Colombia’s coffee region is without a doubt my favorite part of the country. Whether you’re looking to hike high into the mountains or simply admire the sunrise with a cup of coffee in hand, there’s no better place (or coffee) than the eje cafetero. Add in mild weather, paisa hospitality, and los siete verdes, and need I say more?
Now I live here, so you can call me biased all you want, but there’s a reason we chose to put down roots amongst the coffee fincas of Quindío. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need to know to plan your own trip to Colombia’s coffee region. And hey, if I don’t have you convinced by the end of this article, coffee’s on me. Deal?
This site uses affiliate links to share products that I use and love! If you click on one of the links I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps keep my site up and running — thank you!
Colombia Quick Links
✈️ Flights – Use Kiwi.com or WayAway to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Colombia
🛏️ Accommodation – Find the best places to stay throughout Colombia on Booking.com
✅ Get Insured – I personally use Safety Wing Nomad Insurance for my travels all around the world! VisitorsCoverage is another great option.
🚗 Rent a Car – Find the best deals for a Georgia road trip on RentalCars.com
🗺️ Find Things to Do – Check out Get Your Guide or Viator for exciting adventures all around Georgia
☎ Buy a Sim – Airalo offers eSIMS for over 200 countries and regions
Looking to spend more time in Colombia? Check out my full 3-week itinerary!
What is the Coffee Region of Colombia?
Colombia’s coffee axis, or eje cafetero, is located in the center of the country, usually referring to the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío. The region is situated deep in the Andes Mountains, specifically in the Cordillera Occidental, and is home to fertile, volcanic soil perfect for growing coffee.
While the three aforementioned departments encompass the heart of the coffee region, coffee culture is also highly present in the surrounding regions of Valle de Cauca, Tolima, and southern Antioquia. As such, the coffee region is at the heart of paisa culture, a socio-anthropological term used to refer to residents of the region. Paisa culture is built around coffee – not to mention some of the most hospitable people and delicious food you’ll find in the country!
Where to Stay in Colombia’s Coffee Region
If you want to experience the very best of Colombia’s coffee region, I highly recommend basing yourself in the department of Quindío.
While nearby Pereira, the capital of the department of Risaralda, is the largest city in the region, Quindío is home to the largest amount of tourist infrastructure. Quindio’s town of Salento has quickly become the backpacker haven of the region, and its capital city of Armenia is a short drive from many attractions around the eje cafetero.
If you have time, I highly recommend visiting a number of stops throughout the coffee region to see the diversity of the area. If you’re coming from Medellín or Bogotá, you’ll pass through all the major cities of the coffee region – Manizales, capital of Caldas, Pereira, capital of Risaralda, and Armenia, capital of Quindío. Here is some recommended lodging in each city.
Where to Stay in Quindío
ARMENIA – Capital city of Quindío, best for shopping, food, and transportation | Search lodging in Armenia
SALENTO – Best for backpackers, foodies, visiting the Cocora Valley | Search lodging in Salento
FILANDIA – Best for architecture, souvenirs, beautiful views | Search for lodging in Filandia
Where to Stay in Risaralda
PEREIRA – Capital city of Risaralda, best for shopping, food, transportation | Search for lodging in Pereira
SANTA ROSA DE CABAL – Best for hot springs, foodies, nature | Search for lodging in Santa Rosa de Cabal
MARSELLA – Best for indigenous history, botanical gardens, traditional food | Search for lodging in Marsella
Where to Stay in Caldas
MANIZALES – Capital city of Caldas, best for shopping, food, architecture | Search for lodging in Manizales
MANZANARES – Best for architecture, aguardiente | Search for lodging in Manzanares
SALAMINA – Best for coffee, architecture, beautiful views | Search for lodging in Salamina
The Ultimate Guide to Colombia’s Coffee Region
Wherever you’ve decided to base yourself in the Colombian coffee region, there’s plenty to do and see! Here are some of the top things to do in the eje cafetero.
In the map above, I’ve marked some of the best places to visit, eat, and explore throughout the Coffee Triangle. Click on any pin to learn more about it, or keep reading to hear all my recommendations for the Eje Cafetero!
Loving the coffee region? Check out my weeklong itinerary in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle!
Top Things to Do in the Coffee Region of Colombia
Take a Coffee Tour | Coffee production is the heart and soul of the Colombian coffee region, and many fincas open their doors to visitors to better understand the process behind every cup of cafe colombiano. You’ll get to experience every step of the process – from growing the coffee plants to roasting the beans to finally tasting the finished product. Check out this guide to the best coffee tours throughout the region.
Drink Lots of Coffee | You have to drink some Colombian coffee while visiting the eje cafetero. Many coffee shops throughout the region offer information about the different coffee processes, so you can learn about the unique methods used to brew Colombian coffee while enjoying a cup. Look for a coffee shop advertising “cafe de origen” – this means they grow their own coffee and can explain the process, or check out my guide to the best coffee shops in Quindío.
Take a Chocolate Tour | Coffee isn’t the only product produced in the eje cafetero, it’s also a major producer of cacao. There are plenty of fincas around the region that offers chocolate tours where visitors can learn the entire process, as well as produce (and taste!) their own chocolate. My personal favorite is Finca El Turpial outside of Pereira.
Visit a Hot Spring | Thanks to the nearby volcanic activity in Parque Nacional Los Nevados, the eje cafetero is a hot spot (literally!) for hot springs. From naturally occurring pools to relaxing resorts, there’s no better way to spend a chilly mountain day than soaking in a hot spring. The most popular termales are those at Santa Rosa de Cabal, but there are plenty to check out throughout the region.
Hike in Parque Nacional Los Nevados | Parque Nacional Los Nevados actually spans all three departments of the coffee region and is home to three volcanoes, numerous glaciers, and paramo landscapes – a unique terrain found above the treeline, but below the snowline and spotted with frailejones. There is a lot to see within the park, so it’s a great place to spend a few days camping and hiking. Montañas Colombianas is a reputable company that leads tours throughout the park as well as provides the necessary gear for trekking.
Visit Nearby Towns | Colombia’s coffee region is known for its picturesque pueblos (towns) and there are plenty worth visiting throughout the region! This region is known for unique architecture, defined by colorful buildings with intricate balconies – think Encanto come to life. Check out my guide to the best pueblos in Colombia’s coffee region to help plan your trip.
Explore a Museum | The eje cafetero is the indigenous homeland of the Quimbaya people, and many museums around the region are dedicated to preserving and sharing this culture. Some of the best are El Museo del Oro Quimbaya in Armenia and Centro Museo Universidad de Caldas.
Best Places to Visit in the Colombian Coffee Region
The Valle de Cocora | Perhaps the most unique landscape in Colombia’s coffee region, the Valle de Cocora, or Cocora Valley, is home to the largest concentration of Palmas de Cera in the country – Colombia’s towering national tree, which can grow up to heights of 60 meters. There’s plenty to do in the Cocora Valley, from hiking to horseback riding to countless photo opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a laid back adventure or an all-day hike, there’s something for everyone – it’s actually my favorite thing in the department of Quindío!
Otún Quimbaya | This sanctuary of flora and fauna is home to nearly 500 hectares of protected land, home to a diverse number of species. It’s one of the best places to spot birds in the area, as well as home to red howler monkeys. Tours are offered Monday-Friday at 10:30AM and on weekends at 10:30AM and 2PM. Prior reservation is required.
Jardín Botánico del Quindío | One of the most extensive botanical gardens in the region, the Jardín Botánico del Quindío is home to the largest collection of native palms in Colombia, as well as a butterfly house, a bird watching aviary, and so much more. Tours are offered hourly in Spanish, or in English with prior reservation.
Recinto del Pensamiento | A beautiful ecopark located just outside of Manizales, Recinto del Pensamiento is one of the best places for birdwatching in the region. Home to numerous hiking trails through the cloud forest, it’s a tranquil place to spend an afternoon outside the city, or even camp overnight to make the most of what the park has to offer.
Santa Rita la Cascada | This nature reserve outside of Salento is home to numerous hiking trails, waterfalls, and bird species, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon or enjoy a quick swim. There’s even a designated camping space, so it’s a great place to spend a night if you have the time. Keep your eye out in the evening for the numerous fireflies that call this area home.
Foods to Eat in the Coffee Region of Colombia
Bandeja Paisa | Literally translating to the “paisa platter,” this dish contains all the elements that define the Colombian coffee region. We’re talking chicharron (fried pork belly), avocado, lentils, rice, chorizo, plantains, beans, and ground beef, usually topped with a fried egg and an arepa. It’s all the flavors of the eje cafetero in one bite!
Trucha | The streams in the eje cafetero are home to the rainbow trout, which is eaten in a number of varieties. Try it fried, grilled, or bathed in garlic, served on top of a crispy patacón – a deep fried plantain.
Sancocho | The “comfort food of Colombia,” this savory soup is often made with potatoes, yuca, and banana, soaked in a meaty or fishy broth. Topped with a generous portion of cilantro, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy on a rainy day (or as the Colombians do, any day!)
Aguapanela | Made with fresh sugarcane (panela) mixed with water, this drink is served hot, cold, mixed with lime, you name it! Make sure to try aguapanela con queso, warm aguapanela served alongside a hunk of queso campesino.
Chorizo Santarrosano | The most famous chorizo in Colombia hails from a small town in Risaralda! If you’re visiting the termales near Santa Rosa de Cabal, make sure to stop in town for some chorizo santarrosano – delicious pork sausage flavored with unique flavors like grapefruit, lemon, and oregano.
Aguardiente Amarillo | A unique version of Colombia’s national drink, hailing from the Caldas pueblo of Manzanares. This liquor is distilled from molasses, honey, and cane sugar, giving it a distinctly sweet flavor, but the process of aguardiente amarillo is done by hand, meaning the drink doesn’t reach 100% purity and has a smoother, fuller-bodied flavor.
Adrenaline Activities in the Colombian Coffee Region
Parque del Cafe | This park is an adrenaline lover’s dream – a coffee-themed theme park located right in the middle of the eje cafetero. Located amongst the rolling coffee hills of the region it’s also home to over 35 rides – including the longest roller coaster in Colombia! The park also offers a daily show, showcasing traditional dances and telling the story of the region. The park is open from 9AM to 6PM daily, with last admittance at 2PM. You can purchase tickets to Parque del Cafe on their website.
Go Paragliding | Paragliding is one of the most popular activities throughout the Colombian coffee region, inviting visitors to soar over rolling hills and coffee farms. There are multiple places to participate in the sport throughout the region, so you can find opportunities from wherever you’re based. Here are my top recommendations in Quindio, Risaralda, and Caldas.
Recommended Reading: The Best Things to do in Cali, Colombia – The Salsa Capital of the World!
Festivals in the Colombian Coffee Region
Manizales Fair | Often considered the best fair in South America, this event takes place every January in the city of Manizales. The fair is host to numerous events, including a tango festival, bullfights, and the election of the “coffee queen.”
Devil’s Carnival | Taking place on odd years in January in the small Caldas town of Riosucio, this festival is aimed to ward off sadness. The festival is characterized by many people who dress up as the devil, though food, dance, and parades are also a central part of the celebrations.
Yipao | Usually held in October in the city of Armenia, this festival celebrates the traditional transportation of the eje cafetero, the Jeep Willy. Parades are held featuring numerous decorated Willys, traditional dances, and more.
Concurso Nacional de Velas y Faroles | The town of Quimbaya in Quindío is known for having one of the best Noche de las Velas, or “night of candles,” in the country. The event takes place on the night of December 7th, when thousands of colorful candles and lanterns light up the town representing the beginning of the Christmas season.
Weather in the Colombian Coffee Region
Weather in Colombia’s coffee region can be warm and sunny one moment, pouring rain the next! Due to the changing elevation and tropical climate of the region, it’s not uncommon to experience a number of weather phenomena in the span of one day.
Temperatures throughout the coffee region usually range around 20-25 degrees celsius (70s fahrenheit) and rarely go higher than 30 degrees (85 degrees fahrenheit). However, regardless of temperature, rain showers are common and often unexpected, so don’t forget your rain jacket!
Of course, if you plan to hike one of the nevados (glaciers) in the region, you’ll encounter freezing temperatures and need specialized clothing. Many tour companies provide specialized gear for extreme hikes, so make sure to ask ahead what is provided on a tour.
What to Pack for a Trip to Colombia’s Coffee Region
Thanks to the constantly changing weather of the coffee region, it’s important to have a variety of gear and clothing on hand. Here are a few of my top recommendations.
Layers | Thanks to the varied altitudes and constantly changing weather, the most important thing you can pack for the eje cafetero is layers. I recommend wearing lightweight under layers and packing a sweater or jacket for the cooler evenings.
Rain Gear | Rain can happen at a moment’s notice, so having proper rain gear is essential. I recommend a sturdy rain jacket as well as an umbrella. You also might want to consider waterproof shoes or foot covers for mud.
Sturdy Shoes | Sturdy sneakers are a must for exploring the eje cafetero, preferably waterproof! For longer hikes, you may want to consider a pair of hiking boots with good ankle support.
Sun Protection | You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors, so proper sun protection is essential. Remember to pack your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for outdoor activities in the eje cafetero.
Why Visit the Coffee Region of Colombia?
There are countless reasons to visit Colombia’s Coffee Triangle – delicious coffee, friendly people, stunning landscapes just to name a few.
Whatever draws you in the most, it’s certainly one of the most unique areas of the country, a defining region of Colombia that has made an impact worldwide. It’s also an extraordinary example of the biodiversity of the country, from the birds to the landscapes to the food.
Whether you’re a coffee lover or not, there’s plenty to discover amongst the rolling hills of the eje cafetero. So grab a cup of joe, go watch Encanto, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
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!
Love stories? Subscribe to my newsletter to get my latest updates delivered straight to your inbox every month. One email a month + no spam? Sign me up!
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.
Pingback: 10 Can’t-Miss Towns in the Colombian Coffee Region - Broken Boots Travel
I don’t drink multiple cups of coffee a day, but I do love a good cup – the whole thing from grinding and smelling to tasting. Friends call us coffee snobs and my husband has become a bit of an amateur barista! I am so envious of your fabulous journey through Colombian coffee.
Colombia has some of my favorite coffee! Would love to visit this coffee region some day, I’ve only been to Cartagena in Colombia and want to go back.
There’s so much to see in Colombia! I’m actually trying to visit all the departments of Colombia at the moment, there’s so much more than I ever expected! https://brokenbootstravel.com/32-depts-of-colombia
Aromatic post – I could smell the coffee reading your post 🙂 My day doesn’t start without drinking coffee (I am from coffee growing region of India). So loved this story on Columbian coffee. And festival pictures are the best 🙂
That’s so cool! Colombia has officially turned me into a coffee lover, I’d love to travel and see the Indian coffee region some day!
What a fascinating guide to coffee farms. I need a cup of Java after reading it.
Insightful post! I have visited coffee estates several times, and the guided tours are helpful. Also, I like the off-white shirt you wearing in the last photo.
Thank you so much! It has unfortunately since suffered a tragic fate — it literally ripped in half while traveling in the north of Colombia!
Wonderful insights into the coffee production in Columbia!
I love coffee! These pictures are stunning. Great post!
Loving my coffee as I do, I would love to visit and discover where much of my coffee comes from.
I used to live in Colombia for work but I never got the chance to visit the Eje Cafetero unfortunately! I love love love colombian coffee and people that say they can’t taste the difference clearly haven’t tried the proper stuff. This post and your photos really makes me want to return back to Colombia (as a visitor). I’m planning a trip back next year hopefully so definitely saving this for planning 🙂 I can’t wait!
The eje cafetero is AMAZING, you have to include it next time you’re here visiting! I’m actually trying to exvisit all 32 departments at the moment and am absolutely amazed by the diversity of Colombia, there’s so much to see and do! I hope you enjoy your travels back to Colombia! <3
Amazing to visit coffee fields in Colombia, so picturesque the hills around
and it’s also the choco tour that is a lot to learn from..
Pingback: The Best Coffee Tours in Salento, Colombia - Broken Boots Travel
Pingback: The Best Things to do in Salento, Colombia - Broken Boots Travel
Pingback: 1 Week Colombia Itinerary: Exploring the Coffee Region - Broken Boots Travel
Pingback: Colombia Itinerary: The Ultimate 3-Week Guide - Broken Boots Travel