Things To Do
in Zaragoza
Zaragoza is a small municipality in Colombia's Antioquia region, set among green hills and winding rivers. The town exudes rural charm with a friendly, laid-back vibe that invites slow travel and locals who are quick to share a smile. It serves as a gateway to nearby coffee and cacao farms, waterfalls, and forest trails that showcase the region’s natural beauty.
Visitors can expect warm hospitality and an authentic Antioqueño experience away from the bustle of bigger cities.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Colombian breakfast at a local café, enjoying arepas and fresh coffee. After breakfast, stroll through the cobblestone streets of Zaragoza, taking in the charming colonial architecture. Visit the Plaza de los Libertadores to admire the statue of Simón Bolívar and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
In the afternoon, explore the Museo de Zaragoza, where you’ll find fascinating exhibits showcasing the region's history and culture. Afterward, head to the nearby Parque Principal to relax under the shade of the trees and watch locals go about their day. Don’t forget to grab a refreshing fresh juice from a street vendor before continuing your exploration.
As the sun sets, enjoy a leisurely dinner at a restaurant that serves authentic local dishes, such as sancocho or bandeja paisa. After dinner, take a walk along the riverbank, where you can enjoy the beautiful views and the sound of the flowing water. Cap off your day with a drink at a cozy bar, where you can mingle with locals and fellow travelers.
Begin your morning with a visit to the bustling local market, where you can experience the vibrant colors and aromas of fresh produce and local crafts. Engage with friendly vendors as you sample tropical fruits like guanabana and lulo. Take your time wandering the stalls, capturing the essence of Zaragoza's daily life through your camera lens.
Continue your market adventure by joining a cooking class in the area, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Colombian dishes using fresh ingredients from the market. Enjoy the fruits of your labor with a communal lunch, sharing stories and recipes with your fellow participants. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby artisan district, where you can shop for handmade souvenirs.
In the evening, attend a local cultural performance featuring traditional music and dance, immersing yourself in the rich heritage of the region. After the show, enjoy a casual dinner at a local eatery, sampling regional specialties and mingling with the friendly locals. Reflect on your day over a cup of coffee as you unwind under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at a local cafe | $1-3 |
| 🥙Lunch at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🚌Public transport ride | $0.50-1.50 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and relaxed pace
- Access to coffee country landscapes and day trips
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end dining options compared to larger cities
- Travel times to major airports can be longer
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el mercado?" - Where is the market?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Hablas inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Zaragoza
Visit one of these nice places.
A traditional church with a tall bell tower; good for dawn or dusk photography with the plaza.
A hilltop viewpoint offering views of the valley and surrounding hills, ideal for sunrise.
Central park with fountains, benches, and daily life; great for candid street photography.
The riverbank along the Magdalena region with lush greenery and golden hour lighting.
Food in Zaragoza
Zaragoza Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty platter featuring beans, rice, ground meat or pork, chicharrón, fried egg, plantain, avocado, and arepa; best enjoyed at traditional eateries in town.
Must-Try!
Thick corn arepas served with guacamole, hogao (tomato-onion sauce), or cheese; a staple at breakfast and street stalls.
A regional stew with chicken or pork, corn on the cob, plantain, potatoes, and herbs; commonly served with rice and avocado.
Local coffee (single-origin, often from nearby farms) paired with pastries like pandebono or almojábana.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can sample fresh fruit, arepas, tamales, and regional snacks.
Vendors offering empanadas, patacones, yuca frita, and seasonal fruit shakes along the town streets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a handshake; among friends, a kiss on the cheek is common in social settings.
Use polite language, avoid sensitive topics in first meetings; speak softly, be patient, and avoid raising your voice.
People value warmth and hospitality; avoid rushing conversations; it is common to share food and stories.
Safety
Tipping in Zaragoza
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is common if service is good; many places include service; for bars 10% is typical. For taxi drivers, rounding up is appreciated.
Cash (Colombian peso) is widely accepted; many places also accept debit/credit cards; small towns may prefer cash for smaller vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Lighter rainfall, clearer skies, and comfortable daytime temperatures; perfect for outdoor activities.
Frequent afternoon showers; keep rain gear handy and plan indoor activities for peak rain times.
Shoulders months with variable showers; mornings often dry, afternoons wetter.
Zaragoza at Night
Hiking in Zaragoza
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate hike offering panoramic views of Zaragoza and the valley.
A scenic waterfall hike along a forested trail with opportunities for photography and a refreshing dip where safe.
Airports
How to reach Zaragoza by plane.
Nearby international gateway serving Medellín; typically a 1.5–3 hour drive depending on routes and traffic.
Airport in the Pereira region; serves domestic and limited international flights; access requires longer drive.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of rural families, farmers, and small-business owners; many are of mixed heritage typical to Antioquia with a strong sense of community.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local leagues and street play are common in plazas.
Road cycling is popular in the region; you may see groups training on rural roads.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zaragoza.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian visitors can enjoy arepas, beans, rice, plantains, fresh fruit, salads, and vegetable stews; ask for dairy-free options and avoid heavy meat broths.