Craft Beers and Traditional Drinks in Candelaria

A Walk Through Candelaria’s Flavors and Traditions: Craft Beers and Traditional Drinks

When exploring Bogotá, few neighborhoods offer a more vivid taste of local culture than Candelaria. This 3-hour tour, priced at $60 per person, takes you through the lively streets with a knowledgeable guide, introducing you to Colombia’s ancestral drinks, craft beers, and the neighborhood’s most iconic bar and cultural spots. We loved how this experience balances history, local life, and authentic tastes in a manageable, walkable route.

One of the standout features is the chance to learn about Chicha, one of the oldest drinks in Colombia, and see how it intertwines with the local identity. The visit to a museum dedicated to ancestral beverages really sets this tour apart. Another highlight is the casual stop at a popular local bar, where you can settle in with a beer favored by locals and soak in the neighborhood’s relaxed vibe.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour’s focus on cultural and drink experiences means it may not be suited for those looking for a fast-paced, sightseeing-heavy itinerary. The duration—around three hours—keeps things intimate and manageable, but you should be prepared for some walking, as well as small group interaction.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to combines cultural insight with authentic tasting opportunities and enjoy a laid-back, social atmosphere. If you’re curious about Colombia’s native drinks or want to experience Candelaria beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour hits many of those notes.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Experience: Learn about Colombia’s traditional drinks and indigenous ingredients.
• Local Insights: Visit museums and galleries showcasing native art and history.
• Casual Atmosphere: Enjoy relaxed stops at local bars and social spaces.
• Short and Manageable: About three hours long, perfect for a light cultural outing.
• Value for Money: Includes all admission tickets and tastings.
• Small Groups: Max of 15 travelers for a more intimate experience.

A Deep Dive into the Candelaria Craft Beer and Drinks Tour

Starting Point and Overall Experience

The tour begins at Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo, a lively square known as the heart of Candelaria, at 4:00 pm. From here, we set out on a walk through cobbled streets filled with colorful houses, street art, and historic charm. The guide (whose enthusiasm was evident in reviews) leads us through a carefully curated route that emphasizes both cultural context and tasting moments.

Stop 1: The Blessed Chichería Museum

Our first stop is at “The Blessed Chichería,” a dedicated space that immerses visitors in the world of Chicha, an ancient fermented corn beverage. Here, we learned about its history and significance—both culturally and historically—in Colombia. The museum presentation is straightforward but informative, allowing us to understand how this drink has been part of local festivities and daily life for centuries. The admission is included, and the 30-minute visit offers a good balance of visual displays and tasting.

One reviewer, Enrique, called this tour “the best,” especially appreciating the enrichment with cultural and local information. That’s exactly what makes this stop worthwhile—it’s not just tasting but understanding what you’re drinking.

Stop 2: Café Galeria Nuestra Herencia

Next, we moved to a charming café and art gallery, where vibrant paintings by Carlos Trilleras depict Colombia’s various indigenous groups and territories. Here, we taste craft drinks that represent different regions and indigenous communities. This stop is a wonderful way to connect visual art with cultural stories and regional flavors, giving a broader sense of Colombia’s diversity.

The inclusion of art and drinks in tandem is a thoughtful touch, making it more than just a bar crawl. It’s a small window into the cultural mosaic that defines Colombia.

Stop 3: Embajada de la Coca Candelaria

The third stop takes us to a space dedicated to the coca plant, a substance with complex cultural and spiritual significance in the Andes. Our guide explained its importance in diet, cosmology, and regional traditions. We sampled different types of chicha made from corn and other spirits crafted from regional seeds and plants.

This stop provides a nuanced look at a controversial but deeply rooted part of Andean life. Expect an educational discussion, along with tastings that highlight the region’s botanical diversity.

Stop 4: Doña Ceci

At this neighborhood bar and shop, we had the chance to choose from four local Colombian beers. The atmosphere here is lively and casual—exactly the kind of place where locals unwind after a day of work or school. The guide emphasized that this is a ‘typical spot’ where you might chat with locals, listen to music, and enjoy a beer.

For many travelers, this stop is the social highlight—a chance to relax, chat, and soak in the neighborhood’s authentic vibe. Reviewers appreciated how accessible and unpretentious this place felt, making it an ideal place to see local life in action.

Stop 5: Casa Magola and Tejo

We finished the tour at Casa Magola, the home of a craft beer enthusiast. Here, we sampled more local brews, but the real highlight is the game of tejo, a traditional Colombian pastime involving metal discs and explosive powder. It’s a fun, physical way to connect with Colombian culture in a relaxed setting.

This stop offers a perfect balance of tasting, socializing, and cultural insight. As one review mentioned, it’s a “game our ancestors played for centuries,” giving us a chance to connect with Colombia’s historical leisure activities.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The entire tour runs about three hours, starting at 4:00 pm. It’s a walking tour, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The group size is capped at 15, which ensures a more personal experience and better interaction with the guide. The tour is well-paced, with each stop lasting about 30 minutes, giving enough time to explore and enjoy without feeling rushed.

All admission tickets are included, meaning no surprise costs along the way. Tastings include traditional drinks like Chicha, regional spirits, and local beers—perfect for those curious about Colombia’s beverage culture.

The tour’s price point of $60 offers good value, considering the multiple stops, tastings, and cultural insights. It’s a budget-friendly way to explore deeper than just the sights—getting a taste of local life and history.

Group Dynamic and Atmosphere

Participants often comment on how the small group creates a friendly, engaging atmosphere. The guide’s knowledge and enthusiasm help foster conversation and curiosity. Plus, the casual stops at local bars and homes make it more authentic than a typical tourist outing.

Considerations

While the tour is highly valued, remember it involves walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes. Also, as most tasting stops are in social settings, pace yourself if you prefer a lighter drink or sober exploration. The tour ends back at the starting point, making it easy to continue exploring Candelaria or head to other parts of Bogotá afterward.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for culture enthusiasts and food lovers eager to connect with Colombia’s indigenous and local drinking traditions. It appeals to travelers who enjoy small-group, immersive experiences that go beyond surface sightseeing. If you’re curious about cultural history, indigenous beverages, or local lifestyle, this tour offers a meaningful, enjoyable introduction.

The Sum Up

This Craft Beers and Traditional Drinks tour in Candelaria provides a well-rounded, authentic taste of Bogotá’s historic neighborhood. Its focus on cultural storytelling, local art, and regional drinks makes it stand out from more generic city tours. The inclusion of museums, galleries, local bars, and even a traditional game ensures you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Colombia’s rich cultural tapestry.

The tour balances educational content with relaxed social moments, making it suitable for curious travelers who want to see and taste their way through Candelaria. Its modest price, all-inclusive nature, and intimate group size make it an attractive option for those wanting a meaningful, fun, and tasty experience.

If you’re looking for a tour that combines history, local living, and authentic flavors—all in a manageable, engaging format—this one will serve you well. It truly offers a flavorful window into Colombia’s ancestral drinks and contemporary culture.

FAQ

What is included in the tour price?
All admission tickets for the museums and galleries, tastings of traditional drinks, local beers, and spirits are included in the $60 fee.

How long does the tour last?
It runs approximately 3 hours, walking through Candelaria with several stops along the way.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo at 4:00 pm and returns to the same meeting point.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While primarily focused on drinks and culture, the tour is casual and accessible; non-drinkers can still enjoy the cultural and historical stops.

Are there any physical considerations?
Yes, expect walking and standing, so wear comfortable shoes. The tour covers a modest distance, but it’s not wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s generally suitable for most ages, especially those interested in culture and history, but keep in mind the focus on drinks.

What kind of group size should I expect?
A maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a friendly, intimate experience with personalized attention.

This tour is a smart choice for those eager to go beyond typical sightseeing and discover Bogotá through its historic flavors and vibrant neighborhoods. It’s about tasting, learning, and connecting—an experience that will linger long after you leave Candelaria.