The Coffee Region in Colombia is one of the most beautiful and diverse areas of the country. Located in the Andes Mountains, it is home to stunning landscapes, colorful towns, and an abundance of cultural and natural attractions. From hot springs to hummingbirds, from charming colonial villages to the tallest palm trees in the world, there is something for everyone in this region.
Things to do in Manizales
Manizales is the capital of the Department of Caldas and a bigger city compared to the others, with a modern atmosphere, a large university, and highlands surrounding the city with cloud forests and beautiful mountain scenery. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with beautiful architecture, museums, and historical landmarks. Here are the top 10 things to do in this wonderful city:
- Termales del Otoño: A natural hot springs reserve located in the mountains, where visitors can relax in the warm waters surrounded by stunning views of the Andean landscape.
- Hummingbird Observations: Colombia has the highest diversity of hummingbirds in the world, and there are several places around Manizales where you can observe them up close.
- Visit the Cable aéreo Los Yarumos: This is a cable car ride between the city and the hills that offers splendid views of the city along the way. The cable car will take you to the top of the city’s hills, providing panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Andes mountains.
- Go to the Catedral Basílica Nuestra Señora del Rosario: This is the largest neo-gothic style cathedral in all of South America and is one of Manizales’ most impressive religious landmarks. It is located in the heart of the city, known for its stained glass windows and stunning architecture.
- Explore the Recinto del Pensamiento: This is a nature reserve nearby the city that offers an eco-friendly botanical gardens, lakes, and trails.
- Palacio de Bellas Artes: A cultural center and museum that showcases the art, history, and culture of the region, with exhibits, concerts, and performances throughout the year.
- Visit the Gold Museum: This is one of the most important gold museums in South America and houses over 30,000 pre-Columbian artifacts.
- Go to Hacienda Venecia Coffee Farm: A traditional coffee plantation where visitors can learn about the coffee-growing process, from the planting to the roasting, and taste some of the best Colombian coffee.
- La Recuca: A cultural tour that immerses visitors in the local music, dance, food, and crafts of the coffee region, allowing them to experience the traditions and customs of the local communities.
- Hike around Los Nevados National Natural Park: A vast protected area that encompasses the Nevado del Ruiz volcano, glaciers, paramos, and forests, offering a variety of trekking trails, birdwatching, and nature exploration activities.
Things to do in Pereira
Pereira, on the other hand, is the capital of the Department of Risaralda and has a more laid-back atmosphere with fewer landmarks but beautiful parks, thermal baths, and coffee farms in the surroundings. The city is often used as a transit point or as a base for exploring nearby attractions and destinations, but here are 7 things you can do in this city.
- Visit the César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct: This is a stunning engineering wonder that spans the Otún River and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Explore the Bolivar Square: This is the main square in the city, and it features a statue of Simón Bolivar, the South American liberator. This historic plaza is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings, cafes, and restaurants.
- Visit the Matecaña City Zoo: This is the largest zoo in the region that features over 600 different animal species and is a great place to take the family. It includes a wide variety of animals, including jaguars, lions, monkeys, and exotic birds.
- Explore the Botanical Garden of Pereira: This is a beautiful garden that showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the coffee region of Colombia, including a wide range of tropical plants and flowers, as well as walking trails and a butterfly exhibit.
- Take the Coffee Route: Visit the farms and processing facilities on this route to learn about the coffee production process and sample some of the world’s finest coffee.
- Visit the Lucy Tejada Cultural Center: This center features art exhibits, concerts, and cultural events, and is a great place to learn more about the local culture.
- Relax in the Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs: Just a short drive from Pereira, these hot springs are known for their healing properties and beautiful natural setting.
Things to do in Armenia
Armenia is a smaller and more laid-back city, similar to Pereira, and is often used as a transit point or as a base for exploring the surrounding coffee farms and nearby attractions. The city has a mix of modern and historic buildings, a central plaza with a cathedral, and a different culture and vibe compared to Manizales or Pereira. Here are the top 9 things to do in Armenia:
- Visit the Plaza de Bolivar: This is the historic center of Armenia, which features a plaza with a statue of Simon Bolivar and the impressive Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
- Visit the Quimbaya Gold Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts and offers an insight into the history of the region.
- Explore the Parque Nacional Del Café: This is an amusement park dedicated to coffee that offers rides, shows, and exhibitions about coffee and the region’s culture. It is located just outside of Armenia and is a great place to learn about coffee culture while having fun on roller coasters, water rides, and other attractions.
- Admire the views from Mirador del Alto de la Cruz: Climb up to this hilltop viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape.
- Learn history in Casa Museo del Cafe: Discover the history and cultural significance of coffee production in the region at this interactive museum.
- Visit the Botanical Garden and Butterfly House: This beautiful garden is home to hundreds of species of plants and butterflies, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.
- Explore the El Recuerdo Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the Quindio region, with exhibits on the indigenous tribes that once lived in the area, as well as the history of coffee production in the region.
- Visit the Calarca Church: This historic church is located just outside of Armenia and features beautiful colonial architecture and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
- Go birdwatching in the Rio Blanco Reserve: This nature reserve is home to over 300 species of birds, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
Things to do in Salento
Finally, Salento is a small historic village with picturesque architecture and a main town square that is considered the most beautiful in the department with vibrant cafes and a friendly atmosphere. Unlike the other cities, Salento is mostly known for its stunning natural beauty, including the iconic wax palm trees in the Cocora Valley, which are one of the top attractions in Salento. Read the full list of top things to do:
- Explore the Cocora Valley: This is a stunning valley with iconic wax palms, the tallest palm trees in the world (they can reach up to 60 meters in height). It has breathtaking views and unique hiking opportunities. Trek through the misty cloud forest and towering wax palms, Colombia’s national tree.
- Explore the town: Salento is a quaint and charming town with colorful buildings and a relaxed atmosphere. Take a stroll through the town’s streets and check out the local shops and cafes.
- Visit the Calle Real de Salento: This is a charming street that features brightly colored buildings, artisan shops, and restaurants.
- Take a coffee plantation tour: Salento is in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, and you can visit one of several local coffee plantations to learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of the world’s best coffee.
- Visit the Mirador de Salento: This is a lookout point in the hills above the town that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Walk up the 252-step staircase of the Alto de La Cruz: The view from the top of the hill is stunning and worth the climb.
- Explore the Reserva Natural Acaime: This is a nature reserve located near Salento that features hummingbirds and other wildlife, as well as hiking trails.
- Try the local cuisine: Salento is known for its delicious food, particularly its trout dishes. There are plenty of restaurants in town where you can try traditional Colombian cuisine.
- Go horseback riding: Horseback riding is a popular activity in Salento, and there are several tour operators in town that offer horseback rides through the surrounding countryside.
Other things to do in the Coffee Region
- Discover the picturesque town of Filandia: Take a stroll through this charming town known for its brightly painted facades and handicrafts.
- Visit the coffee farms in Pijao: Learn about the process of coffee production and taste the freshest coffee straight from the source.
- Explore the colorful town of Circasia: Walk around the town’s cobblestone streets, admire the brightly painted facades, and enjoy a cup of locally sourced coffee.
- Visit the Parque Nacional de Cafe in Montenegro: Learn about coffee production, enjoy amusement park rides, and watch live shows at this coffee-themed park.
- Hike one of Colombia’s peaks: Hike through rugged terrain, see unique wildlife, and take in breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains and volcanoes.
- Go birdwatching in the Otún Quimbaya Wildlife Sanctuary: Observe a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat, including some that are endemic to the region.
- Explore the Coffee Cultural Landscape with a Jeep Tour: This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses several towns and landscapes in the coffee region, showcasing the unique cultural and natural heritage of the area. Explore the winding roads and lush landscapes of the coffee region by jeep, with stops at local towns and viewpoints.
