Colombia's Capital, Coffee Triangle & Colonial Towns: Bogotá & Pereira - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bogotá, Explore the Colombian Capital 

Welcome to Bogotá, the vibrant capital of Colombia! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and freshen up. When you're ready, venture out to explore the city at your own pace. A good place to start is La Candelaria, the historic district, for a leisurely walk among the charming colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and cobbled streets. Pass landmarks like Casa de Nariño (the president's official residence) and Iglesia de San Francisco (a historic church dating back to the 16th century).

Continue to Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar, one of the largest green spaces in the city at 970 acres (392 ha). Stroll along the tree-lined pathways past lush gardens, expansive lawns, and serene lakes perfect for boating. In the evening, make your way to Zona G, also known as the "Gourmet Zone," for its upscale restaurants and diverse international cuisines. If you want a more low-key dinner, visit a local restaurant in La Candelaria to try authentic Colombian dishes like ajiaco (soup made with chicken, potatoes, and corn) or arepas (cornmeal cakes stuffed or topped with cheese, meat, or avocado).

Day 2: Bogotá Fruit Market & Walking Tour, Cable Car Up Cerro Monserrate 

You may want to skip breakfast this morning as your day starts with a delicious tasting tour of Bogotá's Paloquemao Market. Learn about the history of the market and meet local vendors as you peruse the array of tropical delights. Taste 15 different fruits, such as mangosteen, granadilla, lulo, and uchuva, each with its own distinct flavor and texture. You'll also enjoy three shots of fresh juice and some delicious Colombian snacks to tide you over as you head to your next tour, which starts in the city's main square of Plaza de Bolívar.

Discover landmarks like the Capitolio Nacional (the seat of the Colombian Congress) and the Catedral Primada de Colombia (an early 19th-century cathedral known for its neoclassical architecture featuring towering columns and intricate details). Continue to the Museo del Oro, home to one of the world's largest collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts. Then, end the walking tour at the Museo Botero, dedicated to Fernando Botero, one of Colombia's most celebrated artists. Wander through the spacious galleries for a close-up look at his paintings, sculptures, and sketches. 
 

End the day with a scenic cable car ride up Cerro Monserrate, an iconic mountain that rises 10,170 feet (3,100 m) above sea level. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of the city sprawling beneath you and the surrounding Andes mountains. You'll also find a charming plaza with restaurants and souvenir shops, as well as the Monserrate Sanctuary, which houses a statue of Señor Caído, a revered religious figure that attracts thousands of worshippers each year. If you're visiting during the high season and queues for the cable car are too long, your guide will arrange an alternate activity.

Day 3: Fly to Pereira, Visit the Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal

Trade the capital for Colombia's lush coffee region as you head to the airport for a one-hour flight to Pereira, a lively city known for its surrounding mountains, verdant coffee plantations, and charming rural villages. Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer to your hotel to check in and change into your bathing suit before transferring 30 minutes to the Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal. When you arrive, unwind in the natural thermal springs renowned for their therapeutic properties. Enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and nearby waterfall as you spend the rest of the day relaxing. 

Day 4: Full-Day Tour of the Valle de Cocora & Salento

Spend your day exploring the lush Valle de Cocora, just one hour outside Pereira in the heart of the Zona Cafetera, also known as Colombia's "Coffee Triangle." This triangle encompasses the departments of Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda, and its lush, mountainous terrain, ideal climate, and rich volcanic soil contribute to the region's exceptional coffee. Learn about the country's coffee culture as you walk under the region's iconic wax palms (the tallest palm trees in the world), then ascend into the valley's cloud forests, where the air is cooler and misty.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then head to a coffee farm to learn about the meticulous process of growing high-quality coffee. Watch each stage of the process, including drying, milling, and roasting, and discover how each step influences the flavor profile. Then, try a freshly brewed coffee and savor the rich, complex flavors. End the day with a leisurely stroll through the charming town of Salento to discover its colorful colonial-style buildings. Walk along Calle Real (Royal Street), lined with picturesque houses, shops, and restaurants, before transferring back to Pereira.

Day 5: Horseback Riding at Hacienda el Palomar, Visit Parque del Café

Explore more of the Zona Cafetera today on horseback as you transfer 15 minutes to Hacienda el Palomar, a large estate with a backdrop of rolling green hills, vast coffee plantations, and stunning mountain vistas. Meet a local cowboy and your horse for the day, then start your journey through Valle de Risaralda, passing charming rural farms and quaint villages. Enjoy views of the lush Valle del Cauca in the neighboring department of Quindío along the way. After the 2-3-hour ride, transfer one hour to Parque del Café, a 237-acre (96 ha) theme park centered around the country's rich coffee traditions. 

Spend the rest of the day learning about coffee through interactive exhibits, a tour of the park's coffee plantation, or a visit to the on-site Coffee Museum. You'll also find plenty of rides and attractions, including rollercoasters and a cable car that provides an aerial view of the park. Check the schedule for the daily shows that feature traditional Colombian music and dance performances showcasing the region's heritage. Ride the panoramic train through the park, then grab dinner at one of the themed restaurants before transferring back to Pereira.

Day 6: Fly to Bogotá, Depart 

After just six days in Colombia, your adventure comes to an end today. If you have time before your flight, you can explore more of the area on your own. Consider heading to the Pereira Botanical Garden, home to a beautifully curated collection of native and exotic plants set against a backdrop of green spaces and winding paths. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful birds in the trees, like hummingbirds, white-winged doves, and southern lapwings. When it's time, return to your hotel to meet your driver, then transfer to the airport for your flight to Bogotá and your onward connection. Safe travels!