Day 1 in Pereira - Coffee Zone

Welcome to Pereira, Coffee Zone! 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 city and take a stroll around the city center exploring the pretty plazas and parks. Stop in at a cafe or restaurants and enjoy some lunch, many eateries in the heart of the city offer open-air dining so you can watch the world go by.

The main park and plaza in Pereira are Plaza Bolivar where the large monument of Simon Bolivar on horseback stands. Wander through the park after lunch and check out the quaint shops in this area, the park is a popular gathering place for locals during the daytime and a great spot to hang out in the evening time.

Visit the Pereira Cathedral on the western side of the park, this beautiful Catholic church was built in 1890 and boasts the original brickwork and unique architecture. Be sure to look inside at the intricate wooden artwork that makes up the latticed ceiling, there are over 13,000 pieces of curly cumin wood used to make the spectacular ceiling.

Explore the Pereira Museum of Art featuring four exhibition halls displaying mostly contemporary artwork. There are audiovisual rooms, a movie theater and a library on-site, the theatre shows independent films regularly and the museum is free to enter.

As evening time approaches you can enjoy fantastic scenic views from La Popa hill. Take in the sunset over the sprawling landscapes and valleys below.

Find a nice restaurant around the main avenue of Simon Bolivar and dine on some delicious traditional cuisine. Afterward, you can enjoy Pereira`s nightlife with many bars and clubs in the area that come alive at night.

Day 2 in Pereira - Coffee Zone

Start your day super early with plenty of fresh Colombian Coffee and a trip to Plaza Mercado de La 40. This is the biggest market in the city of Pereira with hundreds of vendors under one roof selling everything from exotic fruits to live animals. Wander the marketplace and try some samples of delicious fresh fruit, vegetables, and pastries.

Head out on a Coffee Tour! This is a fantastic way to experience the Coffee culture and Region of Colombia. The landscapes here are filled with sprawling coffee plantations accompanied by delicious samples of this famous beverage and regional cuisine. Tour the fincas or farms where you can witness the entire coffee producing process from growing to picking and drying! So much goes into making this magical cup of Colombian brew.

Head out to the stunning Cocora Valley in the town of Salento, where the wax palm, Colombia's national tree, grows up to 197 feet in height. This picturesque valley provides many opportunities for time outdoors including walking, biking, and horseback riding.

Set in the heart of the Coffee Triangle is the beautiful Andean town of Salento, which is also the gateway to the snow-capped Los Nevados National Park and hiking in the verdant Valle de Cocora. This quaint town is great to explore on foot, stroll along Carrere 6, the main street in town and stop in at the shops and cafes for some souvenirs and tasty treats.

Take a walk up to Alto de la Cruz which is the breathtaking lookout point in Salento, its a quick hike up 250 steps where you will be rewarded with some of the best views in the country. There are swings at the top where you can sway in peace and take in the beauty of the region.

Once back in the city indulge in the gastronomic delights that Pereira has to offer. The rich climate here is the perfect setting for growing a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are used for cooking local dishes. Some of the local favorites are Sancocho soup made from chicken and beef with vegetables, rice, and sweet plantain. Bandeja Paisa, frijoles beans and rice with avocado, fried egg, sausages, and meat. And Mazamorra for dessert smashed corn with milk and sugar.

If you are in the mood for some cocktails and dancing head to the Circunvalar area which is packed with bars and clubs concentrated in a compact area and popular with a bohemian atmosphere.

Day 3 in Pereira - Coffee Zone

Enjoy some breakfast in Bolivar square, take in the scenic surroundings of Bolivar park with a cup of fresh coffee while people watching as the locals begin their day.

After breakfast, rent a bicycle and pedal around the parks, plaza, and streets of Pereira. This is the most active city in Colombia and on Sundays the city closes down the most important avenues to give way to people riding their bikes, running or simply walking. Check out the open-air gyms found in every neighborhood in Pereira and fit in a great workout for the day. There are many bike rental companies in the city that also offer bike tours with guides that give detailed insight into the culture and destinations of Pereira.

Head to the Botanical gardens for a walk around the stunning 31 acres of verdant lawns, tropical flowers and vibrant plants that fill the grounds of an old coffee plantation.

Check out the Ukumari Biopark, which is a theme park and zoo combined to cover over 100 acres of land just outside of the city. This is a great family day out where animals roam free in natural environments representing different continents. The park is filled with exciting activities and adventures including food and accommodations on site.

If you are a soccer fan take in a game at the Hernan Ramirez Villages Stadium where the `Deportivo Pereira` play and can accommodate 30,000 spectators. The stadium also hosts a skating area, Olympic swimming pool, and a motocross track.

Spend your last evening in Pereira enjoying a delicious meal at a wide range of restaurants that serve Colombian, Mexican, Italian and German cuisine.

Then take a trip to the Theater to enjoy a show, there are concerts, operas, and symphonic music.

Additional Days in Pereira - Coffee Zone

If you are able to spend additional days in Pereira visit during the popular Fiesta de la Cosecha `Harvest Festival` which is celebrated on the anniversary of the founding of the city.

Visit the National Coffee Park, a coffee theme park 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.

A journey between seven and nine hours northeast from Pereira is required to get to Los Nevados National Natural Park. In this 58,300 hectare reserve, you can enjoy activities such as biking and ice and rock climbing. Some birds that inhabit the park are the moor hummingbird (endemic to the region), the crested eagle, Andean duck, red partridge, and condor.

Your Last Day in Pereira - 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.