Tourism

Around Pereira
Around Colombia

  • Salento

    The beautiful, colorful town that inspired Disney’s Encanto is famous for its coffee culture, and is home to cute shops, rainbow-colored streets, and traditional architecture. Great to pair a visit to Salento with an excursion to a coffee plantation or into the Cocora Valley.

  • Cocora Valley

    A must-visit! One of the most mesmerizing landscapes in the country. It’s home to the world’s tallest palm trees (Colombia’s national trees). For our outdoorsy friends, there’s incredible hikes (full-day, half-day, 2-hour) in Cocora. For those who don’t want to break too much of a sweat, there are also shorter walks and family friendly activities.

  • Termales de Santa Rosa

    Lovely hot springs a 45-min drive from Pereira. Great for a half-day visit or if you want to stay the night.

  • Parque del Cafe

    Great option for parents traveling with kids. It’s an amusement park dedicated to coffee with thematic rides, roller coasters, shows, games, and water attractions. There’s an interactive coffee museum, trails through forested landscapes, and horseback rides.

  • Filandia

    Think of Filandia as Salento’s older, lower-key sibling. Also beautiful but with a more laid-back vibe and some of our favorite restaurants in the “eje”: Helena Adentro and Mirum.

  • Biopark Ukumari

    Families may want to check out this huge nature complex right in Pereira featuring nature museums, a zoo and aquarium, and interactive games.

  • Eco-Hotels

    If you want to relax at a beautiful hotel, here are our favorites in the region:

    Hotel Casa Tuirak

    Sazagua Cocora

    Bio Habitat Hotel

    El Nido del Cóndor

  • Cartagena

    Colombia’s largest tourist hub. Cartagena is a colonial gem with its walled city, cobblestone streets, and rich history. Outside the walled city, you can also find vibrant neighborhoods, like Getsamani, home of some of the city's best restaurants and bars. 

    And if you are looking for beaches, we recommend hopping on a boat to Islas del Rosario / Baru for Caribbean white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.

    Cartagena Recommendations 

    Do: Castillo de San Felipe, “Islas” day trip, Getsemani, Serrezuela

    Stay: Historic center neighborhood

    Eat: Celele, Alquimico, Candé, Mar y Zielo

  • Medellin

    Although within driving distance (4.5 hours), we encourage you to fly instead. Medellin is famous for its mild weather, food scene, and buzzing nightlife. In the outskirts of Medellin you can also find one of Colombia’s most picturesque spots, the Peñón de Guatapé. 

    Medellin Recommendations 

    Do: Comuna 13, Museo de Antioquia, Botanical gardens 

    Stay: Poblado neighborhood

    Eat: Bandeja Paisa (dish)

  • Bogotá

    Colombia’s bustling capital is home to historical landmarks and an incredible food scene. Fun fact: Although Hugo is Brazilian, he lived and worked in Bogota for 1.5 years, so if you hear a subtle “rolo” accent in his broken Spanish, this is why.

    Bogotá Recommendations:

    Do: Cerro de Monserrate, Gold Museum, Botero Museum, Chia

    Stay: Zona Rosa neighborhood

    Eat: “El Chato” and “Leo” were recently named the 3rd and 10th best restaurants in Latin America

  • Parque Tayrona & Santa Marta

    Santa Marta is the oldest surviving city in Colombia and one of the first cities established by the Spanish in South America. Fun fact: Simon Bolivar — who liberated much of Latin America from Spanish rule — is buried here. If you’re feeling adventurous, head to one of Andrea and Hugo’s favorite places in Colombia: Tayrona National Park. Think lush jungles, pristine beaches, and eco-lodges nestled in nature — we loved Senda Watapuy and Senda Koguiwa.