In the central-western part of Colombia lies Pereira, the capital of the department of Risaralda and one of the most attractive destinations for those seeking to discover the essence of the Coffee Region. Surrounded by mountains covered in coffee plantations and blessed with a mild climate, the city blends modernity and tradition, offering an experience that captivates both nature lovers and urban explorers.
Known as “La Querendona, Trasnochadora y Morena” (The Loving, Night Owl, and Dark-Skinned One), Pereira is a strategic point for exploring Colombia’s coffee cultural landscapes. It is also famous for its friendly people, traditional cuisine, and the wide variety of activities for all tastes.
Places to visit in Pereira, Colombia
Pereira offers a great variety of sites that reflect its history, culture, and connection to nature. From emblematic squares to modern cultural venues and peaceful parks, every corner presents an opportunity to better understand the city’s identity.
Plaza de Bolivar
Right in the heart of Pereira, Plaza de Bolivar is the quintessential meeting point for locals and tourists. Its main attraction is the statue of Libertador Simón Bolívar, depicted naked and on horseback, a creation of sculptor Rodrigo Arenas Betancur. This representation symbolizes the renunciation of material possessions in the fight for freedom. Surrounding the square, you’ll find cafés, restaurants, and buildings with a mix of Republican and modern architecture.
@colombiaeterna 🇨🇴☕️El Bolívar Desnudo es un monumento realizado por Rodrigo Arenas Betancourt y el ingeniero Guillermo González Zuleta que se encuentra en la plaza de Bolívar de la ciudad de Pereira 🇨🇴 ☕️El monumento fue inaugurado en agosto de 1963 con motivo del centenario de la ciudad🎉🇨🇴 #pereira #risaralda #destinos #turismo #querendona #trasnochadora #morena #pueblos #colombiaeterna ♬ Temeridad – Olimpo Cardenas
Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Pobreza
Just a few steps from the square, this cathedral is an architectural gem built in the mid-20th century, famous for its wooden structure assembled without nails. Its Latin cross-shaped interior features stained glass windows that filter the light, creating a peaceful atmosphere ideal for reflection.
@alcaldiadepereira Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Pobreza de #Pereira. #infinity #worldtravel #parati ♬ sonido original – Pereira
Pereira Museum of Art
Located in the Ciudad Victoria area, this cultural venue hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions by local, national, and international artists. It also organizes workshops, lectures, and independent film screenings, making it an ideal place to immerse yourself in the Coffee Region’s cultural diversity.
Olaya Herrera Park
Considered one of the green lungs of the city center, this park features tree-covered areas, walking paths, and spots to relax. Its central kiosk serves as a venue for cultural events, and nearby cafés are perfect for enjoying freshly brewed coffee while watching city life unfold.
@colombiaeterna 🇨🇴☕️Es el parque más grande de Pereira y Patrimonio Municipal, fue creado en la década de 1930, es un lugar de mucha importancia para la ciudad, porque ahí se ubicaba la estación del 🚂🚂, sitio obligado para visitar por parte de los viajeros que se iban o llegaban a Pereira☕️🇨🇴 #pereira #risaralda #trasnochadora #querendona #morena #colombia🇨🇴 #parques #recuerdos ♬ El Puente Roto – Las Hermanas Calle
Ukumari Biopark
A few kilometers from the city center, this modern theme park and zoo combines environmental education with entertainment. It is divided into bioregions such as the African Savanna and Tropical Forests, home to giraffes, zebras, elephants, spectacled bears, pumas, and exotic birds. It also offers conservation programs, picnic areas, and interactive activities.
@bioparqueukumari Ukumarí es el destino ideal para conectar con la naturaleza y disfrutar experiencias únicas. En estas fiestas de la cosecha, celebra con nosotros la biodiversidad y la cultura de nuestra región. Descubre animales sorprendentes, rincones mágicos y actividades especiales para toda la familia. Te esperamos para que vivas momentos inolvidables. #bioparqueukumarí #fiestasdelacosecha #naturaleza #cultura #animales #turismo #conservacion ♬ sonido original – BIOPARQUE UKUMARÍ
Nature and nearby experiences
Tourist Coffee Farms
In the outskirts of the city, you’ll find estates such as Don Manolo, Hacienda Venecia, and Cafe Catio, where visitors can learn the entire coffee-making process from planting and harvesting to roasting and cupping. Many offer accommodations in colonial-style houses surrounded by coffee plantations and flower-filled gardens.
@phatboychronicles coffee tour in Colombia @cafedonmanolo #cafe #ejecafetero #coffee #pereira #coffeetour #coffee #coffeeaddict ♬ Lovely Day – Bill Withers
Santa Rosa de Cabal and Its Hot Springs
Just minutes from Pereira, this town is famous for its volcanic hot springs. Its natural pools, surrounded by waterfalls and lush vegetation, provide a perfect setting for relaxation. In town, chorizos santarrosanos are a must for lovers of traditional cuisine.
@cuentamelplan 🌈Los #termalesdesantarosadelcabal en #risaraldacolombia son un destino que no te puedes perder😍 #nature #turismocolombia #risaralda #turismoejecafetero #descubrecolombia #viajarporcolombia #ejecafetero ♬ sonido original – Cuéntame el plan
Los Chorros de Don Lolo waterfall
A few kilometers from Santa Rosa, this waterfall—over 90 meters tall—is perfect for hiking and nature photography enthusiasts. The trail passes through cloud forests teeming with native flora and fauna.
@pereiracapitaldeleje_ Los Chorros de Don Lolo 💧🏞️🎋🍃, una joya natural de Santa Rosa de Cabal Descubre la aventura 🚙💨 junto a @changancolombia en los chorros de Don Lolo una reserva natural con aguas cristalinas 🌾🏞️🎋🍃 ¡Explora nuevos horizontes con nosotros y vive experiencias inolvidables juntos!" 🚗💨 Como Pereiranos, es nuestro deber conocer y preservar este tesoro, 💧 así como cuidar nuestras tierras 🌎 y recursos naturales 🏞️ para protegerlos de la contaminación. ¡Juntos, contribuyamos a la conservación de estas maravillas! 💧🌿🌍♻️🪣🗑️ Recomendaciones: Llevar Ropa Cómoda, para ensuciar Tiempo de recorrido a pie: entre 25 a 45 minutos dependiendo del estado físico 📍Esta ubicado en Santa Rosa de Cabal vía Termales Que esperas para visitar el lugar más tranquilo de la perla, junto a @changancolombia y siguenos para que conozcas mas lugares maravillosos ❤️💛 💧🏞️🎋🍃 Si no sabes que hacer en Pereira ❤️💛 en @pereiracapitaldeleje te lo vamos a mostrar. 👌🏻 #Pereira #Pereiracapitaldeleje #ChorrosDeDonLOLO #ExploraConChangan #charcocolombiano#Risaralda #turismopereira #ejecafetero#quehacerenpereira #InfluencerPereira #longervideos ♬ Rock and roll with a sense of speed(1247455) – Mastery Sounds
Cocora Valley
Thanks to its proximity to Quindio, many visitors take the opportunity to explore this iconic location, home to the wax palm, Colombia’s national tree. Just over an hour and a half from Pereira, the valley offers misty trails and breathtaking mountain scenery.
@luchocloud 🌴Volando el dron en el #valledelcocora #traveltiktok #travel #viajes #colombia ♬ Contigo – Los Panchos
Local Cuisine
Pereira’s cuisine combines the best of the paisa tradition with fresh produce from the Coffee Region. Signature dishes include bandeja paisa, chorizo santarrosano, arepa de chocolo con queso, sancocho de gallina criolla, and desserts such as brevas con arequipe and cuajada con melao. Specialty coffee, grown in the surrounding mountains, is the perfect companion for any meal and an essential experience for visitors.