Located in the Andean Region of Colombia, the Eje Cafetero is a geographic, cultural and economic region of great importance. It includes the departments of Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío, as well as parts of Tolima, Antioquía and Valle del Cauca. Its name comes from being the largest coffee growing and exporting area in the country, as well as the driving force of its economy.
Colombia’s Eje Cafetero is also one of the most visited areas of the country. This is due to its natural landscapes that look like something out of a movie, its charming towns and cities, of course, its delicious coffee and gastronomy and its friendly and hospitable people. Read on to discover with us why the Eje Cafetero is an essential stop on your itinerary through Colombia.
9 Things you should do in the Eje Cafetero, Colombia
1. Tour the Cocora Valley
The Cocora Valley is a wonderful natural enclave located in the central mountain range of the Colombian Andes. More precisely, in the town of Salento, 30km from Armenia, one of the key points of the Eje Cafetero.
The Valley has a great diversity of flora and fauna. The main attraction of this park are the Wax Palms, the tallest in the world and Colombia‘s national tree. If you are passionate about nature, the Cocora Valley is a must on your itinerary through the Eje Cafetero.
The main activity of the Cocora Valley is a 4 to 6 hour 14km trek. The route follows a circular trail of moderate difficulty. Occasionally, however, it will be necessary to go deeper into the jungle. You can cross some streams on wooden suspension bridges that provide an extra point of excitement. Places to visit along the route include: Acaime, a hummingbird reserve; various viewpoints; and, of course, the palm forest. In addition, you can enjoy interesting activities such as horseback riding, planting a palm tree or picnics in front of one of the most impressive views in Colombia.
To organize your trip we recommend using the Passporter where you can get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that most interest you to add to your route map.
2. Visit Salento
Salento is the oldest municipality in the department of Quindío and the closest to the Cocora Valley. It is also one of the most beautiful and visited areas in the Eje Cafetero. We recommend taking the opportunity to visit this picturesque town that will captivate you with its colours and friendly people. This is what you can’t miss:
- Plaza de Simón Bolívar: as well as being where you take the Willys Jeep to the Cocora Valley, this square is a hive of nightlife on Saturdays, which contrasts with the peace of Sunday mass at the Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Salento.
- Calle Real: While all of the town’s streets are worth strolling through, with their white and vibrantly coloured architecture, if we had to choose just one, Calle Real is a must on your itinerary.
- Take home authentic Colombian coffee: take advantage of being in the Eje Cafetero to take home one (or maybe a few more) packets of Colombian coffee bought at Tienda Café Salento on Calle Real.
3. Discover Filandia
Also located in the department of Quindío, Filandia is one of the most representative municipalities of the Eje Cafetero, full of interesting tourist attractions.
Like Salento, strolling through the streets of Filandia is one of the best things to do in the Eje Cafetero. Its white colonial houses with windows and colourful details and its beautiful handicraft shops leave all visitors speechless. Don’t miss Calle del tiempo detenido or the Calle el convento, where you can buy souvenirs of your trip.
You should at least take a look at the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción as it is a real marvel. It is quite different from other European religious temples thanks to its striking blue colour. If you are interested in wildlife and nature, you can take a 3.5 kilometre walk through the Barbas River Canyon. Here you can see and hear a native species, the Red Howler Monkey.
4. Tasting authentic Colombian coffee on a coffee farm
Of course, one of the must-do experiences on a trip to the Eje Cafetero is to visit a coffee farm and taste the best Colombian coffee. As you can imagine, there are plenty of coffee farms, since coffee production is the main economic activity in this region of Colombia. Many farms offer guided tours that explain the process.
Recuca, in Quindío, is one of the most famous. There, visitors have the opportunity to become coffee growers for a day and live the coffee experience from the inside. From putting on their work clothes and going out to the coffee plantations to pick the fruit, to tasting the coffee, visitors go through all the stages of its production. Rates: from 22.000 COP to 36.000 COP (5-8’15€) depending on the service contracted.
But this is not the only one. There are many other famous and highly recommended farms such as El Ocaso, Caficultur, Las Acacias, Hacienda Combia…
5. Armenia
Armenia, the capital of Quindío, is one of the most important cities to visit in the Eje Cafetero in Colombia. We recommend making the most of your visit to tour the coffee farms and soak up its tradition and culture. Being one of the world’s main coffee exporters, you can imagine that Armenia is a city immersed in nature and vegetation and, therefore, the ideal destination for a rural getaway to reconnect with yourself. Some important places to see in this Colombian city are the Botanical Gardens, the Plaza de Bolivar, the Gold Museum and the Parque de la Vida.
6. Discover Pijao
Although Pijao does not top the list of most visited destinations, preceded by Filandia and Salento, it is one of the most beautiful municipalities in the region. Especially if you enjoy quieter, less touristy places, Pijao will charm you. It has small streets with typical coffee architecture, white houses full of colourful details and flowers adorning the balconies. Moreover, in Pijao you will be able to enjoy something different: an authentic street gallery. Some of its streets, especially the main one, are decorated with authentic street art and graffiti.
Another highlight in Pijao is the Laguna de las Mellizas, in the Los Nevados Natural Park. However, to get there you’ll have to hike for about 5 hours on boggy trails, so it’s an experience most suitable for hikers and nature lovers. The effort is worth it because it leads to an unbeatable landscape, with a beautiful lagoon among the green mountains of Colombia. A real wonder!
7. Pereira
Like Armenia, Pereira is one of the three capitals of the Eje Cafetero. Its green landscape, friendly people and coffee are reason enough to visit the capital of the department of Risaralda. Here you can enjoy visits to coffee farms, visit the Nevados National Park and unwind in the Santa Rosa de Cabal thermal baths, 15km from Pereira.
8. Manizales
Manizales is the capital of the department of Caldas. Here the Gothic and Byzantine Cathedral Basilica Nuestra Señora del Rosario is especially interesting, at 113 metres tell. Another symbolic place is the Barrio de Chipre where you will find two of the must-see sights: the Monumento a los Colonizadores, evoking the foundation of the city after the colonization of Antioquia, and the Mirador de Chipre where you can appreciate the views of the whole city. We recommend visiting during the first days of January to enjoy the Manizales Fair, which has been declared a National Cultural Heritage Site.
9. Swim in Santa Rosa de Cabal
Santa Rosa de Cabal is a famous destination in the Eje Cafetero, especially known for its fantastic hot springs. There are two centres where you can enjoy the wonderful thermal waters of the city, with their relaxing and supposedly curative properties. These centres are the Reserva Termal San Vicente and the Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal, which also has a restaurant, hotel and other relaxing activities such as massages.
But this is not the only thing to do in Santa Rosa de Cabal. The Parque Las Araucarias, the Monumento al Machete and the Basílica menor de Nuestra Señora de las Victorias are also worth a visit.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
Gastronomy of the Eje Cafetero, Colombia
Colombia is a country with a very rich and varied gastronomy. Some dishes have risen to international status and are acclaimed all over the world, such as arepas and ingredients such as coffee, obviously. The Eje Cafetero region has some dishes that deserve a special mention in this post and that you can’t miss on your trip to the Eje Cafetero of Colombia.
- Bandeja Paisa: One of the most typical recipes of the Eje Cafetero and also of Colombia in general. It is a very hearty dish made up of 9 ingredients: rice, chorizo, eggs, ground meat, beans, avocado, pork crackling and plantain slices.
- Sancocho: one of the most famous soups in the country that has adapted to the tastes of each region over the years. There are several ingredients that are always common, such as yucca, corn, potatoes and plantains, and in the Eje Cafetero, chicken, pork and beef are usually added.
- Trout: Trout is one of the most common ingredients in the Eje Cafetero and there are thousands of ways to eat it, such as with garlic, in sauce and in soups.
Where to sleep in the Eje Cafetero, Colombia?
Here are some recommendations for accommodation in different areas of the Eje Cafetero of Colombia.
- Cabañas Valle del Cocora La Truchera: beautiful cabins with bedroom, living room and private bathroom, plus fantastic views of the valley and breakfast included. Pets allowed (36-62€ per night).
- Hotel Salento Plaza: One of the best places to stay in Salento. The Hotel Salento Plaza stands out for its fantastic location 100 metres from the main square, its cleanliness, comfort and unbeatable service, as well as for the wonderful views from its rooms of the mountains or the hotel’s pleasant garden. Very good breakfast included (47-60€ per night).
- El Reloj Casa Hotel: One of the best accommodations in Filandia. This 4-star hotel, in addition to its nice and cosy decoration, offers comfortable and clean rooms in a perfect location in the centre of Filandia. Very good breakfast included (46-50€ per night).
What should I know before a trip to the Eje Cafetero, Colombia?
- The currency in Colombia is the Colombian peso (1€ = 4,412.08 Colombian pesos).
- Wear comfortable and breathable clothing, as the climate is very humid, as well as a waterproof jacket and hiking boots or trainers for nature walks.
- Take warm clothes and a waterproof coat for the time of year you travel.
- In the Cocora Valley always carry water and food with you. As it is a natural park, there are no kiosks where you can stop for refreshments.
- Wear insect repellent before entering the jungle.
- We recommend carrying a power bank for your mobile phone if you’re going on long walks in the wilderness and download a GPS that doesn’t require internet access in case you run out of signal.
- Always carry some cash – not all shops, especially the smaller ones, accept credit cards.
- The Eje Cafetero is a safe area, but as with any trip, it’s best to be cautious with your belongings and don’t carry valuables in plain sight.
- Cover yourself for possible medical emergencies: travel with insurance.
How to organise what to do on a trip to the Eje Cafetero Colombia?
Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its useful features.
- Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
- Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
- Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
- Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
- Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
- Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
- Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of every place you’ve visited to the app and recommend to other travellers all the things to do in the Eje Cafetero, Colombia.
If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
Frequently asked questions about a trip to the Eje Cafetero
Temperatures in Colombia’s Eje Cafetero are fairly stable throughout the year, with average temperatures of around 25ºC. The climate is very humid and rainfall is heaviest in spring and autumn, although it can rain in any month of the year. Although temperatures are mild, they tend to drop in the evenings, so it’s a good idea to pack some warm clothes and a mackintosh.
As we said, temperatures are mild and the climate is humid all year round, so there really is no bad time to travel to the Eje Cafetero. The summer and winter months tend to be more comfortable because rainfall is less frequent, but it can rain in any month of the year.
The most practical way to get to the Eje Cafetero is to fly to one of its main cities (Pereira, Armenia or Caldas) as distances in Colombia are very long, especially if you don’t have a car. For example, the trip from Bogotá to Armenia takes 8 hours by bus, 4 hours by car and 1 hour by plane.
Although it is possible to travel by bus, the easiest and most practical way to get around the different cities and areas of the Eje Cafetero in Colombia is by car. If you don’t have your own car, you can rent one in major cities such as Armenia, Pereira and Manizabal for around €25 a day.
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