Day 1 in Armenia - Coffee Zone

Welcome to Armenia! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the downtown area of Armenia, Carrera 14 is a popular pedestrian-only stretch of road, centrally located in the city. Here you will find a variety of coffee shops, cafes, restaurants, and shops that line the street. This is the perfect location to try a hot cup of Colombian coffee and grab some lunch, sit outside and eat while taking in the authentic atmosphere. Strolling along Carrera 14 is a great way to see local art and discover unique shops and items to purchase as souvenirs.

Lucerna is a great place to have lunch, situated just off Carrera 14 close to Parque Bolivar. This popular local restaurant has been around for over 60 years, serving delicious local cuisine, ice cream, and desserts.

After some lunch, check out the Gold Museum or Museo de Quimbaya, a fascinating and free attraction featuring a large display of over 400 gold objects, 104 pottery items, 22 stone sculptures and wood carvings that originate from the Pre-Columbian civilization. The museum offers a children`s library and playrooms as well as guided tours.

Once you are done browsing the museum, take a walk through the beautiful parks in the city. Parque de Los Fundadores or Founders Park is located in the heart of the city filled with manicured lawns and vibrant gardens with a tranquil stream that winds along a stone path. The perfect location for a relaxing stroll, be sure to check out the Tree of Love at the end of the park, the hollow tree was brought to the park from the Valley of Maravelez and legend has it that the bodies of two forbidden lovers were found inside.

Close to Founders Park is the Centro Comerical Unicentro shopping mall if you feel like doing some air-conditioned shopping and grabbing a snack, stop in here and check out the mall.

The Park of Life or Parque de La Vida is right next to Founders Park brimming with green lawns, colorful flowers, playgrounds, waterfalls, and a manmade lake. This park is a spectacular sight to see during the Christmas holidays when it is illuminated at night with thousands of colorful lights and decorations.

As evening time approaches, freshen up and head out to dinner. One of the finest restaurants in the city is La Fogata, the famous restaurant has been around for many years and offers diners a classy decor accompanied by dim lighting and a romantic atmosphere. On the menu are some of the best steaks and seafood around paired with a great selection of wines and decadent desserts, which are the highlight here. If you like soup be sure to try the `vuelve a la vida` a fish soup rumored to be an aphrodisiac.

Day 2 in Armenia - Coffee Zone

Start your day off with a freshly brewed cup of famous Colombian coffee, Cafe Jesus Martin is a local favorite in Armenia serving a great selection of Colombia`s best coffees. Grab a delicious cup of coffee, freshly baked cakes, and pastries.

Today head out on a rafting trip down the Rio de la Vieja, in the town of Quimbaya (Coffee Region). Navigate the river with a slow trip onboard a bamboo raft where you can enjoy the spectacular surrounding scenery and take a swim in the river. Many rafting tours on the river include a peasant lunch and last for up to 5 hours. There is plenty of wildlife to be seen along the river banks including white and blue herons, hawks, parrots, tigers, panthers, and boas.

Whilst in the coffee region take a tour of a finca (plantation).Enjoy an authentic afternoon experience at one of the many coffee farms and learn the coffee making process from bean to blend and the history of coffee along with samples and souvenirs.

If time allows, visit the Quindio Botanical Gardens which are considered one of the best in the country with over 37 acres filled with local plants, palms, ferns, and flowers. Visit the Mariposario (butterfly house, built in the shape of a butterfly) and see over 1,500 butterflies. Take a guided tour of these spectacular grounds and check out the bird watching area and the observation area.

As evening time approaches head into the heart of the city for a delicious Colombian dinner, enjoy outside seating at many of the restaurants found in town offering a relaxed and casual atmosphere.

Day 3 in Armenia - Coffee Zone

Today make your way out to the beautiful Andean town of Salento, sits in the heart of the Coffee Triangle and is the gateway to snow-capped Los Nevados National Park, sprawling coffee farms and hiking in the verdant Valle de Cocora. This quaint and colorful town is great to explore on foot especially around the town square and along Carrera 6, which is the main street.

Visitors will find vibrant colored buildings lining the streets filled with cafes and shops that are worth a visit. From here take a walk up to Alto de la Cruz the popular lookout point in Salento, a quick easy hike up 250 stairs rewards you with breathtaking views which are said to be some of the best in the country. Sit on the swings found at the top and enjoy views over the Cocora Valley and the many mountains of Los Nevados National Park.

After your hike you will have worked up an appetite, choose from one of the authentic local restaurants in town specializing in `trucha` (freshwater trout). This delicious famous local dish is cooked in a variety of ways and served in delicious sauces.

After a delicious and hearty lunch head out to the vibrant Cocora Valley brimming with wax palms that soar up to 200 feet tall throughout the valley. The wax palm is the national symbol of Colombia and can be found all over the valley and in the Los Nevados National Park. We suggest a horseback riding tour through the valley taking in the natural surroundings and stunning topography of the mountains and valleys.

On your journey through the valley stop in at Acaime, the hummingbird house nestled in the woods where visitors can catch a glimpse of these tiny, awesome birds that live on the private reserve.

On your last evening in Armenia, if you have the energy you can climb up the `Mirador` for a spectacular view of the sunset over Salento. For dinner, check out the food truck court, which offers a variety of food trucks serving up all kinds of international cuisine. There is a central open-air seating area to sit and eat.

Stroll along Calle Real the main plaza in town which is a pedestrian-only street that comes alive at night. There are a ton of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and shops found along here where many people come to enjoy an evening stroll. Stop in at one of the local bars or pool halls and even try a game of Tejos, the traditional Colombian game offered at a few bars in Salento.

Additional Days in Armenia - Coffee Zone

If you are able to spend additional days in Armenia be sure to visit the National Coffee Park, a theme park in Quindio offering museums, exhibitions on the history, culture, and process of growing and producing coffee and an amusement park featuring 27 rides.

Take a day trip to Filandia, coffee and plantations are the main draws to this quaint small town which sits 5,250 feet above sea level. The charming village features vibrant colored buildings with Spanish style architecture and breathtaking landscapes with views of the Cauca River Valley.

Your Last Day in Armenia - Coffee Zone

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.