Things To Do
in Túquerres
Túquerres is a small Andean town in the Nariño department of southwestern Colombia, perched high in the páramo landscape and surrounded by rolling potato fields and páramo shrubland. The town blends mestizo and indigenous Pasto culture, visible in markets, traditional dress and local festivals. Its cool, misty climate and colonial-era architecture give Túquerres a quiet, authentic feel that contrasts with busier regional hubs.
The town is a practical base for exploring nearby highland lakes, páramo hikes and borderland communities toward Ipiales and Pasto.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a stroll through the vibrant streets of Túquerres, taking in the colonial architecture and colorful buildings that tell the story of the town's rich history. Visit the central plaza, where locals gather for their morning coffee and exchange stories, providing a glimpse into the daily life of the community. Don't forget to stop by the nearby church to admire its beautiful facade and learn about its significance to the local culture.
After a hearty lunch at a local restaurant, delve deeper into the history of Túquerres by visiting the local museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the region's indigenous heritage. Spend some time wandering through artisan shops, where you can find handmade crafts and souvenirs that reflect the artistic spirit of the town. As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot in the plaza to relax and people-watch while enjoying a refreshing drink.
As evening falls, enjoy dinner at a traditional Colombian restaurant, where you can savor regional specialties such as 'bandeja paisa' or 'ajiaco'. Engage with locals and fellow travelers alike, sharing stories under the twinkling stars as the town comes alive with music and laughter. Cap off the night with a leisurely walk through the streets, illuminated by soft lights, allowing you to soak in the atmosphere of this charming town.
Embark on a short journey to nearby indigenous communities, where you can experience the vibrant culture and traditions of the Pasto and Quillacinga people. Participate in a traditional morning ceremony, where you'll learn about their customs and the significance of their ancestral heritage. Enjoy a breakfast made from local ingredients, prepared by community members who are proud to share their culinary skills.
Spend the afternoon engaging in workshops that teach you traditional crafts such as weaving or pottery, allowing you to connect with the artisans and understand their techniques. A guided tour will take you through the community, where you can witness daily life and the integration of ancient practices with modern influences. Sample local dishes and participate in a communal meal, fostering a deeper connection with the people.
As the sun sets, join in on a cultural storytelling session around a campfire, where elders share tales of their ancestors and folklore. This immersive experience will deepen your appreciation for the history and resilience of the indigenous people. Return to Túquerres with a newfound respect for the local culture, enriched by the memories made throughout the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $4-8 |
| ☕Coffee or hot chocolate (café) | $0.80-2 |
| 🚌Local bus ride | $0.30-1.50 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride | $2-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / guesthouse (night) | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic Andean town with strong cultural and indigenous traditions
- Beautiful highland landscapes, páramo ecosystems and nearby lake for photography
- Affordable food and accommodation and friendly local hospitality
- Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure compared with larger cities
- Cool, changeable weather and high altitude require acclimatization
- Card acceptance is limited and some services are cash-only
- "Hola, buenos días" - Hello, good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Muchas gracias" - Thank you very much
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
Places to Visit in Túquerres
Visit one of these nice places.
Capture daily life, colonial facades, vendor stalls and portraits of locals—best in morning light when markets are active.
Panoramic views over Andean valleys, rolling fields and low cloud inversions—excellent at sunrise or sunset for dramatic skies.
Colorful displays of potatoes, tubers, cheeses and prepared foods—great for close-up, still-life and street photography.
A larger, scenic lake region (short drive) offering reflections, boat scenes and birdlife; ideal for landscape photography.
Photograph agricultural life, traditional homes, grazing llamas/llamas-like animals and patchwork fields—especially atmospheric under mist and low clouds.
Food in Túquerres
Túquerres Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Thick potato and cheese soup, perfect for cold mornings; widely available in local fondas and markets.
Must-Try!
Traditional highland dish served at celebrations and some restaurants; ask where it’s sourced and how it’s prepared.
Corn dough filled with meat, vegetables and spices, wrapped and steamed—popular breakfast or street-food item.
Toasted or fried corn cakes often served with local fresh cheese; available at markets and bakeries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Bustling morning market with stalls selling fresh tubers, cheese, breads, tamales and prepared dishes; great for photography and tasting local produce.
Small vendors near the plaza sell snacks like arepas, empanadas and hot beverages—ideal for quick bites and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake or a single cheek kiss (between acquaintances or friends) is common; use formal greetings with older people and show respect.
Túquerres is in a region with indigenous heritage—ask permission before photographing people in traditional dress and be mindful of cultural norms.
Dress modestly in public and speak politely; small courtesies and formal register go a long way in rural towns.
Appointments are generally flexible; when bargaining at markets do so respectfully and with a smile—many sellers rely on these sales for income.
Safety
Tipping in Túquerres
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in small towns. In restaurants a 10% service charge may be included—check the bill and leave extra if service was excellent. For guides and drivers, small cash tips (a few thousand COP) are customary if you’re satisfied.
Cash (Colombian peso) is king in Túquerres—many fondas, markets and taxis are cash-only. Larger hotels and some restaurants accept cards, but connectivity can be unreliable; carry smaller bills and coins for markets and transport.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Drier days and clearer skies make it the best time for hiking, photography and driving between towns; mornings remain chilly and nights can be cold. Bring sun protection as UV is strong at high altitude despite cool temperatures.
Expect frequent afternoon showers and mist; trails can be muddy and some dirt roads may be slow or slippery. Layers, waterproof jacket and quick-dry clothing are essential; morning windows often offer clear conditions for short excursions.
Temperatures can drop sharply at night any time of year—have warm clothing, a hat and a warm sleeping layer even during daytime travel seasons.
Túquerres at Night
Hiking in Túquerres
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
High-altitude hikes among frailejones and unique páramo flora—routes vary in length and should be attempted with appropriate gear and acclimatization.
Scenic trails and boat-access walks around the lake area, excellent for birdwatching and gentle hikes; short drive from Túquerres.
Short but steep hikes to nearby ridgelines for panoramic views of the valley and dramatic cloud inversions—good at sunrise or late afternoon.
Airports
How to reach Túquerres by plane.
The main regional airport serving Pasto, about 1–2 hours' drive from Túquerres depending on road conditions; offers domestic connections and is the usual gateway for visitors to Nariño. Buses and private transfers connect Pasto to Túquerres.
For some international itineraries travelers cross the nearby Ecuador border (Tulcán) and use airports in Quito or Loja for international flights—this is an option if combining Ecuador and southern Colombia travel, but requires appropriate travel documents and extra planning.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of the town's population with mixed indigenous and Spanish ancestry—engaged in commerce, services and local government.
Indigenous communities contribute cultural practices, textiles and traditional agriculture; their presence is visible in markets, dress and festivals.
Surrounding areas are populated by smallholder farmers cultivating potatoes, grains and livestock—agriculture shapes daily life and the landscape.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport—local teams, pickup games and strong community interest, with matches and youth programs common.
Rural communities maintain equestrian traditions; horseback riding is both recreational and practical in farm work.
Road and mountain cycling are popular among locals and adventurous visitors who enjoy challenging climbs and scenic descents.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Túquerres.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist (potato soups, arepas, vegetable stews and cheese plates) but meat is prominent; ask for vegetable-only versions of soups and corrientazos and confirm broths are vegetable-based.
More challenging due to butter, cheese and meat-based broths—bring or request simple corn-based foods, fruit, and talk to vendors about cooking oils and ingredients.
Many traditional items (arepas, potatoes, cuy) are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination in shared kitchens is possible—communicate needs clearly in Spanish.