Best of Pereira

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Pereira
The economic epicenter of the famed Eje Cafetero (Coffee Region), Pereira is an excellent base for learning about Colombia’s favorite drink. The mountains outside of town offer ideal growing conditions for producing some of the finest coffee on earth. Pereira is also located near the wildlife-filled nature reserves of Parque Ucumarí and Santuario Otún Quimbaya.

On a tour of a coffee finca, you’ll learn all about production methods (where everything is still picked by hand) amid highland scenery, followed by a guided coffee tasting. Another great way to see the area is on a day’s horseback ride, with views of the valleys and mountains of the Central Cordillera. You can beat the heat on a river tubing experience, stopping for a picnic by the waterside.
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A view over the lush coffee-growing country of Colombia.
Map of Coffee & Culture: Explore Colombia's Zona Cafetera - 6 Days
Coffee & Culture: Explore Colombia's Zona Cafetera - 6 Days

This six-day itinerary takes you deep into the lush, mountainous landscape of Colombia's Zona Cafetera or "coffee triangle." Start with a trip to an organic coffee "finca" (farm) where you'll follow the bean-to-cup process and sample the high-quality brews. After you're fully caffeinated, set off to discover the rest of the region's highlights—hiking through the towering palms of the Valle de Cocora, birdwatching in the Rio Blanco Nature Reserve, exploring traditional villages, and soaking in the thermal waters of Santa Rosa de Cabal.

Enjoy family-friendly natural activities, like bird-watching
Map of Colombia's Coffee Zone with Kids: Bogotá & Pereira - 7 Days
Colombia's Coffee Zone with Kids: Bogotá & Pereira - 7 Days

Despite its name, Colombia's "Coffee Zone" is a fantastic destination for families—a natural paradise with outdoor activities for all ages. This week-long tour starts in the capital of Bogotá before heading west to Pereira, a city in the mountainous Zona Cafetera. Here you can soak in the Santa Rosa hot springs, watch hummingbirds in the Río Blanco Reserve, go horseback riding at a Colombian ranch, and, of course, learn more about local coffee (with some cacao thrown in for the kids!)

Wax palms in the Cocora Valley
Map of Explore Zona Cafetera - 5 Days
Explore Zona Cafetera - 5 Days

Experience a taste of Colombian culture on this 5-day trip to the Coffee Triangle. You'll go to the heart of the country's coffee region in charming Salento for an overnight at a working farm and hike through the picturesque green mountains of the Cocora Valley (and the famous wax palms). Then, head to Manizales, the most adventurous of the three cities that make up Colombia's coffee triangle, where you'll visit the Rio Blanco Nature reserve.  Like the coffee this region is known for, this trip is designed to awaken all of your senses.

Green coffee beans ripening on the vine
Map of Colombian Coffee & Colonial Towns: Bogotá & Zona Cafetera - 6 Days
Colombian Coffee & Colonial Towns: Bogotá & Zona Cafetera - 6 Days

This trip starts in the capital, where you'll discover colorful neighborhoods and museums on a walking tour, along with famous restaurants and nightlife. Then, fly into the heart of the Zona Cafetera and spend the night at a working coffee farm. Visit nearby Salento, a colonial town that wears its exuberance on its sleeve. While here, hike the unspoiled green mountains of the Cocora Valley, dotted with towering wax palms.

Iconic wax palm trees in the Cocora Valley
Map of Medellín, Bogotá and the Zona Cafetera - 7 Days
Medellín, Bogotá and the Zona Cafetera - 7 Days

On this fun and fast-paced 7-day tour, you'll experience two of Latin America’s most exciting cities, stay overnight on a working coffee farm, and hike the Andean foothills. The trip starts in Medellín, the scenic metropolis fast on the rise after a turbulent past. You’ll then head into the heart of Colombia's coffee triangle, where you’ll explore the charming town of Salento and tour a working finca (coffee farm) — an industry that has embraced tourism with open arms. You’ll also hike the jaw-dropping green mountains in Valle de Cocora before finishing the trip in Colombia’s sophisticated urban capital.

Kids will have fun on a trip to Colombia
Map of Colorful Colombia with Kids: Bogotá, Pereira & Cartagena- 10 Days
Colorful Colombia with Kids: Bogotá, Pereira & Cartagena- 10 Days

Colombia is a diverse and exciting country for families, and this 10-day tour showcases three of its highlights: the capital Bogotá, the coffee-producing region around Pereira, and the Caribbean coasts of Cartagena. Make happy family memories as you soak in the hot springs at Santa Rosa, learn about coffee and cacao production in the Zona Cafetera, go bamboo rafting and horseback riding in Andean cloud forests, and satisfy sweet tooths with a chocolate workshop in Cartagena.

A mountainous plantation in Colombia's Coffee Triangle
Map of Bogotá, Coffee Triangle & Caribbean Coast - 7 Days
Bogotá, Coffee Triangle & Caribbean Coast - 7 Days

Colombia is a nation of vibrant cities, sleepy pueblos, and extraordinary landscapes: this action-packed 7-day tour gives you a taste of the true diversity of this country. Within the span of a week you'll visit the superb museums of Bogotá, savor freshly roasted coffee near Salento and gaze at the sea from Cartagena's glorious ramparts. 

Iconic skinny wax palms in Colombia's coffee region
Map of Colombia's Best Cities & Coffee Region  - 10 Days
Colombia's Best Cities & Coffee Region - 10 Days

Check off three unforgettable cities on this whirlwind 10-day tour starting with Bogotá's Spanish colonial sites and buzzing nightlife. You'll then fly to the heart of Colombia's Zona Cafetera for an overnight at a coffee farm where you'll hike the green mountains of Cocora Valley, dotted with towering palm trees. From here, head to Medellín—a city with outdoor art and spring-like weather—before ending on the Caribbean coast where you'll explore the romantic streets of Cartagena's Old Town.

Finish your trip in romantic Cartagena, with rooftop bars and Caribbean sunsets.
Map of Medellín, Zona Cafetera & Cartagena - 7 Days
Medellín, Zona Cafetera & Cartagena - 7 Days

This classic itinerary covers Colombia's Zona Cafetera (coffee zone), bookended by two of Latin America’s most exciting cities. The adventure starts in striking Medellín, where you'll explore this up-and-coming metropolis with a local guide. You'll then drive to the heart of the coffee region and stay overnight at a working farm. Enjoy a day in Salento with a guided hike through stunning green mountains before flying north to Cartagena, where you'll have time to hit the narrow streets of this colonial inner-walled city. Conclude your week with a free day on the coast — perhaps a speedboat ride to the Rosario Islands for white-sand beaches.

Valle de Cocora, Colombia
Map of Colombia Nature and Culture Tour - 10 Days
Colombia Nature and Culture Tour - 10 Days

This all-encompassing itinerary combines Colombia's popular attractions with some roads less traveled. You'll begin your journey in the "city of the eternal spring," Medellín, and visit El Peñon de Guatape, a landmark granite rock jutting hundreds of feet out of the ground. If you're a caffeine lover, get ready to visit Colombia's mountainous Coffee Region. You'll embark from this area and hike, mountain bike, and birdwatch through the adjacent sub-Andean forests. Next it's off to the indigenous archeological site of Tierradentro, with its ancient underground burial chambers. Learn about the civilization who built them, then end your stay in the southern colonial town of Popayán.

Join in on a coffee farm in Colombia
Map of Family Fun & Learning in Colombia: Medellín, Zona Cafetera & Cartagena - 10 Days
Family Fun & Learning in Colombia: Medellín, Zona Cafetera & Cartagena - 10 Days

This 10-day tour of Colombia is ideal for curious families who want to learn more about the places they visit and the people who live there. Every opportunity will be taken to teach your kids about Colombian life, culture, history, and cuisine—all while everyone is having a great time. Learn the history behind Medellín's enormous flower displays, hop on themed rides at a coffee theme park in the Zona Cafetera, enjoy an immersive pirate-themed treasure hunt in Cartagena and much more.

Iconic skinny wax palms in Colombia's coffee region
Map of Colombia's Cities & Coffee Region - 11 Days
Colombia's Cities & Coffee Region - 11 Days

Travelers who like to be on the move can check off three cities on this whirlwind 11-day tour starting with Bogotá's Spanish colonial sites and buzzing nightlife. You'll then fly to the heart of Colombia's Zona Cafetera for an overnight at a coffee farm and hiking through the famous Cocora Valley. From here, head to Medellín—a city with a rising culinary and art scene, as well as constant spring-like weather. End the trip on the Caribbean coast where you'll take a day trip to the Rosario Islands and explore the narrow streets of Cartagena's inner-walled city.

Cabo de San Juan, PNN Tayrona, Colombia
Map of Zona Cafetera and the Caribbean Coast - 8 Days
Zona Cafetera and the Caribbean Coast - 8 Days

Begin your adventure in Colombia's Zona Cafetera coffee region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the Cocorá Valley and its towering wax palms await. Then make your way to the Caribbean coast and the beaches of Parque Nacional Tayrona and learn about the Kogi people, who have lived in harmony with their environment for four centuries.

Freshly harvested coffee beans
Highlights of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and the Zona Cafetera - 13 Days

Start your highlights tour in Bogotá, Colombia's Andean capital. From there, head to the Cocora Valley, where you'll sleep in a typical hacienda and tour a working coffee farm. Feel the country moving ahead in vibrant Medellin and experience the contrast between the city's modern downtown and traditional surrounding villages. End your trip in romantic, colonial Cartagena, enjoying a cocktail on the famous wall surrounding the old city.

A street in Bogotá's historic center.
Map of Discover Colombia's Great Cities - 14 Days
Discover Colombia's Great Cities - 14 Days

From the buzzing nightlife of Bogotá to the up-and-coming neighborhoods of Medellín and romance of Cartagena's Old Town, this well-rounded journey covers Colombia's best urban highlights, and yet breaks it up with outdoorsy adventures along the way. Starting in the capital, the two-week adventure is ideal for travelers who want to experience culture and historic sights, but who are also enticed by hiking in coffee fields, exploring a rainforest on the Caribbean Coast, and relaxing on white-sand beaches.

Taking a break with a stunning view
Map of Trekking in Colombia's  Zona Cafetera  - 6 Days
Trekking in Colombia's Zona Cafetera - 6 Days

In this itinerary, you'll embark on a high-altitude 4-day trek into Los Nevados National Park. You'll visit a working coffee farm and enjoy the unique scenery of the Páramo Eco-system here. While many travelers only see the Cocora Valley and Salento on a quick day trip, you'll get to know Colombia's Zona Cafetera from an in-depth perspective over the course of your 6 days in the region.

colombia
Map of Ancient and Modern Cultures in Colombia - 11 Days
Ancient and Modern Cultures in Colombia - 11 Days

This all-encompassing itinerary combines Colombia's popular attractions with some roads less traveled. You'll begin your journey on the Caribbean coast. This leg will take you to Tayrona National Park, and the colonial fortress of Cartagena. Then fly to Medellín, and visit El Peñon de Guatape before heading to Colombia's mountainous Coffee Region. Here you'll hike, mountain bike, and birdwatch through sub-Andean forests. Next, it's off to the archeological site of Tierradentro, with its ancient underground burial chambers before ending your stay in the colonial town of Popayán.

Colombia's Cities and Nature - 12 Days
Map of Colombia's Cities and Nature - 12 Days
Colombia's Cities and Nature - 12 Days

This robust 12-day itinerary eliminates the hard choices travelers often face regarding a visit to a country as diverse as Colombia. The journey begins by enjoying Bogotá's Spanish colonial plazas and pulsing nightlife. Then jet to the heart of Colombia's Zona Cafetera for an overnight stay on a working coffee farm. Then it's off to the reinvented city of Medellín and its rising culinary and art scene. End the trip on the Caribbean coast where you'll explore the beaches and mountains of Tayrona National Park and the narrow streets of Cartagena's walled city.

Valle de Cocora, Colombia
Map of Ancient and Modern Cultures in Colombia - 12 Days
Ancient and Modern Cultures in Colombia - 12 Days

With this itinerary, you'll see the best of Colombia in 12 days. Begin on the Caribbean coast with a visit to Tayrona National Park, where you'll snorkel and hike to your heart's content. From there, hop a flight to the Coffee Region for mountain biking, birdwatching in sub-Andean forests, and a tour of a working coffee farm. End your journey in colonial Popayán and Tierradentro, an archeological site famous for its underground burial chambers.

Start your journey in Cartagena, "Pearl of the Caribbean"
Explore Colombia: the Caribbean Coast & Zona Cafetera - 12 Days

This laid-back 12-day itinerary takes you through the highlights of Colombia's Caribbean coast, then detours south to explore the heart of the country's lush coffee-growing region. Stroll Cartagena's historic Old Town, swim in the turquoise waters of the Rosario Islands, and discover the pristine beaches of Tayrona National Park. Fly south into the Zona Cafetera for two days visiting coffee farms and hiking amongst giant palms in the Valle de Cocora, then return to Cartagena to end your journey with more culture and cuisine in the "Pearl of the Caribbean."

Trekking in Los Nevados National Park
Map of Medellín & Los Nevados Trek - 7 Days
Medellín & Los Nevados Trek - 7 Days

Enjoy the natural beauty of Colombia on this 7-day itinerary which takes you through the mountains and valleys of Colombia's famous coffee region. You'll undertake a multi-day trek in the Andes, relax in the peaceful city of Manizales, and then finish with some urban culture and great museums in the city of Medellin.

Iconic skinny wax palms in Colombia's coffee region.
Colombia's Coffee, Whitewater, and Caribbean Islands Adventure - 13 Days

With 13 days you can experience all of the highlights Colombia is renowned for throughout the world. Your journey starts in the heart of Colombia's Coffee Region, where you'll overnight on a working coffee farm. From there, head to the reborn metropolis of Medellín, a city whose reputation as a global hotspot is enhanced by its rising culinary and art scene. Then, it's time for a bit of nature as you embark on a rafting trip down the Río Verde and end your adventure on the Caribbean coast where you'll explore Cartagena and nearby islands.

Sky and trees reflected in the Amazon River
Map of Colombia Andes, Amazon & Caribbean - 14-Day Itinerary
Colombia Andes, Amazon & Caribbean - 14-Day Itinerary

This tour takes you off the beaten path and truly epitomizes the diversity that runs through Colombia and its people. Colombia's mountains, jungles, Caribbean beaches, Spanish colonial architecture, rural and indigenous cultures combine to offer a quite unforgettable tour in one of the world's great (and yet uncharted) destinations.

Kids will be amazed by the colors of Caño Cristales
Map of Family "Encanto" Tour of Colombia: The Caño Cristales Route - 14 Days
Family "Encanto" Tour of Colombia: The Caño Cristales Route - 14 Days

Fans of the Disney movie "Encanto" will love visiting the real land where it was set. Encanto means "charm," and Colombia has this in abundance, from its colorful casitas to its pristine beaches, wildlife-filled jungles, and rainbow-hued rivers. This 14-day tour is inspired by the film and will introduce you to the sights, scenes, and experiences onscreen. Set out from Bogotá to visit small towns, rivers, mountains, and coast as you spend quality family time together on this unforgettably charming trip.

Tayrona National Park
Map of Colombia Highlights: Bogotá, Coffee Region, Medellín & Cartagena - 14 Days
Colombia Highlights: Bogotá, Coffee Region, Medellín & Cartagena - 14 Days

This journey begins in Bogotá, a melting pot of people from around the country. You'll then head to a nearby small town to witness a spectacular salt cathedral, one of Colombia's most visited attractions. Afterward, head east to the Coffee Region where you'll tour small towns, visit a coffee farm, and see the tallest wax palm trees in the world. The adventure continues in Medellín, Tayrona National Park, and Cartagena.

See some of the animals and birds, like these toucans, that featured in Disney's "Encanto"
Map of Family "Encanto" Tour of Colombia: The Amazon Rainforest Route - 14 Days
Family "Encanto" Tour of Colombia: The Amazon Rainforest Route - 14 Days

Love Disney's "Encanto"? It was based on real Colombian towns and scenery, and this fun-filled 14-day tour introduces your family to the sights and experiences that make up the colorful movie. Taste foods that feature in the film, see the traditional villages that inspired its magical world, and encounter real wildlife too fantastical to be true! Whether you've seen "Encanto" once or one hundred times, your whole family will be charmed by Colombia as you travel from the Amazon to the Caribbean coast.

Iconic skinny wax palms in Colombia's coffee region.
Map of Colombia Adventure: Zona Cafetera to the Caribbean Coast - 15 Days
Colombia Adventure: Zona Cafetera to the Caribbean Coast - 15 Days

Your journey starts in the heart of Colombia's Coffee Region, where you'll overnight on a working coffee farm. From there, head to the reborn metropolis of Medellín, a city whose reputation as a global hotspot is enhanced by its rising culinary and art scene. Then, it's time for a bit of nature as you embark on a rafting trip down the Río Verde and end your adventure on the Caribbean coast where you'll explore Cartagena and nearby islands.

Mountains of Colombia
Map of Active Colombia: Cities, Jungles & Mountains - 15 Days
Active Colombia: Cities, Jungles & Mountains - 15 Days

Discover the natural wonders of Colombia firsthand on this 15-day tour. Start with a hike or tram ride to the peak of Bogotá's Monserrate Hill, which towers at more than 10,000 feet (3,048 m). Enjoy day hikes in Chingaza National Park and Chicaque Natural Reserve, then explore the Corcora Valley and see working coffee farms. Visit an active volcano, take on high-altitude hiking, and fly through the jungle on a thrilling zipline adventure. End with a climb of El Peñol and Colombian street foods in Envigado.

Bogota Cathedral
Map of December in Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín, & Cartagena - 16 Days
December in Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín, & Cartagena - 16 Days

This festive itinerary begins in Bogotá, where you'll discover museum, restaurants, and nightlife. Next, jet over to Medellín to explore historical sights and see the Christmas lights. From there, drive to the Zona Cafetera to tour the coffee fields and stay on a farm. On your last leg, ring in the New Year in Cartagena and snorkel in Tayrona National Park.

Paramillo del Quindío, PNN Los Nevados, Colombia
Colombia's Urban Cities & Zona Cafetera Trek - 11 Days

This itinerary starts and ends in two of Colombia's most exciting cities, the capital of Bogotá and the "city of the eternal spring," Medellín. In between, you'll embark on a high-altitude trek into Los Nevados National Park. In Bogotá, you'll get to know the food scene of the city before heading to the Coffee Region. You'll visit a working coffee farm and set off on a four-day trek through the central Andes. After your trek, you'll relax in the thermal pools outside of Manizales, with the still-active Nevado del Ruiz volcano as a backdrop. Then it's off to Medellín, where you'll get to know this dynamic city as you ride its Metrocable network of gondolas.

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona
Map of Colombia Adventure: Zona Cafetera, Tayrona Park, & Caribbean Coast - 15 Days
Colombia Adventure: Zona Cafetera, Tayrona Park, & Caribbean Coast - 15 Days

Depending on personal preference, some folks like rugged activity on their vacation while others prefer relaxing on white-sand beaches fronting crystalline waters. Others opt for the museums and nightlife found in more cosmopolitan destinations. We wonder why not enjoy it all? That's just what this itinerary offers: city life, culture, the great outdoors and plenty of time to relax.

Paramillo del Quindío, PNN Los Nevados, Colombia
Map of Colombia's Cities & Zona Cafetera Trek - 15 Days
Colombia's Cities & Zona Cafetera Trek - 15 Days

This itinerary starts and ends in two of Colombia's most exciting cities, Bogotá and Medellín. In between, you'll visit a working coffee farm and set off on a four-day trek through the Central Andes in Los Nevados National Park. After your trek, relax in the thermal pools outside of Manizales, with the still-active Nevado del Ruiz volcano as a backdrop. Then it's off to Medellín, a dynamic place to finish your trip.

Learn all about Colombia's famous coffee and chocolate
Map of Discover Colombia's Coffee Region - 6 Days
Discover Colombia's Coffee Region - 6 Days

Learn all about Colombian coffee and enjoy some of the most exclusive coffee in the world on this six-day tour. You can look forward to many coffee tastings and visits to local Colombian coffee farms where you will interact with local farmers and coffee experts from around the country.

Colombia is home to several species of colorful hummingbirds
Colombia Birdwatching Adventure: Bogotá, Tinamú , El Dorado & Tayrona - 10 Days

Home to 20% of the world's avian species, Colombia is a must-visit for devoted birdwatchers and aspiring ecologists alike. This 10-day itinerary travels through three distinct climates, ecosystems, and landscapes, from the slopes of the Andes to the rainforests of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the palm-fringed Caribbean coast. Along the way you'll embark on memorable birdwatching excursions into national forests and nature reserves, searching out the many rare and resplendent species that call Colombia home.

Kids explore the colorful streets of Cartagena
Family Holiday in Colombia: Bogotá, Zona Cafetera & Cartegena - 9 Days

Create lifelong memories on this 9-day family-friendly tour around Colombia. Starting in Bogotá, discover the city by bike and ride the cable car to Monserrate, then, fly to the Zona Cafetera to hike the Cocora Valley and discover the region's quaint villages. End on the Caribbean coast, where you'll tour the colorful streets of Cartagena, learn to fish with the locals, and relax on the white sand beaches of Barú Island.