What are the best things to do in the coffee triangle, whose landscapes are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site? We have always been fascinated by its mountain landscapes, its colorful villages, its traditions, and its pleasant climate.
It is here a long time ago that we discovered Salento and its lively streets, before going to walk among the wax palms of the Cocora Valley. Over the years, by moving away from the most visited paths, we discovered the Carbonera Valley, with still preserved landscapes, the spectacular hot springs of Murillo, and experienced the unforgettable ascent of Nevado del Santa Isabel in the heart of Los Nevados National Park.
Here are our advices on the most beautiful places to visit in Colombia’s coffee region.
6 favorites in the coffee triangle
Our must-sees not to miss
From its colorful villages to the glacial trails of Nevado Santa Isabel, passing through the famous wax palm forests, if you are looking for what to do in the coffee region, you will be surprised by this Colombian destination full of sometimes little-known treasures. Sleeping at a local’s home in Alto Bonito, relaxing in the hot springs of Murillo, strolling through the village of Pijao, or getting lost among the giant palms of the Carbonera Valley: this Top 6 of our most memorable experiences to explore the coffee triangle as close as possible to its people and its landscapes.
Best things to do in Murillo, between wax palms, thermal baths and hiking
Trek to Nevado Santa Isabel, Los Nevados National Park (hiking in Colombia)
Visit Salamina travel guide: Best things to do in this beautiful village of the coffee region
Los Nevados National Park travel guide: best trekking in the coffee region
Visit Pijao travel guide: the slow village of the coffee region
Carbonera Valley travel guide: visit the largest wax palm forest
Contents
Coffee Triangle in Colombia
UNESCO heritage and landscapes of the Eje Cafetero
The coffee region in Colombia mainly includes three departments nestled around Armenia, Pereira, and Manizales. Its landscapes shaped by coffee cultivation are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name “Coffee Cultural Landscape.” This label celebrates as much the harmony between nature, agriculture, and architecture as the know-how passed down for generations.
Small aside: if the name “coffee region” makes it seem that coffee only comes from here, we cannot help but point out that coffee is actually grown in almost all the mountains of Colombia, from north to south, along the Andean slopes and up to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
- UNESCO listing: 2011
- Natural region : Andes
- Departments: Quindio, Risaralda, Caldas
- Main cities: Pereira, Manizales, Armenia
- Population: 2.5 million
- Maximum altitude: 5321 m (Nevado del Ruiz)
- Climate: hot to cold
- Dry season: December to March and June to August
- Rainy season: March to May and September to November
- When to go: all year round
Best things to do in the coffee region
Colombian cofee Region Travel Guide
Salento, the colorful village, and the Cocora Valley are the emblems of the coffee region in Colombia, but these tourist sites are the tree that hides the forest! Behind these well-known names, one discovers a multitude of other villages just as welcoming: Filandia, Pijao, Marsella, Salamina, or Aguadas.
And the wax palms reveal themselves elsewhere than in Cocora: on the side of the Carbonera Valley (Tochecito), near the hot springs of Murillo, on the heights of Pijao, or in the Samaria Valley near Salamina.
Nature lovers also find their happiness in Los Nevados Natural Park, an ideal terrain for multi-day treks. And because here coffee is a living culture, the coffee fincas open their doors to share their history and their know-how.
Salento, colorful village
The most visited place in the coffee region
Now, it combines green landscapes, coffee plantations, and colorful houses that attract more and more visitors each year. But this popularity also comes with its issues: a multiplication of souvenir shops, international restaurants, unscrupulous agencies, and informal guides that create safety problems for travelers tempted by low prices. During the week, outside holidays or long weekends, Salento regains a peaceful rhythm and keeps all its charm for those who want to discover its more authentic atmosphere.
Our article explains how to organize a visit to Salento in the heart of the coffee region. You will find ideas for walks to the Alto de la Cruz viewpoint, to explore less frequented streets, and advice for going hiking to the Cocora Valley, the Carbonera Valley, or Cerro Morrogacho. We also present our local partner agency, which offers excursions in Los Nevados National Natural Park with a responsible tourism approach.
Cocora Valley
Wax palms and iconic hikes
A few kilometers from Salento, the Cocora Valley opens onto a spectacular setting dominated by the wax palm, Colombia’s national tree that can grow over 60 meters tall. This valley, located at the gates of Los Nevados National Park, has become one of the most photographed places in the country. Attendance has increased greatly over the past decade, and today, some areas look more like an amusement park than anything else. Despite this, the full-day loop hike remains a memorable experience, between high-altitude pastures, cloud forests, and viewpoints over the wax palms.
Our guide to the Cocora Valley explains how to prepare your hike: best times to leave, choice of routes, difficulty, and useful gear. We also cover the preservation issues of the wax palm and give you the contact of a local agency based in Salento, which
Carbonera Valley (Tochecito)
The largest wax palm forest
Located between Quindío and Tolima, the Carbonera Valley — also called Tochecito — is home to the largest wax palm forest in Colombia. Around 600,000 specimens are found here, a hundred times more than in the Cocora Valley! Access is by a 4×4 track from Salento, crossing the Alto de la Línea, with spectacular viewpoints over the mountains and the valley covered with wax palms. Here, no selfie spots or waiting lines: the Carbonera remains a preserved space, where you walk through an impressive density of palms while listening to the heavy past of this unique place in the world.
In our article dedicated to the Carbonera Valley, we explain how to organize this excursion: access route, track conditions, travel time, and recommended gear. We also provide the contact details of our local partner, offering acco
Filandia
Barbas Bremen Reserve and traditional basketry
Halfway between Pereira and Armenia, Filandia is a colorful village listed in the UNESCO Coffee Cultural Landscape. Founded in 1878, it stands out for its brightly colored façades, wooden balconies, and local craftsmanship: basketry in bejuco. Beyond its lively center, Filandia also serves as a starting point to the Barbas Bremen nature reserve, where you can see howler monkeys in their habitat!
Our guide dedicated to Filandia highlights the places to explore in the village, the basketry workshops, and the information to visit the Barbas Bremen reserve. We also share our accommodation recommendations and food addresses.
Pijao
What to do in Colombia’s coffee region
In the department of Quindío, about 30 km from Armenia, Pijao is a small rural village known for its peaceful atmosphere and its commitment to the “Cittaslow” movement, which promotes a slower and more respectful pace of life. Its quiet streets are lined with colorful houses and lead to a large square where locals like to gather. In the surroundings, you can find a forest of wax palms and the Chili páramo, a little-visited high-altitude ecosystem where you can see frailejones in a preserved setting.
Our article on Pijao offers ideas for walks to the river, strolling through colorful streets, and meeting people over a coffee or an artisanal ice cream. You will also find the contact details of local agencies specializing in birdwatching and hikes to the Chili páramo or the wax palm forest.
Salamina
Colonial architecture and coffee culture
In the heart of the department of Caldas, Salamina is listed as a national heritage site and is part of the Pueblos Patrimonio network of Colombia. Nicknamed the “Ciudad Luz” for its rich cultural heritage, it stands out for its 19th-century colonial houses with carved wooden balconies and its main square adorned with a fountain imported from Europe. Behind its apparent tranquility, life is vibrant around the covered market and in the traditional cafés, where conversations mingle with the aroma of freshly ground coffee.
Our article dedicated to Salamina helps you prepare your visit: access route, must-see places to discover, and addresses where you can taste local specialties. You will also find the contact of our local partner, who offers complete cultural tours of Salamina and its surroundings.
San Felix and the Samaria Valley
Best things to do in the coffee triangle
A few kilometers from Salamina, San Felix is a small mountain village that serves as the gateway to the Samaria Valley, one of the last wax palm forests in the department. Perched at 2,800 meters above sea level, this valley owes its conservation to the commitment of local landowners. The road leading there crosses agricultural landscapes marked by dairy farming, with the slender silhouettes of wax palms in the background.
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In our article on the Samaria Valley, we explain how to get to San Felix from Salamina, the available transport options, and the possible activities on site. We also share information to organize guided tours with a respectful and immersive approach.
Alto Bonito, in Salamina
Exceptional homestay accommodation
Perched on a hill about ten minutes from Salamina, Alto Bonito is a homestay designed and built by Martin, a former fashion professional turned self-taught builder. Each space was crafted with traditional techniques and a personal style, offering an exceptional view of the surrounding mountains. The place combines peace, nature, and a warm atmosphere that reflects the personality of its creator.
Our article presents in detail the Alto Bonito experience: types of accommodation offered, the atmosphere of the place, and tips for booking directly with Martin. You will also find his contact information, to discuss the available options and organize a stay adapted to your needs.
Trek to Nevado del Tolima
Los Nevados National Park, itinerary and tips
In the heart of Los Nevados National Natural Park, the Nevado del Tolima trek is one of the most demanding high-mountain adventures in the region. Over several days, it connects Salento to the Finca la Primavera refuge, crossing cloud forest, páramo, and glacial areas. The stages, 15 to 20 km long with significant cumulative elevation gain, offer breathtaking landscapes: frailejones, high-altitude hot springs, clear rivers, and views of the surrounding volcanoes. The bravest will attempt the ascent to the summit at over 5,000 meters above sea level.
In our guide on Nevado del Tolima, we detail the necessary preparation: acclimatization, itinerary, essential equipment, and precautions to take in high mountains. We also include the contact information of our trusted local partner, the best agency to organize this trek while ensuring safety, logistics, and personalized support.
Murillo
Hot springs, wax palms, and magical landscapes
Located at the foot of Nevado del Ruiz in the department of Tolima, Murillo is a mountain village still preserved from mass tourism. Its rural markets, wax palm forests, and natural hot springs make it a peaceful alternative to the more visited destinations in the region. The landscapes alternate between páramo, pastures, and spectacular views of Nevado del Ruiz.
Our article on Murillo presents the must-do activities: authentic markets, mountain hikes, baths in the hot springs surrounded by wax palms. We also provide the contact of our local partner who offers guided excursions focused on respect for the environment and support for local communities.
Trek to Nevado Santa Isabel
Best things to do in the coffee triangle
The Nevado Santa Isabel, located in Los Nevados National Natural Park, is one of the symbols of climate change worldwide. The ascent takes place among páramo landscapes and high-altitude lagoons, with exceptional viewpoints over Nevado del Ruiz, and as a highlight, the last remnants of the glacier.
The stages showing the glacier’s retreat over the years make this trek both spectacular and impactful regarding the effects of global warming.
Our guide dedicated to Nevado Santa Isabel details the access formalities, the mandatory reservation, the limited number of visitors, and the required physical conditions. We also share the contact information of our local partner based in Murillo, who organizes the ascent with certified guides and strict adherence to safety instructions.
Local agencies to visit the coffee region
Guides and natural and cultural excursions
The local agencies and guides of the coffee region play a key role in accessing the most remarkable sites and organizing activities with peace of mind. Whether it’s discovering preserved wax palm valleys, going on a trek in Los Nevados National Natural Park, or visiting the surroundings of Salento, these on-site partners offer reliable and personalized support. In this section, we present our trusted contacts, tested and approved, to prepare your excursions and fully experience the Coffee Cultural Landscape.
Nature activities in the coffee region
This page connects you directly with our trusted local partner, based in the coffee region, specializing in nature activities. Hikes, wildlife observation, finca visits, and mountain expeditions are among the experiences offered, always with responsible and personalized support. Our article allows you to contact the agency directly, without intermediaries, to organize your nature activities in the coffee region according to your wishes and pace.
Local guide in Murillo
This page allows you to contact our trusted local partner based in Murillo, at the foot of Nevado del Ruiz.
This guide specializes in mountain hikes, discovering wax palms in a preserved environment, and exploring the surrounding hot springs and páramos. Our article gives you direct access to talk with this guide and prepare your excursions in Murillo and its surroundings in a responsible spirit.
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Carbonera Valley agency
This page puts you in touch with our local partner in Salento, specialist of the Carbonera Valley, the largest wax palm forest in Colombia. The visits are done in small groups, with privileged access to preserved areas and the history of the site. Our article offers you the possibility to contact the agency directly to organize your discovery of the Carbonera according to your availability.
Los Nevados Trek agency
This page allows you to reach our partner specialized in treks in Los Nevados National Natural Park, including Nevado del Tolima and Nevado Santa Isabel. Certified guides, safety, and itineraries adapted to each hiker’s level are guaranteed. Our article puts you in direct contact with the agency to book your trek and benefit from expert support in the high mountains.
Salento and Cocora Valley agency
This page gives access to our trusted partner to explore the Cocora Valley and its surroundings. The excursions are designed to avoid peak hours and discover less frequented trails. Our article allows you to contact the agency directly to plan your visits and hikes around Salento and the Cocora Valley.
Where to stay in the coffee region
Colombian cofee Region Travel Guide
Murillo
Hostal
Hostal Paramo Trek Murillo
The best budget option in Murillo! A hostel located just outside the village (a 5-minute walk from the main square) in a beautiful setting. It’s basic but clean, with hot showers and a caring, attentive team. They also run a great restaurant in the village.
Filandia
Finca
Casa Laureles
We chose to stay in this beautiful cabin in Filandia and can’t recommend it highly enough. Gloria is a great host! You’ll find yourself in a peaceful setting, just 15 minutes from Filandia’s main square.
Filandia
Hostal
Bidea Backpackers Hostel
We chose to stay in this beautiful cabin in Filandia and can’t recommend it highly enough. Gloria is a great host! You’ll find yourself in a peaceful setting, just 15 minutes from Filandia’s main square.
Filandia
Finca
La puesta del sol Hotel
A good option for combining the beauty of the Filandia landscape with proximity to the village center.
Salamina
Hotel
Hotel las Marias Salamina
A hotel inside a beautiful colonial house, very well located on Salamina’s main square. Very good service, good breakfast. One of the best rated on booking.
Salamina
Hotel
Hotel la leyenda 1860
Small, well-located hotel on Salamina’s main square. With a very pleasant interior patio that doubles as a café. Neat decor, clean, good service and apparently very good breakfasts.
Salamina
Hotel
Hotel boutique La Estancia
This is a small hotel very close to the main square that was recommended to us. Nicely decorated, clean, very good service! The owners are very friendly, and even agreed to do our laundry even though we weren’t staying with them.
Pijao
Finca
Flora del Rio
We loved our stay at Flora del rio! The bedding was just perfect, and the hosts were top-notch. Very good breakfasts with coffee from the finca. The hotel is right in the middle of nature and just a 10-minute walk from the village.
Salento
Hotel
Salento Plaza Hotel
A superb hotel in Salento, in a beautiful colonial house very close to the main plaza.We would have loved to have stayed there, to tell you the truth! The decor is superb, and there’s a small interior garden that invites you to relax. The rooms are spacious and the bedding looks comfortable.Highly rated
Salento
Hotel
Hotel Vista hermosa
A nice hotel, and above all, very attractively priced for a city like Salento! This is where we stayed on our last trip in February 2022Basic but comfortable rooms, perfect cleanliness, good service.