We’re breaking down one of Colombia’s most popular areas into 3 travel guides because, well it is a pretty massive region! If you missed the first one, check it out HERE. The Eje Cafetero is where most of the coffee is grown, giving it the nickname of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle or Coffee Axis. It is made up of 3 departments which is how we chose to break down the travel guides. See,there is a method to the madness! Our last guide was about Risaralda so this guide we are telling you allllllll about Quindío, here is Guide to The Eje Cafetero!
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Quindío


Paragliding – Calarca
For the adventurous souls out there who want a little more than the zip lining offered in Salento, Calarca is where you want to go. There you will be able to paraglide with some of the most amazing views while you say “hello” to the clouds.
Jardín Botánico y Mariposario – Calarca
A more down to Earth option while your thrill seeking counter parts go gliding, the Botanic Garden is an educational ecotourism option you will remember for years to come! With Colombia as one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world, Jardín Botánico y Mariposario will show you plants and insects you can’t find anywhere else in the world. For those looking to educate little ones or get some science in while they travel this is a great option! You will love the eco-trails and exhibits that leave you in awe with their beauty.
Photo by Michael, All CC
Parque del Café – Pueblo Tapao
Think theme park meets Coffee Culture meets Legends and Folklore. That is the easiest way to Parque del Café. For those looking for a family friendly place to spend the day, you will enjoy rides and bumper cars and also walk through a traditional coffee farm as you learn about the legends and myths of Colombia. Bonus points? It isn’t to far from PANACA so plan a 2 day trip with the kiddos.
Reserva Natural Cascadas del Río Verde – Córdoba
Gather around hikers and outdoorsy folk and let me tell you all about the Natural Reserve Rio Verde Waterfalls! Only accessibly by “Willy’s” jeep, you travel along 8 km of unpaved road before you reach the start of a 1 km hike along a trail where you will see waterfalls, birds, and other native wildlife. The reserve is almost 200 acres of native forests ready to be explored.
Parque Nacional Natural Tatamá – Pereira
If camping while you are in Colombia is on the list, this is the place you are looking for! Another gorgeous nature filled National Park with native plants and wildlife you won’t see anywhere else, this untouched moor is straight out an Outdoor Magazine. The park is home to over 500 species of orchids some of which are near extinction. With hundreds of endemic species of fauna and flora the park is an ecological gem you have to visit even if you aren’t up for camping in the chilly Andes.
Photo by Alejandro Bayer Tamayo, All CC
Parque los Arrieros – Quimbaya
Similar to PANACA, Parque los Arrieros is a themed park. Dedicated to the culture, history, and story of Colombia’s arrieros (muleteers). You will see experience dances and music traditional to the region and get a look at what an arrieros life is like! This park is almost like your history lesson and the Rodeo/State Fair came together.
If you’ve been or plan on going to any of these places, let us know! We would love to hear your thoughts. And if there is anything you think we missed, that didn’t make the list but should have, let us know in the comments as well!
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