Colombian Coffee Triangle
Day 1
Most international visitors to the Colombian Coffee Triangle arrive in the city of Pereira. Flights arrive most days from either Miami, Panama City, or Bogota. The Matecaña International Airport in Pereira is brand spanking new, with modern facilities and a smooth, efficient immigration process.
Hotels
Depending on your arrival time, your best option is to stay that first night in Pereira. Here are some of our favorites:
Dinner
Drinks
Day 2
Breakfast
Sites
Your first stop in Santa Rosa is the Plaza de las Araucarias. The central plaza of the town is a great place to people watch and take in the rhythms of small town Colombia.
After the plaza you should head to the Galeria. This is an open air market where you can buy fresh fruit, a typical meal from one of the countless stands, or come to get your shoes cobbled. The market is surrounded by brightly colored Jeeps, that are used to bring produce down from the surrounding mountains.
Lunch
Activity
After lunch you can participate in a coffee tasting at a local café. Here you will learn about the different ways to prepare coffee and be able to try a wide variety of local beans.
After a long day of activity you deserve your moment of Zen. The place for that are the Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal, natural thermal baths set in the mountains outside of town. You will also spend the night here, so you will have ample opportunity to soak and admire the surrounding beauty. Dinner will be served as well, giving you a chance to try the world famous Santa Rosa chorizos.
Day 3
On Day Three you dive further into the unique coffee culture of the Eje Cafetero (Coffee Triangle). You will take a drive through the divine landscape of the region and end up near the town of Salento, made famous by Disney's Encanto. Before seeing the town you will visit Las Acacias Coffee Farm to learn about how coffee is grown, harvested, roasted, and prepared for market. You will get to meet the farmers who make this magical process happen and of course get to try the product before you leave.
Lunch
Activities
After lunch it is time to explore Salento. This lovely little town has earned quite the reputation around the world, and deservedly so. It is located in a picturesque valley, has delightful, traditional architecture set around a quaint plaza, and is packed with artisans selling their wares. Here are some of my favorite places in town.
Dinner
Hotel
Day 4
After a restful night at the hotel, there are several ways to spend your day and explore Cocora Valley how best suits you. You can ride horses along the Quindío River, while passing through local dairy farms, hike along mountain paths to see Colombia's national tree - the sky-scraping wax palm - in its natural habitat, or simply while away the morning on the patio, sipping coffee and taking in the landscape. The Cocora Valley is your oyster and you will love it no matter how you choose to experience it.
Before the day ends, you head to the lovely town of Filandia. Prior to dinner, you should visit the Mirador, a unique structure that provides the best views of of the area's stunning sunsets. From way up high you will be able to truly appreciate the beauty of the surrounding countryside and picturesque villages.
Dinner
Hotel
Day 5
Your last full day in Colombia (sad face). But you are guaranteed to make it one to remember! Today you travel from Filandia back to Pereira to stay at the luxurious Hotel Sazagua. On the way you stop at the beautiful Hacienda La Colina for specialty coffee and views of the magnificent landscape.
Hotel
Activities
Hotel Sazagua is not just a place for visitors to relax and pamper themselves (although it is that as well), they also host a variety of unique and interesting activities you can find in few other places. The fruit and rum tastings are not to be missed. They also lead cooking classes and host barbecues. Lastly, the spa is home to a wide variety of massages and "rituals", to make sure you head home rested and revitalized.
Day 6
Travel day! International flights from Pereira leave at either 5:09 AM to connect through Panama City or 2:15 PM to fly through Miami.
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