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I’m Frank, the proud owner of a leading tour operator located in Bogota, committed to curating bespoke and opulent travel experiences across Colombia.
As you peruse this guide, look forward to uncovering a collection of supplementary and invaluable travel itineraries to enhance your exploration of Colombia.
Coffee Triangle Colombia Trip Summary
Day 1 – Salento
Day 2 – Salento – Filandia – Cocora Valley – Salento
Day 3 – Salento – Quindio – Salento
Day 4 – Salento – Quindio – Salento
Day 5 – Salento – Quindio – Salento
Day 6 – Salento
Planned Places/Cities
Quindio
The Department of Quindio is part of the Colombian territory, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a Coffee Cultural Landscape. It is located in the Central Mountain Range, and is one of the smallest in Colombia, whose small size is totally opposite to the endless list of natural resources and tourist attractions it has. Including Armenia, the capital, the department is made up of 12 municipalities.
All of them can be reached, there is a road to all of them and in all of them there are attractions to stop, contemplate and enjoy. Although with some different features, there are many coincidences in the towns, such as the bushes full of coffee or the guadua emerging from the earth or transformed into art and housing.
Salento
Salento is a charming and picturesque town located in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera). Situated in the Quindío Department, Salento is renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, colorful architecture, and its close proximity to the breathtaking Cocora Valley.
Salento is situated in one of Colombia’s primary coffee-producing regions, and coffee culture is deeply ingrained in the town’s identity. Visitors can explore coffee plantations, known as “fincas,” and learn about the coffee-making process, from picking the beans to roasting and brewing the aromatic beverage.
One of Salento’s main attractions is its proximity to the Cocora Valley, a spectacular natural wonderland. The valley is famous for its towering wax palm trees, which are the tallest palm trees in the world and the national tree of Colombia. Hiking through the Cocora Valley provides visitors with breathtaking views of the lush cloud forest and the iconic palm trees.
Salento boasts a delightful colonial-style architecture with brightly painted houses and balconies adorned with flowers. The town’s main square, Plaza de Bolívar, is a hub of activity with colorful facades and charming cafes, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and people-watching.
The town is home to several art galleries and handicraft shops where visitors can purchase local artwork, handmade souvenirs, and traditional crafts. The artisans in Salento showcase their talents through various art forms, including pottery, weaving, and painting.
Filandia
Filandia is a charming and picturesque town located in the heart of Colombia’s Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera). Situated in the Quindío Department, Filandia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, colonial architecture, coffee culture, and warm hospitality.
Filandia boasts a well-preserved colonial-style architecture with colorful houses, adorned with balconies and flowers. The town’s main square, Plaza de Bolívar, is the centerpiece of the colonial charm, featuring a historic church and a peaceful ambiance.
As with many towns in the Coffee Region, coffee culture is deeply ingrained in Filandia’s identity. The surrounding region is dotted with coffee plantations, and visitors have the opportunity to learn about the coffee-making process and sample some of the world-famous Colombian coffee.
Filandia is situated in the hills, providing visitors with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The town’s Mirador de Filandia, or viewpoint, offers breathtaking vistas of the lush valleys and coffee plantations below.
The town is known for its vibrant arts and crafts scene. Visitors can explore numerous handicraft shops, where local artisans display their creations, including pottery, weaving, and woodwork. The artisanal products make for unique and authentic souvenirs.
Buenavista
Buenavista is a quaint and picturesque town located in the Quindío Department of Colombia’s Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera). This charming village is nestled amid the lush green landscapes of coffee plantations and offers visitors a peaceful escape into Colombia’s coffee-growing heritage.
Buenavista is situated in one of Colombia’s primary coffee-producing regions, and coffee culture is an integral part of the town’s identity. Visitors can explore coffee plantations, or “fincas,” and learn about the coffee-making process, from harvesting the coffee beans to the traditional roasting and brewing methods.
The town is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including rolling hills, fertile valleys, and stunning views of the Andes Mountains. The picturesque landscapes make Buenavista a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Buenavista showcases a charming colonial-style architecture, with colorful houses adorned with flower-filled balconies. The town’s central square, Plaza de Bolívar, is a delightful spot to immerse oneself in the colonial ambiance and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Salento
Arrival to Salento
You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel.
The bilingual guide will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport.
Accommodation
Here you will find the best hotel recommendations in Salento.
Day 2: Salento – Filandia – Cocora Valley – Salento
Full Day Filandia and Cocora Valley Tour
This tour includes two amazing destinations. The Cocora Valley is a natural reserve and one of the access points of Los Nevados national park. It is the cradle of Colombia’s emblematic tree: the Quindío wax palm, which reaches up to 80 meters in the native Andean cloud forests. Hiking the mountain foothills, you will appreciate the paradisiacal views of the valley. On your way to Filandia, we will make a stop to have lunch in a typical restaurant in the region. On the other hand, Filandia is a small colonial village that conserves its architecture and coffee traditions.
Day 3: Salento – Quindio – Salento
Full Day Towns of Quindio
The driver and a local guide will pick you up at the hotel. The tour will show you the department of Quindio and some of its most precious towns. You will visit 4 towns full of architecture and recognized culture. The first stop will be Salento, followed by Pitalito and Buenavista. Filandia as the highlight will be the last stop of the tour.
Visiting Cafe San Alberto Farm
This is a top-quality coffee tour. It includes a two-hour walking tour around the Hacienda San Alberto, a farm and coffee shop nestled in the town of Buenavista. There you will learn about the process “From seed to cup”, you will visit the quality lab, and end with a coffee tasting using alternative methods. The café has panoramic views of the plantations and nearby villages.
Day 4: Salento – Quindio – Salento
Full Day Barbas-Bremen Nature Reserve
After breakfast, you will be picked up and driven to Bremen Nature Reserve. This nature reserve is located in the department of Quindio, 20 minutes from Filandia. It covers an area of 9,651 hectares, of which 790 hectares belong to rainforest and the rest to pine and cypress plantations. Due to the scarcity of light and the great humidity of the natural reserve, you will be able to see different species of moss on the ground.
In the reserves you will have the possibility of observing more than 150 species of birds, as well as several species of maníferos, amphibians, reptiles, and insects among which butterflies stand out.
Among the most representative animals, you will have the chance to see howler monkeys, the soche deer, the spectacled bear, the river otter and the ocelot. Regarding the birds, you will find the Caucasian guan, the collarejo jumper, the Andean terlaque, the cock of the rock, the mountain carriquí, and amphibians also at risk of disappearing as the venesosa frog, the quimbaya harlequin, the big-headed frog among other species.
Day 5: Salento – Quindio – Salento
Full Day Cerro Machin Volcano
Cerro Machín is a stratovolcano located in Tolima Department. It is approximately the same age (1,000,000+ years) as the Ruiz-Tolima Massif and has the appearance of being part of that volcanic system. Its sisters are Nevado del Tolima, 17,060 feet (5,200 m); Santa Isabel, 16,240 feet (4,950 m), Nevado del Ruiz, 17,457 feet (5,321 m), plus nine other lesser volcanoes and a 10,000 feet (3,000 m) volcanic South Wall containing in excess of thirty volcanic domes.
Around the volcano there are beautiful wax palm forests, Ceroxylon quindiuense (Karsten) Wendl, the national tree of Colombia, and some hot-springs.
Day 6: Salento
Departure Salento
You will be picked up at the hotel and driven to the airport.
Travel Map
Very Important Info to Know Visiting Colombia
Coffee Triangle Colombia Travel Guide
Tips & Tricks for travelers visiting Colombia
Medical advice and recommendations for travelers visiting Colombia
Climate and weather overview for Colombia
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