Colombia’s coffee region is known for its picturesque pueblos (towns). This area is known for its unique architecture, characterized by colorfully painted buildings and intricate balconies. Hey – there’s a reason the architecture inspired Encanto!
Most Colombian towns are centered around a Plaza Bolivar, or a central plaza. Usually flanked by colorful, colonial style churches and bustling with food vendors and street performers, there’s a certain charm and energy to the small towns of the region that is sometimes lost in the bigger cities.
So while there’s plenty to see in the coffee region, it’s definitely worth adding a few small towns to your itinerary. Lucky for you, on my journey to explore all 32 departments of Colombia, I’ve visited quite a few small towns in the region and have the top ten can’t-miss towns in Colombia’s coffee region right here.
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Looking to spend more time in Colombia? Check out my full 3-week itinerary!
A Quick Intro to This Guide
Colombia’s coffee region comprises three departments – Quindío, Risaralda, and Caldas. However, certain areas of the department of Antioquia to the north and the department of Valle de Cauca to the south are often associated with Colombia’s coffee region as well.
For the sake of this article, I’ve included towns in all five departments, compromising the entirety of the coffee region. You can check out the map below to see where these towns are located in relation to each other, or check out my weeklong itinerary for the coffee triangle to help you plan your trip!
The Best Towns in Colombia’s Coffee Region
From coffee-centric pueblos to adventure sports to a real life Picasso, there’s plenty to be found in Colombia’s coffee region. Check out my top 10 towns in the region below.
Love the eje cafetero? Check out my weeklong itinerary in the Colombian coffee region!
1. Salento
BEST FOR: Backpackers, foodies, visiting the Cocora Valley
Salento has quickly become the backpacker haven of the coffee region, drawing in thousands of tourists each year with its colorful architecture and number of activities to do — from numerous hikes to nearby coffee experiences. The town also gains appeal as the gateway to the Valle de Cocora – a stunning nearby valley filled with towering Palmas de Cera.
Due to its popularity along the backpacker trail, Salento is one of the best towns to travel to independently in the Coffee Triangle. Hop on a Jeep Willy from the town’s central plaza to one of the numerous nearby coffee farms, or spend the afternoon playing Tejo – the national sport of Colombia!
🏠 Find accommodation in Salento here.
2. Filandia
BEST FOR: Architecture, souvenirs, beautiful views
My favorite town in the coffee triangle, Filandia offers all the colorful charm of Salento but with a more laid-back atmosphere. Grab an arepa de queso from a vendor in the central plaza and spend an afternoon admiring the colorful murals that adorn the town, or settle in for a coffee at El Mirador Del Tiempo Detenido and watch the sunset over the rolling coffee hills.
For those looking for souvenirs, Filandia is also one of the best places in the region to buy local handicrafts. Whether you’re looking for intricate jewelry or locally grown coffee, Filandia offers some of the most variety and best prices in the region. It’s also one of the most quaint places to celebrate Christmas in Colombia!
🏠 Find accommodation in Filandia here.
3. Pijao
BEST FOR: Hiking, unique landscapes, coffee
Pijao is a still-undiscovered gem in the Coffee Triangle, its red church steeple a staple amongst the surrounding coffee farms. The town has a laid-back attitude and is off the typical tourist trail, making it an authentic look into life in the eje cafetero.
The town of Pijao hosts a number of coffee shops selling cafe de origen, or locally grown coffee. Grab a cup at La Floresta and learn about the different coffee processes that define this region.
Pijao is also a great jumping off point for some of the most unique hikes in the region. Located nearby the Paramo de Chilí, spending time in Pijao is one of the best ways to visit this unique landscape. You can hike to the paramo from the town center or hop in a Jeep Willy to the peak to save some energy.
🏠 Find accommodation in Pijao here.
BEST FOR: Epic views, coffee, adventure sports
Buenavista lives into its name of “good view,” hosting some of the most striking views in the entire coffee region. Perched on top of a mountain ridge, visitors will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding coffee farms at every turn.
One of the best places to admire these views is Cafe San Alberto, considered to be one of the best coffee shops in the country. Featuring a terrace with stunning views of the town below, it’s a great place to sample local cafe de origen or enjoy a sweet treat with epic views.
For even more epic views, adrenaline seekers will also love Buenavista – one of the best places to go paragliding in the Coffee Triangle!
🏠 Find accommodation in Buenavista here.
5. Santa Rosa de Cabal
BEST FOR: Hot springs, foodies, chorizo santarrosano
The town of Santa Rosa de Cabal in Risaralda is best known for two things – hot springs and chorizo. The town is the gateway to numerous thermal waters and visitors flock from around the country to enjoy some peace and relaxation at the healing waters nearby.
The most popular hot springs in town are Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal, hosting a towering waterfall and onsite spa, but the nearby Termales San Vicente also offer a more natural, tranquil vibe. Click here to check out my guide to all the best hot springs in the region.
Besides hot springs, Santa Rosa de Cabal is also the birthplace of a Colombian favorite – chorizo santarrosano! This chorizo is known for its healthier properties and delicious taste, and is the perfect after-swim snack to enjoy. Grab one from a street vendor in the central plaza of town and enjoy the colorful murals and colonial architecture of Santa Rosa de Cabal.
🏠 Find accommodation in Santa Rosa de Cabal here.
6. Marsella
BEST FOR: Indigenous history, architecture, adventure
Marsella is often considered the most beautiful town in the department of Risaralda, but is yet to be touched by tourism like nearby Salento or Filandia. The town was also once a Quimbaya village, the local indigenous people of the region, and the history can be felt at every turn.
Thanks to the numerous surrounding coffee farms, Marsella is a great place to sample the diversity of Colombian coffee, as well as indulge in local cuisine like sancocho or bandeja paisa. It’s home to a striking central cathedral and a stunning botanical garden – which even features a zip line for adventure lovers!
🏠 Find accommodation in Marsella here.
7. Salamina
BEST FOR: Heritage architecture, coffee
One of Colombia’s 17 heritage towns, Salamina is one of the most beautiful examples of colonial architecture not just in the coffee region, but in the country! Resting on a ridgeline with views of epic proportions, the town dates back to the 1850s, with many heritage buildings expertly preserved.
The town is often called “La Ciudad Luz” due to the high number of poets, authors, and artists who have come from the town. One of the best places to learn about the history and legacy of the town is at the Casa de la Cultura, a beautifully renovated traditional home located in the center of town.
🏠 Find accommodation in Salamina here.
8. Roldanillo
BEST FOR: Art lovers, adventure sports
Roldanillo is a small town hosting one of Colombia’s most hidden gems – a Picasso!
Housed at the Museo Rayo in the center of town, Picasso is not the only major name to call the town home. The museum also hosts works by Rembrandt, Goya, and many more, alongside over 70 works by masters from around the world. In fact, the collection was declared a Cultural Heritage of the National in 2011.
Besides being an art lover’s paradise, Roldanillo is also home to colorful architecture, great coffee, and a huge paragliding culture. You’re certain to find
Roldanillo is a great day trip if you’re staying in the city of Cali. Check out all my recommended day trips from the salsa city.
🏠 Find accommodation in Roldanillo here.
9. Jardín
BEST FOR: Waterfalls, traditional food, Paisa hospitality
One of the best kept secrets of Antioquia, the pueblo of Jardín is a quintessential look at Paisa life. Streets bustling with poncho-wearing locals and cafes blasting vallenato at full volume, the town is also one of the most beautiful examples of paisa architecture in the country. There’s no wonder it made it onto the list of 17 Heritage Towns of Colombia.
Besides architecture, there’s plenty to explore in this small town. Hop in one of the cable cars and enjoy a view from above, or take a hike to La Cueva del Esplendor – a waterfall hidden inside a cave. You can also take a horseback ride to the waterfall, and visit a coffee farm in the process!
🏠 Find accommodation in Jardín here.
10. Jericó
BEST FOR: Outdoor activities, artisans, religious tourism
Jericó is home to one of the most stunning churches in the country – a towering pink facade alongside the colorful central plaza of town. The town itself is actually an important site of pilgrimage for many religious tourists in the region – Mother Laura, the first saint in Colombia, was actually born here.
Besides beautiful architecture, Jericó is also home to many beautiful natural sites, from Los Balsos Botanical Garden to Parque de Los Nubes. It’s a hotspot of biodiversity in the region and a great place to observe a number of local plants and birds that call the coffee region home.
Jericó is also a great place to observe artisans making carrieles paisa, an expandable bag shaped like an accordion that is typical of the region.
🏠 Find accommodation in Jericó here.
Why Visit Colombia?
Colombia’s coffee region is one of the most extraordinary places in the country, but there’s plenty more to see and do throughout the country. Filled with color, music, and celebrations, there’s truly something in Colombia for everyone. Check out my guides to Colombia’s Caribbean islands of San Andres and Providencia, or explore the colorful colonial city of Cartagena.
Better yet, check out my ongoing list of my favorite thing in every department of Colombia – after all, I’m on a mission to visit all of them!
Did I miss any towns in the Eje Cafetero? Let me know in the comments below!
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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