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Published: 30-12-2021
The 'Eje Cafetero, or ´Coffee Triangle' is the region of Colombia, lies at the western end of the Andes Mountains. The region has become famous for producing excellent coffee, due to its steep-sloped valleys that make much of the area hard to reach and the hot, rainy climate, making it ideal for coffee cultivation. If you want to experience the country as well as the elixia of life - coffee, this region has impressive countryside and an abundance of our favourite drink.
Coffee picking in the coffee triangle
The Origins
The Coffee Triangle consists of three departments in the region, Caldas, Quindio and Risaralda. Coffee cultivation in Colombia began in the eastern part of the country but first arrived in the Caldas district in the mid-19th century. It swiftly became one of the most profitable and successful crops for the local farmers due to its perfect climatic conditions.
The success of the coffee crops in Caldas, due to its high quality and the amount of coffee that the area produced was so impressive, it soon spread to nearby Quindio and Risaralda. These towns were both producing coffee for export at the beginning of the 20th century and today, the majority of the coffee grown in Colombia comes from the Coffee Triangle region.
Taking today´s pick home!
Why This Region?
There are several reasons that the Coffee Triangle is excellent for the cultivation of coffee. The climate is warm all year round and with rain throughout the year, which offer the perfect conditions for the coffee bean to grow. Another main reason that the coffee plant grows well here, is its rich volcanic soil with the conditions here being better for coffee growing than anywhere else in Colombia.
Lush, green coffee plantation
The Main Settlements
The main cities of the three departments that make up the Coffee Triangle are Pereira, Armenia, and Manizales, with the nearby city of Medellin, which is considered the gateway to the region. These three cities are the economic force in the Coffee Triangle, however its is the smaller towns and villages where you get a real taste of the region and its culture. Small towns such as Salento and Quinchia are the at the heart of the Coffee Triangle, and offer some of the most interesting and historic places to visit in the region.
Manizales church
Tourism
The area has always been a very popular place to visit among Colombians, for its beautiful mountainous scenery and the fact it has avoided most of the violence in Colombia.
There are now increasing numbers of people who visit from other countries to enjoy the area, and its traditional architecture in some of the towns like Salento and Santuario, which help to make it an excellent tourist attraction. The area is very popular among those who enjoy outdoor activities, mainly due to its excellent terrain, with rafting and kayaking on the River Barragan and the Rio La Vieja, popular rafting spots. Many head out hiking through the steep-sided valleys which offer impressive views. There are plenty of options to relax while those looking for a more relaxing experience will find that the thermal spa at Santa Rosa for a more luxurious adventure
Musicians in Salento
A Visit to the Colombian National Coffee Park
One of the main destinations for those looking to learn more about Colombian coffee and the way it has shaped the development of this region is the Colombian National Coffee Park. Located in between the towns of Montenegro and Armenia in the Quindio department, offers everything you need, if you are a coffee-lover..... coffee.
Coffee Valley
The coffee theme park also offers several rides and fairground-type attractions for the little ones, while you sit back,relax with beauiful views and enjoy a coffee or two!
