to energize for the day's adventures.
Explore the main square and visit the local market to experience the vibrant culture and buy some fresh produce. Interact with friendly locals and learn about their daily lives in this charming town. Be sure to capture some photographs of the beautiful landscape that surrounds you.
Savor a traditional Colombian dinner at a nearby restaurant, trying local dishes such as bandeja paisa. Spend the evening strolling through the town, taking in the night ambiance. Engage in conversation with friendly residents or enjoy some live music if available.
Begin your cultural day by visiting the local museum, where you can learn about the history and traditions of Suárez. Artifacts and exhibits will give you insight into the region's past and the influence of indigenous tribes. Spend time chatting with the curator to enhance your understanding.
After the museum, participate in a cultural workshop, perhaps learning how to weave traditional textiles or cook a regional dish. Engage directly with local artisans and understand the intricacies of their crafts. Savor a lunch made from your cooking session, enjoying the flavors you've created.
Spend your evening at a local cultural performance, where traditional music and dance come to life. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and perhaps join in on the dancing. Wrap up your day with a nightcap at a local bar, reflecting on the experiences you have gained.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee / snack at a café | $1-2 |
| 🚌Local bus ride / short colectivo | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse (per night) | $20-40 |
| 🚕Short taxi or moto-taxi | $1.50-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic small-town Colombian culture with friendly locals
- Access to varied natural landscapes (rivers, foothills, nearby páramo/volcanic areas)
- Affordable prices for food, transport and accommodation
- Good opportunities for photography and slow travel experiences
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers outside urban centers
- Security concerns in parts of the Cauca region—situational risk and need for caution
- Limited ATM and card acceptance in the town—carry cash
- Fewer nightlife and entertainment options compared with larger cities
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias / Muchas gracias" - Thank you / Thank you very much
- "Disculpe / Perdón" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Una cerveza, por favor" - A beer, please
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Suárez
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture colonial architecture, daily life scenes, vendor activity and evening lighting around the main square.
Vibrant colors of fruits, vegetables, spices and local vendors provide excellent candid and detail photography opportunities.
Rivers near Suárez offer reflections, rapids and rural scenes — good for landscape and long-exposure shots (check safety first).
Panoramic views over agricultural terraces and valleys at sunrise or sunset make for dramatic landscape photos.
Photograph traditional farm life, coffee plants, drying patios and rustic farm buildings for authentic rural imagery.
Food in Suárez
Suárez Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A warming, soupy stew of meat (chicken or beef), plantain, yuca and potato; commonly found at local fondas and markets.
Must-Try!
Rice dishes cooked with meats, vegetables and local spices — good for sharing and often available at midday restaurants.
Fried snacks sold at markets and street stalls; empanadas are filled with potato and meat, buñuelos are cheese dough balls — excellent for breakfast or a snack.
Juices made from lulo, guanábana, maracuyá or mango are ubiquitous at markets and small cafés — refreshing and inexpensive.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town market is where locals buy produce, fresh meats and snacks; try freshly made empanadas, arepas, and fruit juices at stalls near the central market hall.
Along main roads you’ll find small “fritangas” selling fried meats, plantain and traditional sides — ideal for a casual, filling meal.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake or a light cheek-to-cheek kiss (one side) is common when meeting people; greet shopkeepers and neighbors politely—use 'buenos días/tardes/noches'.
Show deference to elders and local leaders; ask permission before photographing people, especially in indigenous or traditional communities.
Dress modestly in public and avoid loud or disruptive behaviour—rural towns value calm, respectful interaction.
Be mindful when discussing politics or local conflict—listen and ask questions respectfully rather than making assumptions.
Safety
Tipping in Suárez
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a 10% service charge may be included; if not, tipping 5–10% for good service is appreciated. Tip small amounts to helpful guides, hotel staff and taxi drivers for good service; tipping is discretionary in small towns.
Carry cash (Colombian pesos, COP) for markets, street food and small shops—many local businesses are cash-only. Credit and debit cards work in larger establishments and banks/ATMs in regional centers like Popayán or Cali, but ATMs in small towns can be limited; notify your bank before travel.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
These months tend to have clearer skies and are best for hiking, photography and road travel; temperatures can be warm in valleys and cooler in higher elevations so layer clothing.
Periods of frequent afternoon showers and heavier river flows; some unpaved roads and trails may become muddy or impassable — pack quick-dry clothing and waterproof footwear.
Transition months can bring mixed weather—short rain spells combined with sunny windows; good for lower tourist crowds and more affordable accommodations.
Suárez at Night
Hiking in Suárez
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A highland protected area with volcanoes, páramo ecosystems, hot springs and trails for day hikes and wildlife viewing—accessible within a few hours' drive from many parts of Cauca; check access conditions and altitude considerations.
Lowland and riverbank trails along the Patía basin offer easy to moderate walks, birdwatching and rural landscapes—best visited in the dry season.
Shorter community-managed trails around Suárez lead through coffee farms, secondary forest and scenic overlooks—ideal for morning hikes and photography; hire a local guide for longer routes.
Airports
How to reach Suárez by plane.
The nearest regional airport serving Popayán with domestic connections; from Popayán you can reach Suárez by bus or car within a few hours depending on road conditions.
Major international airport serving Cali and the Valle del Cauca region; offers more flight options and international connections, with ground transport links to Cauca—expect a longer drive than from Popayán but more flight availability.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population identifies as mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European heritage), forming the social and cultural backbone of the municipality.
Afro-Colombian communities are present in Cauca, contributing rich musical, culinary and cultural traditions—particularly in riverine and lowland areas.
The Cauca region is home to Indigenous peoples (including Nasa/Páez and other groups) whose presence influences local customs, handicrafts and agriculture; always approach visits to indigenous communities respectfully and with permission.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the dominant sport: local informal matches and community teams are common, and regional teams draw strong local support.
The hilly terrain attracts cyclists and mountain bikers; road and off-road routes are popular for locals and visiting enthusiasts.
While not a 'sport', local festivals often feature dance and performance traditions that are community focal points and physical in nature.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Suárez.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited in small towns: markets and fondas can prepare vegetable soups, rice-and-bean plates, fried plantains and salads—ask for 'sin carne' (without meat).
Vegan choices require more planning; rely on fresh fruit, rice, beans and plantain dishes and communicate restrictions clearly in Spanish.
Many traditional foods (rice, corn arepas, plantain) are naturally gluten-free, but ask about cross-contamination with fried foods and sauces.