Colombia’s coffee region is one of the most magical places in the world – and not just for coffee lovers! Besides delicious coffee, it’s also a hub of biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and paisa hospitality!
While many travelers opt to pass through the region for a day or two – stopping in backpacker hotspots like Salento – there’s a lot more to discover in the eje cafetero. In fact, I personally believe the region deserves at least a week to its own, which is why I’ve put together this 1 week Colombia itinerary. It’s tried and true – this is usually my go-to when friends and family come to visit me in the region!
So if you’re into slower travel – or just really into coffee – this 1 week Colombia itinerary in the coffee region is for you!
Need help planning your trip in the coffee triangle? Leave a comment below with any questions and I’d be happy to help you personalize your trip!
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Looking to spend more time in Colombia? Check out my complete 3-week itinerary!
Getting Around the Colombian Coffee Region
The Colombian coffee region is fairly well connected via public transportation. Buses run regularly between towns and cities and taxis are available for a slightly higher fee. For budget travelers, utilizing public transportation can be one of the best ways to get around.
However, if you have the budget, I highly recommend renting a car for a weeklong trip in the coffee triangle. Not only will this save you time for more activities, but will also give you the flexibility to make stops along the way. And trust me – you’ll want to stop for some of those roadside arepas!
Where to Stay in the Coffee Region
This itinerary is designed to be centrally located around the city of Armenia in the department of Quindío. The city is well connected and offers a variety of resources, so you can certainly base yourself out of the city for a week and complete this itinerary as day trips – especially if you have your own transportation!
However, many of the small towns around Armenia offer unique accommodation for all budgets. I’ve included accommodation recommendations in each area throughout this guide, but if you do choose to base yourself out of Armenia, I recommend staying in the north of the city for easiest access to restaurants, shopping, and more. You can browse all lodging in Armenia on Booking.com.
Day 1: Travel to Salento
Most travelers visiting the coffee region will begin in one of two cities – Armenia (Quindío) or Pereira (Risaralda). If you’re coming from Medellin or Bogota, there are both flights and buses to either of these cities.
Begin your trip by taking a bus to the town Salento, about 1 hour from each city. This quaint, colorful town is the backpacker hub of the region, and full of activities to introduce you to Colombian coffee culture. It’s a great place to start any trip in the coffee region.
Start your time in the coffee region with a stroll around town, followed by a hearty meal of bandeja paisa at the Recinto Gastronómico Artesanal – it’s the national dish of the region after all! If you’ve still got energy after your meal, finish off the day with a game of Tejo at Los Amigos, an explosive introduction to the coffee triangle.
Where to Stay in Salento
Salento is full of places to stay, from backpacker hostels to high-end hotels. I’ve actually stayed at this Airbnb outside of Salento a few times with family and friends and highly recommend it. However, it’s not the best option for those without their own methods of transportation.
If you’re looking to stay closer into town, consider one of the highly recommended accommodations below, or browse all accommodation in Salento on Booking.com.
- Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel – Traditional hostel located in a traditional paisa home with beautiful views
- Viajero Hostel Salento – Salento edition of a popular Colombia hostel chain, great for socializing
- Ecohotel Piedemonte – Stunning ecohotel located just outside downtown Salento
- Terrazas de Salento – Centrally located hotel with a stunning balcony
Day 2: Valle de Cocora
Salento is the gateway to the Valle de Cocora, a stunning valley filled with Colombia’s towering national tree – La Palma de Cera. These giants can grow up to 60 meters tall and truly look like something out of the Lorax. It’s truly a sight to see – there’s a reason it’s my favorite thing to do in the department of Quindío!
There are multiple trails to explore around the valley, from scenic viewpoints to full day hikes. Visitors can also take a horseback ride through the valley to explore it from a different perspective – or simply cut off a bit of elevation! Just remember to keep an eye out for Andean condors soaring above and guatines scampering through the trees.
Whether you opt for a shorter or longer hike in the Cocora Valley, I recommend arriving early. This spot has grown in popularity in recent years due to its numerous Instagram spots, and you’ll beat the crowds the earlier you arrive – and if you walk past all the photo spots!
How to Get to the Valle de Cocora from Salento
The best way to get to the Valle de Cocora from Salento is on the back of a Jeep Willy – a staple of the coffee region!
From the Plaza Bolivar in Salento, you can find Jeep Willys passing to popular sites all around the region. Purchase a ticket at the booth and wait for the Jeep to fill up – then hold on for the ride of your life!
For those who have their own transportation, there is ample parking at the Valle de Cocora for both motos and cars. Just make sure to watch out for Jeeps on those windy mountain roads.
Day 3: Visit a Coffee Finca
Visiting a coffee farm is a must-do on any trip to the Colombian coffee region, and luckily, there are plenty to choose from right outside Salento!
Visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about the processes that go into a cup of Colombian coffee and see them in action – from picking the fruits to roasting the beans. Colombia is the second largest exporter of coffee in the world (right after Brazil!) so there’s a lot to learn about the importance of coffee in this region. From washing and roasting processes to different methods of preparing the drink, coffee is the heart and soul of the eje cafetero.
Finally, most coffee tours end with a chance to try a cup of locally-grown Colombian coffee, or cafe de origen. There’s no better place to sip a cup of joe than right beside the hills where it was grown!
Choosing a Coffee Tour
There are a lot of different coffee experiences to choose from in the coffee region, but luckily I’ve written a definitive guide to everything you need to know to choose the right one for you!
My personal favorite coffee finca outside Salento is Finca Buenos Aires. It’s a family-run finca located on a beautiful mountaintop, and has some of my favorite coffee in the region! They have Spanish and English speaking tours operating every hour and are one of the most in-depth tours in the region.
If you opt for a shorter coffee tour, I highly recommend trying out a few coffee shops in Salento or exploring the nearby Santa Rita Nature Reserve in the afternoon.
Interested in Colombian culture? Check out this in-depth guide to Christmas celebrations around the country!
Day 4: Filandia
Filandia is one of the most beautiful towns in the coffee region – a tranquil, quintessential paisa town filled with colorful buildings and stunning views. It’s the perfect day trip from Salento, or even worth staying a night if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience.
Filandia is one of the best places to buy handicrafts in the region, with streets lined with local shops selling everything from handmade ruanas to freshly roasted cafe de origen. You could spend a day here admiring the colorful murals in town and shopping for souvenirs along Carrera 9.
Make sure to allot time to hike to the viewpoint and admire the panoramic views of the town nestled amongst the coffee hills. For the best views in town, finish off the day with a sunset view and an americano at Maxti Cafe.
Where to Stay in Filandia
If you do opt to stay in Filandia for the night, here are a few highly recommended accommodations, or browse all options on Booking.com
- Mythos Hostel – Hostel located in a traditional home in downtown Filandia
- Three House Hostel – Comfy hostel with shared and private rooms with included game room
- Hostal Colina la Lluvia – Colorful hostel with shared garden and complimentary breakfast
- El Zocalo Hotel Boutique – Traditional hotel with stunning views, terrace, and onsite suana
Day 5: Calarcá
Start your fifth day with a trip to the Jardín Botánico del Quindío, located just south of the city of Armenia in the town of Calarcá. This garden is home to one of the largest natural collections in the country, including over 180 species of birds and 1,500 species of butterflies.
The garden is open from 8:30AM to 3:30PM daily, offering Spanish tours upon visitor availability and English tours with prior reservation. Tours last around 3 hours and take you through the world of biodiversity present in Colombia’s coffee region.
In the afternoon, grab a bite to eat in the central plaza of Calarcá before heading to Los Chorros de San Rafael. After a short hike from the parking area you’ll encounter a stunning, towering waterfall. It’s a great place to cool off, and brave visitors can even dare to walk behind it!
Did you know? Calarcá is also home to the Yipao festival, one of the best festivals in Colombia!
Where to Stay in Calarcá
Calarcá is located right outside the city of Armenia, so it’s an easy day trip if you’re already staying in the city. However, Calarcá is also home to a number of glamping options for those seeking a little bit of tranquility in the mountains of Quindío. Check out some of the options below, or browse all accommodations on Booking.com
- Glamping Entre Rios – Luxury tents and treehouses with wellness packages available
- Happy Glamping Quindío – Geodesic domes with stunning views of the coffee hills
- Ecohotel Alma – Stunning cabins located in the mountains outside Calarcá
Pijao is a hidden gem in the coffee region, a quiet, colorful town with streets lined with coffee shops and local artisans. Spend the morning snacking on an arepa con queso and admiring the many murals around the town center.
Pijao is also a great jumping off point for hiking, located nearby the Paramo de Chilí, one of the most unique landscapes in Colombia. If you’re up for it, you can hike to the paramo from the central plaza of town, though the hike verges on 30km with major elevation gain, so this is only recommended to expert hikers.
If you want to see the landscape without the hike, you can catch a Jeep Willy from the central plaza of Pijao to take you to the paramo. This is a great way to access this unique landscape without the physical effort.
Nearby Pijao is the town of Buenavista, home to Colombia’s most awarded coffee of San Alberto. Stop by the terrace for a cup of joe, then head down into town to enjoy a cable car ride. Looking for even better views? Buenavista is also a paragliding hub in the region!
Where to Stay in Pijao
Located south of the city of Armenia, Pijao and Buenavista are a nice nature break from the city. If you do opt to stay a few nights, here are a few highly rated options, or browse all accommodation on Booking.com.
- Hostal Casa Victoria – Centrally located hostel with views of central plaza and free breakfast
- Finca El Otoño – Beautiful country home located just outside of Pijao with swimming pool and hot tub
- Soñarte Reserva Natural – Cozy accommodations in traditional home with an on-site restaurant
Day 7: Santa Rosa de Cabal
We’re heading to the city of Pereira for our final day in the coffee region – or rather just outside it! Located 20 minutes north of downtown Pereira is the town of Santa Rosa de Cabal, a quaint paisa-style town covered in colorful murals.
While Santa Rosa de Cabal has charm, its real draw lies just outside the town. Nearby Parque Los Nevados is home to volcanic activity, making the region a hotspot (literally!) for hot springs. The most popular hot springs are Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal, featuring a towering waterfall and numerous different pools to soak in. There’s even an on-site spa if you’re feeling a little bougie.
Nearby Termales San Vicente offer a more natural option, with hot springs nestled amongst the cloud forest. Make sure to stop in town afterwards for some chorizo santarrosano – Colombia’s favorite chorizo, which comes from this area!
As the largest city in the coffee region, Pereira is the perfect place to end your time in the area, with buses to all major cities in the country and domestic and international flights available. Or better yet, extend your trip for a few days and get to know the city – after all, there’s plenty to see and do in Pereira!
The Best Time to Visit Colombia’s Coffee Region
Weather in the Colombian coffee region is mild year-round, generally ranging within the 20°s (70s fahrenheit) and rarely exceeding 30° (85° fahrenheit) However, due to the tropical climate and mountainous terrain, weather can change quickly – bright and sunny one moment, pouring rain the next!
For these reasons, there’s no best time to visit the coffee region – but you do need to come prepared! Proper rain gear is necessary for one week in the Colombian coffee region, as are layers to keep you warm in the changing weather. Sturdy shoes and sun protection are also essential packing items.
Be prepared that with this 1 week Colombia itinerary you may encounter a few days with rainy weather. However, the weather can be indecisive here — so Colombians are used to it!
Continue Your Trip
Want to keep exploring Colombia? There’s plenty more to see nearby the eje cafetero, from the salsa capital of Cali to epic hikes in Parque Nacional Los Nevados. Or if you’re looking for more coffee and hospitality, the nearby city of Medellin is the paisa capital of the country and one of the best backpacker destinations on the planet!
I’m currently on a mission to visit all 32 departments of Colombia, so I’ve explored many different regions of the country and written extensively about all things Colombia. Check out some of my other itineraries around the country, or leave me a message below to start planning your trip!
What to Pack for Colombia
Planning a trip to Colombia? Consider adding some of these essentials to your suitcase for a truly epic trip!
💧 Filtered Water Bottle – Save on the single-use plastic and protect from parasites!
🧥 Heavy-Duty Rain Jacket – For the ever-changing Colombian weather!
🎒 Anti-theft Backpack – Perfect for exploring big cities or trekking in the jungle
🧖♀️ Microfiber Travel Towel – A go-to travel essential anywhere in the world!
🔌 Portable Charger – Keep your phone charged out on the go
🔐 Mini Padlock – Perfect for securing your backpack or locking up your items at the hotel
🔋 Universal Travel Adapter – Charge all your devices anywhere in the world!
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Virginia Taylor (Ginna) is a travel writer and photographer exploring the world until her boots wear through. She’s currently on a mission to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, though she formerly called the Middle East home. Want to know more? Visit the About Page.
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