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The Colombian Coffee Triangle's 4 Most Charming Towns

The Colombian coffee triangle has some of the most beautiful towns in Colombia. Colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and tropical mountainous views make this area a must on your next visit.

Bomarzo hallway with painting on each wall and a window at the end

by Sylvia Marie

27 de sept de 2023

In the past few years, Colombia’s notoriety has finally died off and travelers are seeing this vibrant country in a new light. Along with reggaeton and salsa music, tropical jungles and warm weather, Colombia is also known for its world-famous coffee production. 


If you’re a coffee connoisseur, you have definitely had a cup of deliciously aromatic Colombian brew. Chance are, those beans came from a mountainous region widely known as the Colombian coffee triangle or el eje cafetero. This area is conveniently located at the centroid of three iconic Colombian cities: Medellin, Bogota, and Cali. It is made up of several cities and many small towns. 


Here are, in my opinion, the four most charming ones:


Salento

This enchanting town exudes an irresistible charm with its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and breathtaking views of emerald-green coffee plantations. Although one of the more touristy places on this list, Salento is worth the visit. It serves as the gateway to the iconic Cocora Valley: home to the world's tallest wax palms. You can wander through the vibrant market square, sample local delicacies, or enjoy a locally brewed coffee on a terrace. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy a trekking or horseback riding adventure, and explore the lush landscapes and diverse wildlife.

Outside Bomarzo in Jerico, Colombia

Finlandia Photo by David Restrepo

Finlandia

Another popular destination for those visiting the Colombian coffee triangle is Finlandia. Its serene surroundings provide a perfect escape for nature lovers, offering an array of outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and exploring nearby waterfalls. The village's warm and welcoming atmosphere invites you to immerse yourself in the local culture, where you can, of course, enjoy delicious Colombian coffee and the majestic tropical green views.


Pijao

This charming Colombian town nestled amidst the green hills of the Quindío department is much less touristy than the previous two. Its laid-back ambiance offers a sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. In a quaint and authentic café in Pijao, I enjoyed a diligently prepared cup of joe along with a detailed explanation and demonstration of how to prepare it. With breathtaking landscapes and a sense of tranquility in the air, Pijao is a great spot for travelers who are seeking an authentic Colombian experience away from big crowds.

Shops with art, pottery, books and a chess game set up

Buenavista center Photo by Santiago Londoño

Buenavista

This little town still untouched by tourism is where I settled down for a few months. I enjoyed its simplicity and slow pace of life. During my stay, I never got tired of the incredible mountainous views that surround it. Buenavista is just as colorful, charming, and welcoming as the other more popular destinations listed above but the fact that it is still off the old beaten path made it that much more authentic. In this lovely tiny town, I went on a coffee tour and learned about the many different ways to process coffee beans, I paraglided over the gorgeous verdant landscape and hiked various paths through the tropical mountains of Buenavista.


Takeaway

Whether you are looking for the perfect cup of coffee, an outdoor adventure in tropical mountains, or a taste of authentic Colombian vibes, you will absolutely love el eje cafetero and all its splendor.

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