A small town full of energy and movement, where at times motorcycles, cars, people, and businesses all converge in the main square in an apparent chaos full of tradition.
Fun facts
- Fredonia’s name comes from the English word “Freedom,” suggested by engineer Tyrrel Moore.
- Birthplace of the famous sculptor Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt, creator of the Monumento de la Raza in the La Alpujarra Administrative Center, among other famous works.
- The book “La Bruja - Coca, Política y Demonio” by Germán Castro Caycedo tells the story of a famous witch from Fredonia who had political figures, beauty queens, and drug traffickers as clients.
Best places to eat in Fredonia
⭐️ Candilejas Café y Bar / $ / Google Maps
Candilejas is a unique place in Fredonia. Unlike most places in Fredonia, which maintain a typical small town look and feel, Candilejas opts for a more modern and updated angle without losing its roots. Here, in addition to traditional filtered coffee, you can find espressos, cappuccinos, and affogatos.
Candilejas is located on the second floor with a beautiful view of the church and main square. The place is very nice and comfortable, and if you’re looking for a place to work, they have Wi-Fi and outlets at their tables.
On the menu, you can also find bakery products such as cheese sticks and chocolate bread, desserts such as red velvet cake and carrot cake, and main dishes such as sandwiches and pizza.
Photo: View from Candilejas' Balcony.
⭐️ Cafred Cafés y Helados / $ / Google Maps
While walking through the streets of Fredonia, we came across a man who was carrying two ice cream cones in his hands that looked very delicious. The ice cream had a layer of chocolate on top and a wafer. We couldn’t resist asking him where we could get one like it. The man told us to turn down the street and that we would find the store in the “cooperative”.
Following his instructions, we arrived at Cafred Café and Ice Cream Shop. In the ice cream shop, which has been open for over 15 years, they recommended the dulce de leche and tiramisu ice cream, of course with a layer of chocolate on top and a wafer. We also loved the passion fruit ice cream, which is creamy and not too sweet, and with the chocolate coating, it’s delicious. Two scoops of ice cream with chocolate coating and a wafer cost around $5,000 pesos.
Jorge, the owner of the establishment, told us that he included the name of Rodrigo Arenas Betancur, the famous Colombian sculptor born in Fredonia, as a tribute to the artist and friend. Jorge was very close to him and his family, whom he asked permission to use his name in the café. Among the memories he has of his friendship with Rodrigo are photos of the artist taken by Jorge himself, as well as a table sculpture of the work “El Pescador” by Arenas, whose replica can also be found in one of the gardens of the main square of the town.
⭐️ Paisa Pollo / $ / Google Maps
If you’re looking for a simple, delicious, cheap, and quick place to eat, Paisa Pollo’s fried chicken is an excellent option. This small restaurant offers Brosty-style fried chicken in presentations such as breast, thighs, drumsticks, and wings, all for less than $10,000 pesos. We have tried the fried chicken breast on two occasions and loved it; it’s crispy and juicy. You can eat at the restaurant or order to go, and each order comes with corn cake, potatoes, and sauces.
El Balcon Café Billar / $ / Google Maps
El Balcon Café Billar is an unpretentious establishment located on the second floor with a direct view of the main square. It’s an excellent place to have coffee and watch people pass by the square, and if you feel like it, also play a game of pool with the locals.
Martin Fierro Parrilla Bar / $$ / Google Maps
Martin Fierro is a group of restaurants all in the same place. Inside, you’ll find Mexican food, Italian food, pastries, and even a bar. The place is nice and modern, not being the typical village restaurant in terms of food and atmosphere. It’s worth knowing and trying their food.
Cafetería La Tertulia / $ / Google Maps
Local café decorated with antique objects such as radios, cameras, telephones, and more. Additionally, when we were here, they played some excellent tangos, such as “In Your Arms” and “I Don’t Know How to Cry” by Alfredo De Angelis and Oscar Larroca. Come here to transport yourself to the past with the decoration and music.
Other places to eat
- Otraparte / $$ / Google Maps
- Starbien / $ / Google Maps
- Café Don Chucho / $$ / Google Maps
Best places to visit in Fredonia
⭐️ Parque Principal De Fredonia / Google Maps
In the main square, you can find the most people, especially on weekends. Sit in one of the places near the church and, with a coffee or beer in hand, watch people go by to get to know the people of Fredonia better.
In the square, you can also find several works by the famous sculptor Rodrigo Arenas Betancur, originally from Fredonia, including “Mujer Minera” and “El Pescador.”
Casa de la Cultura / Google Maps
It’s a cultural house with various exhibitions, as well as educational and cultural activities.
Escaleras con Graffiti / Google Maps
The stairs, which have a beautiful graffiti, offer a beautiful view of the town from its summit.
Monumento La Cruz / Google Maps
The Monumento de la Cruz offers a beautiful view of Fredonia, and you can reach it by a paved path surrounded by nature that winds through the mountain. The climb to the monument takes about 30 minutes.
Hacienda Santa Isabel / $$ / Google Maps
Hacienda Santa Isabel offers coffee tours and other activities such as camping, hiking, and paragliding near Fredonia. On the coffee tour, you can learn about the coffee cultivation process, as well as see some incredible views of the Cauca River.
