COFFEE TRIANGLE OF COLOMBIA

The Colombian Coffee Triangle, also known as the Coffee Zone or Coffee Belt, consists of three Colombian departments: Caldas, Risaralda and Quindio. It’s also simply a beautiful place to visit. The region in particular known as the Coffee Triangle is a unique set of 18 urban centers located west of the Cordillera. The region symbolizes the country’s coffee production traditions and combines several sustainable farming lands and touristic communities that mostly lie on top of hills that overlook coffee fields. The Coffee Triangle or Eje Cafetero is known for its long tradition of coffee production. It represents an important part of Colombia’s national identity and culture. The crops are recognized globally as producing some of the world’s richest and highest-quality coffee. Local coffee farmers (cafeteros) have a long-established tradition of using special techniques to farm the land due to its unique geological terrain. Find out more about the Coffee Triangle in Colombia, here.

 

Pereira

Pereira is the largest of the three cities that make up the Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero) in the heart of the Colombian Andes mountains. With a population of over 700,000 people, the city offers a sophisticated lifestyle with all the creature comforts: hotels, shopping malls, fine dining, open-air nightclubs, cafés, quality healthcare, and public transportation. As you meander through Pereira’s upscale neighborhoods, you are greeted by high-rise apartment buildings, a few houses, and towering palm trees. You might be surprised by the number of palm trees that grow in the Andes mountains all around Pereira. These majestic beauties grow to be between 150 feet and 200 feet tall.

 

Horse Riding, Pereira

 

Buenavista

Buenavista was built on top of the hill rather than at the bottom of it. The town offers Incredible green views of Colombia’s coffee region stretching out in every direction.  Visit Hacienda San Alberto, one of Colombia's most awarded coffee at Buenavista, Quindío. Located right in the entry to Valle del Cauca, the incredible view of the valley and the Western mountain range will mesmerize you. Walk and enjoy a tour of the coffee plantations and the steep hills of the Coffee Region while you learn about planting, processing, and the fine selection of beans of this famous coffee brand. 

 

Coffee Production, Buenavista

 

Cocora Valley

 

There are numerous wonderful places to visit and a multitude of sights to see in the Coffee Region, but there are some particular experiences that stand out. Arguably, the most popular destination in the Coffee Triangle is the lovely little town of Salento in the Quindio department. With its colorful traditional architecture, excellent variety of restaurants, and coffee tours, Salento is already established as a must-visit spot on the Colombian traveler trail. Equally popular is the nearby Cocora Valley hike, a stunning trail through the mountains that passes through farms and cloud forests to arrive at a surreal valley full of the tallest palm trees in the world. The Valle de Cocora lies right next to Los Nevados National Park, home to some of the best wildlife spotting opportunities in Colombia. Trails that take travelers to cloud forest and jungle, across farmlands, it boasts incredible scenery and views, and the absolute highlight that makes this place so alluring is the almost 60 meters high wax palms. These palms are the national trees of Colombia, and they are not only insanely photogenic but what makes them special is the fact they grow 2500 meters above sea level on steep grassy hills all over the valley. The small Colombian town of Filandia is teeming with excellent food, great coffee shops, and incredible views of the lush Quindio region of Colombia. It is also home to one of the best Colombian sunsets you will ever see!

 

Wax Palms, Cocora Valley

 

Cartagena

There are so many reasons to visit Cartagena, Colombia. Cartagena has beautiful colonial architecture, vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and tasty food. It truly has it all! You’ll find museums, cathedrals, and historic sites.  There are also city squares, street sellers, and performers making the city colorful and full of energy! Cartagena’s old walled city will transport you back in time.  Horse-drawn carriages, colonial courtyards, narrow streets, and beautiful balconies make up this part of the city.  It is a great area to explore on foot and wander without a map.  It is the perfect place to get lost as it is bustling with people. History lovers will enjoy learning about the fascinating history of Cartagena.  Pirates often attacked this colonial city in the past, thus it has a fortified wall around the  Old City.  If you visit Castillo San Felipe, you can see and learn about the history of how the city protected itself from pirates and the Spanish. Island hopping is one of the most popular activities in Cartagena.  Some common day trips are to Isla Grande, Isla Baru, and Islas del Rosario.  For example, Isla Baru is popular for Playa Blanca, which is known for its white-sand beaches, if you are looking for some beach time.

 

Cartagena Street

 

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