Food prices in Tumaco tend to be higher than in inland cities. A comida corriente (blue-plate special) will cost about $2.60. Fish and seafood, of course, are the town’s specialties. Try the encocados, or dishes prepared in coconut milk, and the ceviche. The mercado hustles daily on many of the streets of Tumaco, especially Calle de Comercio, and Calle de la Merced to Plaza Nariño. A local drink to cool sultry afternoons is champú—a non-alcoholic brew of fermented corn, tropical fruits and panela (raw sugar).
Tumaco has a number of dance spots to entertain locals as well as military personnel. Forget the workday— It’s time to rumbear! A cluster of clubs on Calle de los Estudiantes are, near the cancha. But the most happening scenes are at the El Morro bridge. Out at Playa El Morro are other clubs, with kiosk bars, tables beneath palm trees and a lawn-tent dance floor with pulsating lights, all set on the sand. Most clubs close at 1 a.m. No matter where you decide to rumbear the night away, take a taxi home (unless you are partying and staying at El Morro).