Things to do on a trip to Pereira

Set among famous and impressive coffee plantations; full of historical heritage and bathed by centuries-old springs. In case you still don’t know what destination we’re describing, we’re talking about none other than the captivating Pereira, capital of the department of Risaralda and one of the most populated cities in Colombia’s coffee-growing axis. There is much to see in the city of Pereira: founded more than a century ago, it often goes unnoticed among other famous destinations in Colombia, but it has nothing to envy them.

As the second-largest coffee producing country, Pereira has a great importance for the country’s economy. But in addition, these lands hide enchanting landscapes. So much so, that in 2011 its coffee plantations were declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. In addition to these fantastic natural spaces, the city of Pereira has emblematic spaces such as the Plaza de Bolivar and the Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Pobreza. And of course, its beautiful natural spaces do not end in the coffee plantations, but you can also appreciate the varied flora to see in Pereira in the Botanical Garden of the university. Read on, and we’ll tell you all about what to see in Pereira.

What are the best places to see in Pereira?

1. La Plaza de Bolivar

If there is a place where the essence and history of Pereira can be felt more, that place is undoubtedly the Plaza de Bolivar. Often also known as Plaza de los Mangos, this square is an ideal place to start your route through the city, because being the nerve centre of the city, is where you can also find more accommodations to spend your nights in Pereira.

The name of the square (as you might have guessed) is due to the figure of the liberator Simon Bolivar, a very important figure in the history of Colombia and other adjacent countries. Sculpted in the year 1963, this sculpture was the work of Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt and at the time was somewhat compromised, since this sculpture shows Bolivar without any clothing.

In addition to this fantastic sculpture, the square is an important meeting point for all the inhabitants of Pereira, where cafes and restaurants abound. It is also an enclave very close to other important monuments of Pereira, such as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty.

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. The Pereira Botanical Garden and the Ukumari Biopark

In addition to the famous coffee plantations that abound in Pereira, you can also find other equally impressive spaces where you can admire the beauty of the biodiversity of Colombia. The first of these is the Botanical Garden of the University of Pereira, a space for research and natural conservation that hosts a multitude of wild flora of the area. In fact, this is a totally natural space, as it has not been modified by human action. Such is its importance that some time after its discovery, the protection centre was built to keep its beauty intact.

The second place to see in Pereira, if you are a nature lover, is the impressive Bioparque Ukumarí (which was formerly known as the Pereira Zoo). In this park, you can enjoy the majesty of thousands of species, most of them native to Colombia. It is divided into different zones, and we recommend that you take the tour with a guide, as you will enjoy the experience even more.

3. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty

Just around the corner from the Plaza Bolivar, we find one of the monuments that you definitely have to see in Pereira: the Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty of Pereira. This solemn building of silver domes was erected at the end of the 19th century. Today it is the main monument of religious character that you can see in Pereira.

This majestic building, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, did not obtain the category of cathedral until fifty years later. Access is completely free. So, we recommend that you add it to your list of things to do in Pereira. Its interior is formed by a detailed conjunction of more than 10,000 pieces of wood. They serve to support the roof of the cathedral. It is undoubtedly a masterful piece of neoclassicism, which steals the heart of any traveller who wanders into Pereira.

4. The Meadow Park

Another of Pereira’s must-see spots is the Parque de la Pradera. Especially if you want to continue enjoying the city’s natural charm. This beautiful enclave, nestled in the centre of the city, is a perfect place to continue admiring the beauty of one of the main points of the coffee axis. If you feel like relaxing after your long trip, strolling through the park is a perfect way to do so.

In the park, also known as the Meadow Lakes, there are different lakes with species of ducks, turtles and of course many fish. But in addition to the different species of animals that you can find, the park exudes a deep green colour, the result of the constant action of water in these parts. That’s why you can also have fun riding a boat or taking a pleasant boat ride through its waters.

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.

What to see in Pereira and its surroundings

Pereira’s coffee plantations

Although unfortunately you will have to go a bit farther from the centre to appreciate the beauty of this area of the coffee region. We assure you that it will be worth every second of your time. Many travellers only visit this area to appreciate the beauty of these landscapes, and it is no wonder. We recommend that you hire one of the guided tours from Pereira. As it will be much easier and more comfortable for you.

You will find different haciendas and farms where you can go for these famous coffee tours. In them, you can enjoy a detailed explanation of the whole process that follows this precious product. From harvesting to subsequent export. But as we have remarked, the experience is even more rewarding when you see the beauty of the landscapes that make up the various coffee plantations. Not for nothing became a World Heritage Site.

What to see in Pereira in 1 day

Pereira is a town with beautiful scenery, impressive coffee plantations, historical heritage and open people. The town and its surroundings lend themselves to carefully explore every corner of its landscape. That’s why we have prepared a brief summary of our must-sees. So that you don’t miss a single detail of the things to do in Pereira.

Our recommendation is that you start your route in the Plaza Bolivar. And then head to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty. They are two essential points to appreciate in the centre of Pereira. After that, the ideal is to choose which point you want to visit to enjoy the natural potential of this land. You can spend the rest of the morning and the day visiting a coffee plantation, to relax at night in the centre of Pereira. Or you can dedicate a whole day to this experience and skip the visit to the city. Another highly recommended option is to visit the Pereira Botanical Garden or the Ukumari Biopark in the remainder of the day.

Where to stay in Pereira?

As we know that planning everything involved in a trip is a bit tiring, we have prepared one with some accommodations for your days in Pereira. So, you make your stay much more pleasant:

• Finca Bellavista Pereira: For all those who want to live the real and most similar experience to the lords of Pereira, this finca is the perfect choice. With spacious rooms, a huge garden and a large swimming pool, this farm overlooking the coffee plantations is a perfect place to enjoy the coffee axis. Its price for a weekend is approximately €339.
• Sonesta Hotel Pereira: A fantastic five-star hotel, somewhat away from the city, where tranquillity is the absolute queen. It has a swimming pool and rooms for all tastes, all at an average price of €140 per room.
• Álbura Hotel: A centrally located hotel, with a charming design and luxurious rooms, is the calling card of Álbura Hotel. You can enjoy its amenities for a price of around €111 per weekend.

Where and what to eat?

The gastronomy of Colombia is, without a doubt, one of the main attractions of traveling to the country. Therefore, we have prepared a recommendation of some places where you can enjoy it on your visit to Pereira:

• El Secreto Español: One of the best restaurants, by far, in Pereira. There you will find an excellent mix of Spanish and Colombian cuisine. Here, the absolute protagonist is the product of the sea.
• Latino Cocina Popular: The excellent selection of Colombian-style dishes and a clear influence of the most Caribbean areas, make this restaurant unique. You can eat for about €12 per person.
• Leños y Parrilla: For die-hard meat fans, Leños y Parrilla is a must stop in Pereira. The quality of the product is only overshadowed by the excellent treatment of their pieces of meat. The best part? You can eat for around €15 per diner.

What should I consider before travelling to Pereira?

• The city is safe, but it is recommended to be careful and watch out for your belongings.
• The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian peso.
• The official language is Spanish.
• The best time of year to visit Pereira is from early June to early September and from late December to mid-January.
• It is recommended to carry cash for small stores.
• Tap water is potable in Pereira, but our stomach may not be accustomed to its levels of minerality. That is why it is better to drink bottled water.
• Hold yourself in case of possible medical emergencies: travel insured.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Pereira

Register or download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add to it the suggestions of the app.
• Add the stops that interest you most. Think about the restaurants and bars where you want to eat. You can use the points of interest that we indicate in this post as a reference.
• Organize your itinerary by days of route according to its location on the map. You can get inspired by the routes that we present in the post.
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates according to your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the modifications you need and everything will be ready for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app. Recommend other travellers what to see in Pereira, Colombia.

If you have doubts about how to organize your trip, you can check our post: How to create a travel itinerary on Passporter.

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Pereira