Apulo(Colombia) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For a serene mountain escape in Apulo, stay at Hotel El Paraíso, a boutique lodge nestled among Andean hills with panoramic valley views. The rooms feature handwoven textiles and locally crafted furniture, while the breakfast includes fresh Colombian coffee and organic fruits. Located just steps from the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, it offers a tranquil atmosphere perfect for reconnecting with nature and local culture.

The downtown district of Apulo is ideal for quiet and authentic stays. With tree-lined streets and low-density housing, it provides a peaceful retreat away from crowds. Easily walkable to the Plaza Principal and weekly artisan markets, this area reflects genuine rural Colombian life. Many family-run guesthouses offer warm hospitality and affordable rates, making it perfect for travelers seeking cultural immersion.

Visitors to Apulo must attend the weekly folk music and dance festival on Saturdays, featuring traditional performances of Chirimía and Cumbia by indigenous groups. Held at the Plaza de Nuestra Señora, guests can join in drumming or wear native costumes. Additionally, try a hands-on workshop at a local pottery studio, where you’ll craft a piece adorned with Andean symbols—perfect for taking home a meaningful souvenir.

Yes, Apulo is highly suitable for families. The town is safe, green, and full of walking trails ideal for kids. Many guesthouses offer family rooms and child-friendly amenities like outdoor play areas and nature scavenger hunts. Just 15 minutes away lies Parque Ecológico Apulo, featuring guided family walks and birdwatching spots—ideal for educational and fun outdoor experiences.

In Apulo, must-try dishes include Aji de Gallina (chicken in yellow pepper sauce) and Arequipe (Colombian dulce de leche). Street vendors sell tamales de maíz con frijoles asados paired with cold brewed coffee. Some restaurants offer cooking classes where visitors prepare traditional meals themselves—great for learning about regional flavors and enjoying a personalized culinary experience.

Apulo has a high-altitude climate with significant day-night temperature differences. Choose hotels with heating and thick curtains, such as Hotel Andino del Valle, especially during winter months (December–February). Staying at higher elevations offers better views and breezes but may require extra warmth. Opt for rooms with climate control to ensure comfort year-round.

Top photogenic spots in Apulo include the white-walled Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción with its striking spire and the Plaza Principal flanked by century-old oaks and stone fountains. Early morning light casts golden hues on the church’s roof—ideal for photography. The winding road to Cerro El Cavaleiro passes colorful houses and hay stacks, offering quintessential Andean village scenes perfect for travel snapshots.

Evenings in Apulo are peaceful and magical. Visit a plaza café, sip hot chocolate with handmade cookies under the stars while listening to live guitar. During festivals, the night market lights up with lanterns selling woven shawls and wooden carvings. Some hotels even host stargazing sessions with telescopes—perfect for viewing the Milky Way and Southern Cross.

Travel from Bogotá to Apulo via a 2-hour bus ride along the Ruta del Quindío, offering scenic views of the Andes. Depart early to avoid afternoon rains. Local shuttles connect major stops, and some hotels provide pickup services. For drivers, take Ruta del Quindío, with a stop in Iza Parra to sample local honey and cheese en route.

For authentic souvenirs in Apulo, visit the Central Market and Craft Street, where local women sell handwoven wool blankets, painted ceramics, and carved wooden figurines. Each item features unique Andean motifs. Small shops near the church also carry limited-edition embroidered wall hangings, often accompanied by stories of the artisans—ideal for meaningful, culturally rich keepsakes.