Discover Tabio: churches, crafts, and regional cuisine

You can get to know Tabio through several themes: local cuisine, historic churches, handicrafts, and places connected with nature and the landscape. Each offers a different perspective—from architectural history and oral traditions to materials and artistic design. As you plan your stay, consider which aspect of the town interests you most. When looking for a hotel in Tabio, this personal focus can help guide your travel plans.

Regional Cuisine

In the municipality of Tabio, tamal de calabaza is part of the local food culture. It is made with corn dough, squash, and natural seasonings; sometimes the filling includes a little pork. The ingredients may vary. The tamal is wrapped in banana leaves and steamed.

Churches and History

The current church in Tabio was completed in 1904 by Father Andrés Avelino Pérez. It is called Santa Bárbara and was consecrated on December 28, 1929. Completion and the later consecration are two distinct milestones in its history. The Capilla de la Virgen de Lourdes in the Vereda Palo Verde was completed in 1884. It lies east of the Serranía de Tiquiza, which separates Tabio from Chía.

Regional Traces and Traditions

A historic ceremonial route lined with palm trees connected Funza, Madrid (the La Punta sector), Tenjo, and Tabio. This regional perspective extends beyond Tabio, placing the town within a network of several stops. Another local story has been passed down orally: according to tradition, two intertwined palm trees marked the spring now known as Balneario Termales El Zipa. A historic route spanning several towns and a locally rooted oral tradition thus sit side by side.

Handicrafts and Art

Tabio’s handicrafts include works in wood, wool, leather, ceramics, wrought iron, and glass. The Toldos del Zipa handicrafts program was founded in 2012. A different artistic form can be seen in three monumental sculptures of human faces by Margarita Restrepo, designed to be touched and climbed on. The handicrafts foreground materials and craftsmanship, while interaction with the work is part of the sculptures’ design.

Nature and Orientation

The Jardín Botánico de Tabio brings together nature, art, and identity. Its first phase was inaugurated on August 12, 2000, with support from the Corporación Autónoma Regional (CAR), the municipal administration, environmental organizations, and local leaders. Parque Ecológico Carmen de los Juncales is an ecological park connected with the landscape and nature. The two places offer different perspectives: the botanical garden connects nature with art and identity, while the ecological park foregrounds the landscape and nature.

Tabio’s Tourist Information Point (PIT) is located in the main park and provides guidance for planning a visit.

Discover more destinations: Cogua, Zipaquirá, Mosquera, La Calera, La Palma, Simijacá, Guayabal de Síquima, Puerto Salgar.

For the broader travel overview: Cundinamarca.