Whenever travelers would think of visiting the Coffee Triangle in Colombia, Salento and Manizales are the two cities that come into mind first.
But if you look for an authentic, lively, and surprisingly beautiful city to reside in, Pereira is a consideration.
Pereira lies in the middle of Coffee Zone, Eje Cafetero. Pereira is laid back, entwined with nature and in a serene environment that will find you lingering longer here than you anticipated.
Tour a Classic Coffee Farm
You can’t come to Pereira without being enveloped in Colombia’s famous coffee culture.
The countryside around the city and nearby are full of traditional fincas cafeteras (coffee plantations) where you will have the opportunity to stroll through the plantations, learn how the coffee is made, and taste some of the best coffee in the world.
In the center of Pereira’s top coffee tours is an experience-based activity — bean picking, roasting, and enjoying fine mountain scenery in between.
Tip: Attempt to visit a tiny family-owned finca for a more intimate and authentic experience.
Relax in Hot Springs (Termales)
Natural hot springs from nearby Pereira mountains bubble up here.
Most visited ones near Pereira are:
Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs: It’s a simple day trip from Pereira. It’s Colombia’s most beautiful hot spring, with waterfalls and forest all around.
Termales de San Vicente: It’s deeper in the forest. These springs are more wild and natural. It is surrounded by misty mountains and rainforest.
Snoring in these hot mineral baths after a day of thrills is paradise.
Stroll around Parque El Lago and the City Center
The Pereira City Center is lively, multicolored, and full of local flavor.
Parque El Lago is a central park lined with palms, statues, active cafés, and a great place to sit and observe people and pick up the pace of the city.
When in the city, you shouldn’t miss:
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Pobreza: This beautiful cathedral has a flamboyant wooden dome.
Plaza Bolívar: That’s where the famous naked Bolívar statue is — an otherworldly and breathtaking masterpiece all about freedom.
The inner city of Pereira is less touristy and more “real” than some of the other cities in Colombia, and you literally do get a sense of day-to-day life.
Visit Ukumarí Biopark
If you’re visiting with kids — or if you simply love animals — Ukumarí Biopark is a complete must-visit.
This trendy, eco-park is conservation- and education-oriented and houses local and international animals in gigantic, naturalistic enclosures.
It’s a great place to learn about the biodiversity of Colombia while helping to promote responsible animal care.
Day Trip to Salento and the Cocora Valley
Having Pereira as an accommodation option has one advantage of being close to other well-known Coffee Region attractions.
Salento — that picture-postcard, rainbow-coloured town — is about an hour and a half’s drive from here, so it is a perfect day trip.
Hike in stunning Cocora Valley, where you’ll hike among the world’s tallest palms (wax palms), emerald hill and mountain forest scenery.
Also Read: Santa Marta Beach: Colombia’s Hidden Caribbean Utopia
Explore Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary
Nature lovers will appreciate a visit to the Otún Quimbaya Sanctuary, a cloud forest, waterfall, and tropical tree and flower preserve.
Hike serene trails far from urban crowds to observe howler monkeys, tropical birds, and beautiful plants and animals.
It’s the ultimate retreat from it all in nature and a simple half-day or day side trip from Pereira.
Make Pereira Nightlife Shine
Pereira nightlife is vibrant, hectic, and very popular with the locals.
Visit Avenida Circunvalar, where restaurants, bars, and clubs are situated on either side of the street and the party gets going after sundown.
Sip cocktails on a rooftop patio or shake your body to salsa and reggaeton rhythms, Pereira knows how to party.
Last thoughts: Pereira Is a Hidden Gem
If you’re looking for a coffee culture destination which can give adventure, nature, and authentic Colombian city life. Then Pereira is a hidden gem that you’ll be glad to find.
It’s welcoming, affordable, and centrally located. Which can make the most of the Coffee Region experience.
Stay awhile here — hike, drink coffee, soak in hot springs — and you’ll become enamored with Pereira’s laid-back appeal.