Discovering the wonderful Coffee Region in the surroundings of Manizales
In the last times Colombia has experienced a tremendous tourist boom , and it would be strange if it were otherwise, because this South American country has unique landscapes and corners as is the case with Cartagena de Indias and its fabulous walled city, the translucent waters that bathe the coasts of Rosario, Barú or San Andrés Islands and of course the color Guatape town.
Although the list would only continue, this time we will not talk about the classics -and extraordinary Colombian destinations –, but we will discover the lands that make this country one of the most significant coffee producers in the entire world, and which, by the way, are quite beautiful: welcome to the Coffee Region.
Declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 2011, the Coffee Cultural Landscape located between Medellin and Cali extends through the departments of Quindío, Caldas and Risaralda , with their respective capitals: Armenia, Manizales and Pereira.
Welcome to the Coffee Region
This area proposes a journey through the senses, immersing ourselves in coffee theme parks , succumbing to the colorful architecture of its towns or losing ourselves to the imposing Cocora Valley , but let the feat begin in one of its main cities.
ARMENIA
Founded on October 14, 1889, at first they had thought of awarding it the name of “Villa Holguin” , although the settlers who inhabited it felt that it was not appropriate, and so they opted for Armenia.
In this cozy city, the green panoramas stand out, in an environment surrounded by coffee farms , rural areas and an irresistible light arabica coffee aroma , which Colombia boasts of being the first producer Worldwide.
Undoubtedly, one of the must-sees in the historic center is the Plaza Bolivar , a place that brings together Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception , the monument to the effort and the building of the Government of Quindío. Besides of Quimbaya Gold Museum , which allows to know the gold work of the Colombian indigenous peoples.
Armenia is surrounded by coffee farms
Another essential is the National Coffee Park , a thematic site designed to explore the history and production of coffee. Here it is possible to get on more than a dozen mechanical and cultural attractions , as well as witness fun shows.
In the outskirts lies one of the most beautiful walks: the Quindío Botanical Garden . It opened its doors in 2000, and since then it has one of the most extensive collections of butterflies in all of Colombia , 1500 of 30 species native to the region. In addition, he is responsible for practicing ecotourism in the zone.
SALENTO
25 kilometers from Armenia one of the most colorful towns comes to life, after Guatapé, of course, and it is the unusual Salento, where they combine colonial homes , exuberant tones and beautiful flowers that decorate the streets in one of the oldest regions.
Here you have to walk along the main street, baptized as Calle Real or Carrera 6, to soak up the beauty of the place, you will surely find tourists everywhere since it is full of bars, restaurants and craft shops.
And at the end of the passage, after ascending some stairs, they will run into the High Cross Viewpoint , from where they will appreciate the imposing Cocora Valley . An alternative? The viewpoint of Salento.
Salento combines colonial homes and lush hues
Although it is a small town, you should not leave it without first entering a coffee farm and one of the most outstanding recommendations is Sundown . Located 5 kilometers from the main square of Salento , and 16 from Valle del Cocora, offers traditional and premium tours that invite you to visit the plantations, collect, observe the production and visit the coffee cellars.
Also, The Memory, Finca de Don Elias or Las Acacias They are more than suggestive options to get closer to the Colombian culture.
COCORA VALLEY
From Salento it is possible to reach the heart of the Coffee Region in Willlys , some old jeeps that depart every morning towards the wonderful surroundings of the majestic Cocora Valley.
an oasis of nature that promises to lift you up to the clouds, while the landscape dissipates between thick mists and with Wax palms that reach 60 meters in height ; and views that dazzle in the distance.
It has infinite walking trails to explore its interior, on foot, by bicycle, on horseback or for those who feel a certain predilection for adventure, why not do it paragliding?
The Cocora Valley is an oasis with imposing Wax Palms
The typical gastronomy that should not be omitted for anything in the world is the trout, the sweaty mountaineer, the sancocho , the paisa tray and the suckling pig a la Cocora.
FILAND
taking up the route Pereira - Armenia , the same one that takes us from Armenia to Salento, and to the west rests Filandia, a town that is characterized by having the mythical colonization architecture and magical cafes of the flagship drink of the region without an excessive tourist crowd.
However, before entering the town we have to contemplate the Quindío Illuminated Hill Viewpoint , with a 360° panoramic view of the different coffee towns, especially on clear days.
Among the main attractions is the Stopped Time Street , endowed with amusing dwellings, the Mary Immaculate Temple with its picturesque architecture, and the Central Park of Filandia, the main destination in this area.
The crafts reach their peak in the San Jose neighborhood , where traditional basketwork lies, and the Craftsman's House hides a photographic archive that takes us back to the beginning of the town's history.
The Mary Immaculate Temple in Filandia
MANIZALES
To the north rests the capital of the department of Caldas , and among the reasons that invite us to visit it is the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary , a 113 meter high Gothic and Byzantine style construction, as well as the San Esteban Cemetery , which dates back to 1922 and turns out to be one of the busiest places in Manizales.
Separate chapter for Los Nevados National Natural Park , with mountain views that are lost in the volcanic complex formed by the Valley of the Tombs , Andean forests and rivers that descend from the snowy peaks. It is mandatory enter with a certified guide through the park and organize the visit in advance.
The entrance to the National Park lies in Saint Rose of Cabal , a site with two hot springs complexes: Santa Rosa de Caba and the San Vicente Thermal Reserve; Y lively nightlife during the weekends. Here you can take the opportunity to taste its famous dish, the Santarosano chorizo.
As we have done repeatedly, sometimes it is necessary broaden the horizon , and direct our adventure to an "unknown" area, to be conquered by a parallel universe, made up of extravagant natural landscapes , vestiges of the colonial past and the indisputable friendliness of the colombian people.
Panoramic view of Manizales in Caldas