Free and low-cost leisure activities in Colombia

Member since 30 May 2013

PriscillaViP21 February 2018 08:49:52

42358

Hello,

We invite you to share some information regarding leisure activities that are free or low-cost in Colombia. This information will give future expats (or even current expats) an idea regarding some of leisure activities that they might not be aware of.

Is there a way to find out about free or low-cost fun activities in Colombia, such as a specific app, or a newsletter, or magazine, tourism board, etc.? How do you find out where events are organised?

What are the most common free leisure activities in Colombia?
Which free activities do you recommend for children, for teenagers, for adults, and for seniors?

Are there certain days where access to paid activities are offered at a lower price or even for free, such as museum entry, or exhibitions, or a theme park, etc.?

How do you maximise your leisure activities in the most cost-effective manner?

Thank you for sharing your experience,

Priscilla

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cccmedia Ecuador/Colombia Expert

Member since 13 March 2014

cccmediaEcuador/Colombia Expert21 February 2018 09:06:00

10285

Low-cost activities I participate in .. here in Ipiales, Nariño, Colombia, near the Ecuador border....

1. Swimming. I pay $3.33 US a visit* at the city's indoor pool and spa in Mistares on Carrera 7, that's open to the public on weekends. Apparently, some locals pay a lot less, based on a recent conversation we had in the hot tub.

2. Casino blackjack. You can place a bet for just $1.67 at a 21 table in Ventura Casino. Slots, known here as tragamonedas or coin gulpers, are even less expensive to play. Of course, blackjack gets more expensive if you try the dubious moves some of the locals favor -- such as splitting tens and doubling on a hard five versus any dealer card. During a recent promotion, any natural 21 or blackjack containing a king was paid 3 to 1 instead of the customary 3 to 2.

3. Massage. $17 US at a local peluquería (near Parque Veinte de Julio) which I visit weekly for an excellent one-hour massage with Carolina in the back cuartito. The going rate in Quito, Ecuador, went up to $25 in many peluquerías.

cccmedia in Ipiales, Nariño

*Note: all prices quoted above are in US dollar equivalents, whereas admissions, fees and wagers are usually accepted in Colombian pesos.