Tejo: A Drinking Game Like No Other

For many travelers visiting Colombia, the game of Tejo may be a mystery, but this traditional pastime has a rich history dating back to the indigenous peoples of the country.

At its most basic, Tejo is a tossing game not unlike others such as beer-pong or cornhole that involves tossing heavy metal pucks (called "tejos") at a clay board (“tabla”) filled with small explosive charges ("mechas"). The goal is to get the tejo as close as possible to the mechas, which are ignited by the impact. When the mecha explodes upward, the player who threw the winning tejo is the victor.

But Tejo is much more than just a simple throwing game. It is a social activity, often played with friends while enjoying a few drinks. In fact, it is not uncommon for Tejo to become a full-blown drinking game, with players consuming shots of aguardiente (a local liquor) every time they score a hit.

The origins of Tejo can be traced back to pre-Columbian times, when indigenous people used the game as a form of recreation and religious ritual. It was believed that the explosion of the mechas represented the power of the gods, and the game was played to honor them.

Today, Tejo is a popular pastime in Colombia, particularly in rural areas. It is typically played in outdoor "tejo clubs", which are often located near breweries all across the country and are equipped with multiple clay courts for games.

Whether you're looking for a unique cultural experience or just want to try your hand at tossing a few tejos, this is a must-do for any traveler visiting Colombia. Just be prepared for some friendly competition and maybe cover your ears a bit.