Where to go in Colombian Coffee Region

Of all the colourful pueblos (villages) in the Colombian coffee region, Salento is one of the most beautiful. Vibrant houses line the streets, Jeep Willys career around the corners, market stalls display intricate baskets and pretty jewellery, and the aroma of freshly-brewed beans permeates just about everything. Most visitors use Salento as a base for exploring the nearby coffee farms – and to try their hand at traditional game of tejo – but the village is also close to the Cocora Valley, one of the most stunning national parks in the country. Covered in Quindio wax palm trees that soar hundreds of feet into the air, the hills and forests are home to beautiful hummingbirds and orchids and it’s a great place to explore on foot.

Forming a triangle around the leafy lushness of the Zona Cafetera, the towns of Manizales, Pereira and Armenia all provide excellent jumping-off points for a deep dive into the world of coffee. Armenia is the capital of the fertile Quindío region, the coffee axis of the entire country and an area that is so serious about its beans it has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status. The landscape is a handsome mix of terraced coffee fincas dotted with giant banana trees, bamboo jungles, and, in more recent years, a crop of countryside hotels offering thermal pools and exquisite restaurants for a truly idyllic stay. Once you’ve got to grips with the ins and outs of the coffee-making process, head out and enjoy the scenery on a horseback ride, hot air balloon trip, or even by paraglider.