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Colombia Coffee Region Travel Guide: Best Towns, Farms & Where to Stay
Wading Further Into Colombia...
CT Dool
March 07, 2025 • Read Time: 10 minutes
After spending a month in Pereira exploring the region… I was sold.
The Colombia Coffee Region—also known as the Coffee Triangle in Colombia—is one of the most stunning areas in the country.
Cocora Valley—a must-visit gem the Coffee Region.
This place is a MUST if you’re anything resembling a fan of lush mountains and coffee.
Plus, it’s way more chill than the booming, chaotic cities like Bogota and Medellin.
The region offers a mix of breathtaking landscapes, cool towns, and world-renowned coffee farms.
Whether you're here for coffee tourism, adventure, or relaxation, this guide will help you explore Salento, Pereira, Armenia, and Manizales, along with the best coffee farms and hotels in the region.
[This guide is part of our Colombia travel series—explore Bogota, Medellin, the Coast, and more.]
Table of Contents
1. What is the Colombia Coffee Region?
The Colombia Coffee Region, or Eje Cafetero, consists of three main departments: Quindío, Risaralda, and Caldas.
It’s known for its lush green valleys, towering wax palms, and some of the world’s best coffee.
Travelers visit to tour Colombia coffee farms, hike in Valle de Cocora, and enjoy the relaxed pace of small colonial towns.
Foggy but fun… Eyes looking fried, baby…
2. Where is the Coffee Triangle? Colombia Coffee Region Map & Travel Tips
📍 How to Get Around
By Bus: Well-connected routes between Salento, Pereira, Armenia, and Manizales.
By Car: Renting a car allows for flexible travel between towns and coffee farms.
By Plane: Fly into Matecaña International Airport (Pereira) or El Edén International Airport (Armenia).
🚍✈️ How to Get from Medellin to the Coffee Region
By bus: Flota Occidental offers comfortable buses to Pereira from Medellin’s south terminal. The schedule will say 4-5 hours… not true.
The trip will take you at least 6 hours given stops and slow-moving traffic. It ain’t fun, but you get some good views.
Grab tickets ahead online, or simply show up to the terminal and take the next available (slightly cheaper due to no online processing fees).
By plane: You can also take an incredibly short flight from Medellin (MDE) to Pereira (PEI).
Keep in mind that Medellin’s airport is actually an hour outside of the city, so you’re not saving a ton of time by flying. Could beat the at-times grueling bus ride.
💡 Best Time to Visit the Coffee Region
December – February & July – September: Dry season, ideal for hiking and coffee farm visits.
March – June & October – November: Rainier but lush landscapes and fewer crowds.
When I was there in February, the weather was ideal—mostly sunny days with occasional afternoon showers to cool off.
3. Must-Visit Towns in the Coffee Triangle
If you’re pressed for time—go straight to Salento and explore Valle de Cocora, skipping the cities.
But, if you’ve (ideally) got time to wander…
Salento: Colombian Coffee Gem
Salento is the most famous town in the Coffee Region, known for its colorful streets, coffee culture, and easy access to Valle de Cocora—home to the tallest palm trees in the world.
I went twice—once on a motorcycle on a sunny day.
The next time, via car and bus on a foggy and rainy day.
Both were exceptional, and honestly, I think I liked the latter, foggy day better.
Things to Do in Salento:
Hike or horseback ride in Valle de Cocora.
Insider tip: Try to get there in the morning to avoid afternoon rain. Some days, it will be foggy all day—worry not… the views and hiking are still stunning and well worth it (I prefer it this way).
Visit Finca El Ocaso or Don Elias Coffee Farm for an authentic coffee tour.
Eat a post-hike burger at Fika with views of the town square and mountains (this place doesn’t pop up on Google Map searches for “restaurants”… we heard about it through word of mouth)
Taken from Fika Cafe. Views, post-hike Burgers, and a stunning Barranquillera to my side… I was livin’…
How to get to Salento
Easiest way in is from Pereira. To take a bus, head to Pereira’s main terminal. You’ll see signs for Salento inside.
In our Uber to the terminal, the driver was like “shiiiii I’ll take you all the way to Salento for a small fee…” We obliged.
We took the bus back to Salento at the end of the day—direct and fast.
How to Get to Valle de Cocora
From Salento’s main square (Plaza de Bolívar)—hard to miss given the town’s size…
You can grab a shared Jeep (Willy, as they’re called) to ride out to the valley.
Pay your round-trip Jeep ticket (10.000 pesos when I went—$2.50) then pay your pay into the valley (20.000 pesos or $5).
Jeeps leave every half-hour… or simply when the next one is full and ready to go.
Pereira: A Coffee Hub with Local Vibes
Pereira is the largest city in the Coffee Region, offering a mix of urban life and nature.
Top Experiences in the Surrounding Area:
Soak in the Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs.
Insider tip: Check out Filandia, a laid-back and less-touristy alternative to Salento.
Visit Hacienda San José, a historic coffee farm.
Explore the local coffee scene in Café Jesús Martín.
Armenia: Gateway to Quindío’s Coffee Farms
Armenia is another great base for coffee tourism, offering easy access to top coffee farms.
Best Coffee Experiences in Armenia:
Tour Finca Buenos Aires for an interactive coffee-making experience.
Explore Parque del Café, a coffee-themed amusement park.
Manizales: The Andean Coffee City
Manizales is known for its stunning mountain views and cooler climate. It's also home to some of the region’s best coffee farms.
Things to Do in Manizales:
Visit Hacienda Venecia, one of the best coffee farms in Colombia.
Ride the Manizales Cable Car for scenic views.
4. Colombia Coffee Farms: Where to Experience the Best Coffee
A trip to the Coffee Region wouldn’t be complete without visiting a working coffee farm. Here are some of the best ones to check out:
Finca El Ocaso (Salento) – One of the most well-known farms, offering detailed tours on coffee production.
Hacienda San Alberto (Quindío) – Specializes in premium, high-altitude coffee.
Hacienda Venecia (Manizales) – A working coffee farm that also offers accommodations.
5. Where to Stay in the Coffee Region
Finding the right accommodation depends on your travel style. Here are the best options in each area:
Best Hotels in Pereira, Colombia
Movich Hotel Pereira ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Luxury, with a rooftop pool)
Sazagua Boutique Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Colonial-style, surrounded by gardens)
Best Hotels in Armenia, Colombia
Hotel Mocawa Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Resort-style with a pool and spa)
Bio Habitat Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Eco-luxury stay with stunning views)
For more boutique stays, check out haciendas/fincas that double as coffee farms, offering immersive coffee experiences.
FAQs: Colombia Coffee Region Travel
What is the best time to visit the Coffee Region?
The best time to visit is December–February and July–September (dry season). You’ll avoid heavy rains and get clear mountain views.
Are there coffee farm tours in Colombia?
Yes. Popular ones include:
Hacienda Venecia (Manizales) – Large-scale but authentic.
Finca El Ocaso (Salento) – Small, family-run, great for hands-on experience.
Is the Coffee Region safe for tourists?
Yes. We’re still in Colombia, so use caution. But I can say that this region is significantly safer than the big cities.
Final Thoughts: Why Visit the Colombia Coffee Triangle?
Don’t forget to tap into our Ultimate Colombia Travel Guide, and the city guides if you plan on exploring Bogota or Medellin.
The Colombia Coffee Region is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the heart of Colombia’s coffee culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming small towns.
Traveling soon? DM me on Instagram—I lived in the region and more parts of Colombia, I’m happy to help.
Whether you’re exploring Salento, staying in Pereira, or touring a coffee farm, this region offers something unique for every traveler.
To your growth and travels,
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