Ecological tourism
Cerro Canceles Viewpoint
Since its inauguration approximately three years ago, the “Cerro Canceles 360 degrees” viewpoint has become a key point for tourism in Pereira. During its first year of operation, it is estimated that more than 120 thousand people visited the place, attracted by the impressive panoramic views offered by the site. Due to the steepness of the road leading to the hill, the site has gained popularity among cyclists and athletes, especially on weekends. This tourist corridor, which connects with the township of La Bella, not only offers spectacular sunrises and sunsets on clear days, but also provides the opportunity to enjoy gastronomic products prepared by local entrepreneurs of the Comuna Oriente, such as juices, fruits, cereals, desserts and the delicious coffee of “Café Don Gabo”, served from its “Gabo Móvil”.
The municipal government has big plans to turn this site into an essential tourist destination in the Coffee Axis, through the construction of a main plaza, a building with spaces for businesses and institutions, a trail and an interactive eco-museum that will tell the story of the indigenous people that inhabited the area.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=587608539665730
La Florida
La Florida is a hidden treasure of the Colombian Eje Cafetero, located just half an hour from Pereira. Unlike better known destinations such as Salento or the Cocora Valley, this village offers an authentic experience that fuses nature and sustainable culture.
Access can be made by car, bus or chiva, bordering the Otún River towards the snow-capped Santa Isabel and its lagoon. Along the way, the Acuavenida del Río stands out, with its colorful murals depicting aquatic life.
The township stands out for its ecological initiatives, such as the Yarumo Blanco association and the Otún Agroecological Market, which promotes organic agriculture. Its inhabitants, known for their warmth, actively participate in environmental conservation and the maintenance of local traditions.
La Florida has become a model of community and sustainable tourism, standing out for its rich biodiversity and environmental commitment.
Combia
Name that recalls the Quimbaya past of the region, it is associated with an important indigenous chief whose riches were found in what is now the Industrial Park. After the arrival of the Spaniards, the indigenous population disappeared, but centuries later, the territory was colonized again. The first settlers were Gabriel Grisales, Emilia Arango, Frankelina Zúñiga and Gentil Falla, followed by the Correa, Osorio and Sepúlveda families. Combia was initially a single corregimiento, created in 1986, but was divided into Combia Alta and Combia Baja in 1992.
Combia Baja, composed of 14 hamlets and several population centers, stands out for its diverse geography, which favors recreational activities such as cycling, hiking, horseback riding and paragliding. These activities have boosted tourism and generated new economic opportunities in the region.
Altagracia
The Altagracia-Arabia tourist corridor, located about 30 minutes by car from Pereira, is an outstanding attraction in the UNESCO-declared Coffee Cultural Landscape. The town of Altagracia, which stands out for its landscapes of mountains, valleys and coffee plantations, offers a unique experience from the Altagracia lookout point, a tower that provides panoramic views of Risaralda, Quindío and Valle. The park has turned Altagracia into an important tourist destination, promoting local businesses, such as typical gastronomy and innovative products, such as yucca juice, created by a local entrepreneur.
Altagracia’s inhabitants also offer tourist activities such as bird watching, rural tours, and coffee picking experiences. This combination of natural beauty and human warmth makes the township a special place, ideal for those seeking tranquility and connection with nature.
Arabia
The village of Arabia, located near the Barbas River, on the border between Risaralda and Quindío, is an excellent ecotourism destination for a family weekend. Only 12 km from Filandia, it is reached after crossing cattle, coffee and banana farms, reaching the Robles River canyon and the San Carlos public bathing area, ideal for sports and river trips. The area is rich in biodiversity, with birds, wild flora and, at times, howler monkeys.
In the coffee-growing town of Arabia, there are local businesses such as coffee shops, bakeries and restaurants that serve traditional dishes such as the bandeja paisa (paisa tray). The place preserves the peasant tradition and has colorful murals that celebrate the regional flora and fauna. Arabia is also known for its coffee, served in places like Tinto Arabe. Founded by Moisés Arabia, the township offers ecotourism activities, bird watching, bicycle rides and adventure sports, in a quiet and well-signposted environment.
La Vieja river rafting
Exploring the La Vieja River on a guadua raft is an exciting tourism and adventure activity in central Colombia, on the border between the Coffee Cultural Landscape and the Valley. This tour on the river, the largest in the region, is ideal for nature lovers. The adventure begins in the morning with a Colombian coffee and a trip in a Willys Jeep (Jipao) through mountainous trails.
During the ride on a guadua raft, approximately 6 meters long, you will enjoy the exuberant local flora and fauna, including trees such as snails and ceibas, and animals such as herons, sparrow hawks and anteaters. The tour, supervised by a local guide (“Boga”), includes rapids, waterfalls and tributaries, providing a unique experience. At the end, you can enjoy a traditional cold meat, wrapped in banana leaves, as a rest in the middle of the natural landscape.
Cerritos tourist corridor
In Pereira, Colombia, it offers a quiet and rural atmosphere, ideal for enjoying activities such as kite flying and relaxing in its mountainous landscapes. Among its main attractions is the Ukumarí Biopark, which promotes conservation and environmental education and is home to various animal species.
Cerritos also stands out for its historical and cultural wealth, with the Casa Museo Castilla, a building more than 200 years old that houses pre-Columbian sculptures, an art gallery and antiques that tell the history of the region. It is also famous for its honey-gold pineapple, a sweet fruit that has become a local symbol, available in carts along the corridor. Cerritos, with its combination of history, nature and gastronomy, is a must-see destination for those seeking to enjoy the serenity and tradition of the region.
