Tejo

Tejo is a "tossing game," similar to cornhole. It is massively popular in Colombia--Some sites say the second most popular in the country after football (soccer). Tejo actually is the national sport of Colombia. It is believed to have indigenous origins.

Look at the first picture below as you read about the elements of the game.

• Tejo: This is the metal disc that Ally is throwing
• Game board / Cancha de embocinada: The structure towards which Ally will toss the tejo.
• Clay / Plastilina: The substance that covers the lower part of the game board (the one slanted at a 45-degree angle)
• Target / Bocín: The circular design on top of the clay
• Firecracker / Mecha: The triangular objects that are used to make the target

The mechas are called firecrackers because the actually contain gunpowder and explode upon contact! This is one of the most distinct features of tejo.

Ally and I (or any two opponents) would then take turns throwing tejos and earn points according to this scoring system:

• Mano (hand) = (1) point: Your tejo is closest to the target at the end of the round
• Mecha (firecracker) = (3) points: Your tejo explodes a mecha
• Embocinada (bullseye) = (6) points: Your toss the tejo inside the target
• Moñona (strike) = (9) points: You score a bullseye and explode a mecha

In the video below you can see Ally toss the tejo and hear the mecha that she hits explode.

Cancha de Tejo Los Amigos is an indoor tejo venue in Salento. The staff were very welcoming to us as tourists and were happy to teach us how to play.