Discover Colombia’s Coffee Triangle

Few morning routines are complete without a vitalizing cup of coffee. If you’re a fan of mild, well-balanced beans, there’s a good chance the cup you’re drinking is Colombian coffee, produced in the country’s Coffee Triangle, also known as the Coffee Zone or Coffee Belt.

Tucked at the western end of the Andes Mountains, Colombia’s Coffee Triangle is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and a Unesco-designated World Heritage Site.

The region produces the most arabica beans globally and has the third-highest coffee production after Brazil and Vietnam. Historically, most of Colombia’s coffee has been exported; however, a growing appreciation among Colombia’s millennial population, coupled with an increase in domestic coffee tourism, has led to more coffee shops and plantation tours being offered throughout the region.

Colombia’s Coffee Triangle is also home to some of the country’s most magnificent interior landscapes, minus the crowds one might find in bigger cities like Medellin or Cartagena. The region consists of three departments: Quindio, Risaralda, and Caldas, where the majority of the country’s coffee is produced.

Nestled within these departments are small towns where, despite the added dose of caffeine, life moves at a slower pace. There’s even a National Coffee theme park, complete with amusement rides, a coffee garden, coffee-themed food and drink, a museum detailing the history of coffee production, and two gondola lifts that offer views of the coffee plantations below.

If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, it’s worth departing from the popular tourist track to explore these coffee capitals.

Salento

Tucked behind verdant mountains less than an hour’s drive from Quindio’s capital, Armenia, Salento is the most popular stop along Colombia’s coffee corridor. As one of the oldest towns in Quindio, Salento flaunts colorful Spanish architecture and a cobblestone central plaza where jeeps arrive every twenty minutes to take adventurous travelers to the nearby Cocora Valley.

The palms in Cocora Valley are the tallest in the world and one of the reasons why Salento has emerged as a favorite coffee capital in the South American country. Coffee plantation tours, horseback rides, and local hikes also attract tourists to this destination. Plan your trip during the week if you want to avoid the crowds.

Manizales

Located at the northern edge of Colombia’s Eje Cafetero, or coffee axis, Manizales is the mid-sized capital of the Caldas department. Bordered by mountains on all sides, Manizales promotes ample nature activities and a growing nightlife scene. Travelers can book accommodations on coffee farms, go bird-watching in nearby cloud forests, or take in the picturesque valley on a cable car ride.

In the first week of January, the town hosts its annual Feria de Manizales, inspired by both Spanish and Colombian traditions. Celebrations include parades, live music, traditional dances, food, and the often controversial sport of bullfighting.

Pijao

Often bypassed by travelers, the humble town of Pijao is tucked within the Quindio department. Only 19km outside of Armenia, Pijao embodies a unique culture that embraces the slow travel movement. This approach encourages travelers to savor local cultures and take their time exploring.

Pijao is frequently described as a smaller, calmer Salento, though the town has its own attractions to mesmerize visitors. In addition to coffee farm tours, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate hiking local waterfalls and rafting on the nearby Rio de la Vieja. Consider visiting Pijao in September to sample local flavors at their Coffee, Food, and Cultural Festival.

Calarcá

Located just outside of Armenia is the charming town of Calarcá, a growing hotspot for ecotourism. Local cliffs provide opportunities for rock climbing and rappelling, alongside stunning waterfall hikes. Be sure to visit the nearby botanical garden and butterfly farm, which is home to 1,200 species of butterflies native to Colombia.

Every year, Calarcá hosts a National Coffee Festival, where tourists can taste different beans and enjoy a Yipao parade, celebrating the Jeeps (or Willys) that farmers rely on for transportation. ‘Yipao’ refers to a fully-loaded Willy, and during the parade, locals pile their possessions before driving them down the main streets. The festival typically takes place in June or July.

Fillandia

If neighboring Salento proves too crowded for your taste, consider heading to Fillandia for a similar experience without the throngs of tourists. The town’s lookout offers picturesque scenery of the Cauca River Valley, with views of Pereira and Armenia on a clear day. This tranquil village houses Helena Adentro, one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the Coffee Triangle, offering a menu that changes with the seasons.

Jeep rides to Cocora Valley are a popular excursion from Fillandia, or you may rent a bike for a self-guided tour of the local coffee plantations that stretch for miles. Don’t forget to ask locals about the rumored double waterfall; although it sits on private land, the owners often share it with passing tourists.