About Pereira
Pereira is the capital city of the Colombian department of Risaralda. It is located in the foothills of the Andes in a coffee-producing area of Colombia officially known as the "Coffee Axis". Pereira, alongside the rest of the Coffee Axis, form part of UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia". It is the most populated city in the Coffee Axis. Pereira is also part of the Central West Metropolitan Area, which has 735.769 residents and is composed of Pereira and the neighboring cities of Dosquebradas and La Virginia. It is considered the most important city in the "Coffee Axis" from a geopolitical and economic standpoint.
Places to visit in Pereira
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Cocora Valley
Nature · 19 mi from centreA misty valley near Salento filled with towering wax palms, Colombia's national tree. Do the loop hike in the morning, and wear waterproof boots, as the trail can be very muddy.
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Salento
Neighborhood · 15 mi from centreA colorful coffee-region town with painted balconies, craft shops, and a lookout over the valley. Visit a small coffee farm nearby for a tour that follows the beans from plant to cup.
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Our Lady of Poverty Cathedral
ReligiousThe city's main cathedral on Plaza de Bolívar, with a modest exterior hiding an impressive wooden interior framework. Pair the visit with the Bolívar statue on the square outside.
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Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs
Nature · 6 mi from centreThermal pools fed by mountain waterfalls in the hills above the town of Santa Rosa de Cabal. Visit on a weekday and bring a warm layer for the cool mountain air.
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Parque del Café
Entertainment · 20 mi from centreA coffee-themed amusement park with rides, cable cars, and exhibits on coffee growing. Plan a full day and buy the pass that includes the rides if you are traveling with kids.
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Los Nevados National Natural Park
Nature · 23 mi from centreA high-altitude park of volcanoes, glaciers, and páramo grassland with unusual plants. Go with a licensed guide and acclimatize first, since the altitude can cause sickness.
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Filandia
Neighborhood · 11 mi from centreA quieter alternative to Salento with bright wooden houses and a tall lookout tower over coffee hills. Climb the Mirador Colina Iluminada at sunset for the best views.
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César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct
LandmarkA long cable-stayed bridge over the Otún River that links Pereira with neighboring Dosquebradas and has become a symbol of the city. Walk the pedestrian path across it at dusk for views over the valley.
Things to do in Pereira by type
10 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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Day Trips & Excursions 4 experiences Discover the Cocora Valley and Horse Riding in Salento - Full-Day Private Tour -
Amusement Parks 2 experiences Don’t miss out on the fun at the Coffee Park – Full-Day Tour
- Over 6 hours 5
- 3-6 hours 5
- Private 2
Top experiences in Pereira
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.
Don’t miss out on the fun at the Coffee Park – Full-Day Tour
From $126 per adult
Panaca Park with Private Transportation
From $136 per adult
Coffee Farm Experience - Half-Day Tour
From $81 per adult
Quindio's Botanical Garden - Half-Day Tour
From $108 per adult
Explore the Charming Cocora Valley, Salento and Filandia - Full-Day Tour
From $81 per adult
Discover the Hot Springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal - Tour
From $81 per adult
Explore Pereira - Parque del Café with Private Transportation and Tickets
From $111 per adult
Discover the Cocora Valley and Horse Riding in Salento - Full-Day Private Tour
From $177 per adult
Visit to a Coffee Farm in Salento with Lunch – Half-Day Walking Tour
From $138 per adult
Take a Paragliding Flight in Buenavista
From $142 per adult
Where to stay in Pereira
Popular hotels in Pereira, out of 61 properties you can book.
Visus Hotel Boutique And Spa
From $243 per night
GHL Hotel Abadia Plaza
From $78 per night
Sonesta Hotel Pereira
From $149 per night
Sazagua Boutique
From $181 per night
Casa San Carlos Lodge by HBP
From $199 per night
Plaza Doce
From $83 per night
Carriqui
From $59 per night
Hotel Pereira Central
From $45 per night
Ayenda Bee Hotel
From $32 per night
Hotel San Antonio del Cerro
From $72 per night
Movich Hotel de Pereira
Ayenda 1120 Comercial
Best time to visit Pereira
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Pereira is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 74–78°F and rain falls on about 27 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Pereira weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 76° 63° 96%
- Thu 22 Oct 80° 63° 88%
- Fri 23 Oct 78° 63° 90%
- Sat 24 Oct 79° 62° 100%
- Sun 25 Oct 78° 62° 99%
- Mon 26 Oct 76° 62° 99%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Colombian peso (COP)1 US dollar ≈ $3,174
- Language
- Spanish
- Calling code
- +57
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/BogotaUTC−5
- Capital
- Bogotá
Upcoming public holidays in Colombia
- All Saints’ DayDia de los Santos
- Independence of CartagenaIndependencia de Cartagena
- Immaculate ConceptionLa Inmaculada Concepción
- Christmas DayNavidad
- New Year's DayAño Nuevo
- EpiphanyDía de los Reyes Magos
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Pereira
These are the airports closest to central Pereira. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- PEI Matecaña International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
Getting around Pereira
There is an extensive network of buses running around Pereira connecting most parts of the city. Costs are around COP$2,000. It runs 5 km along the main avenues, including numerous nearby neighborhoods (barrios) and surrounding barrios. Use caution when visiting lower-income barrios (as you should in any other city).
By taxi
Taxis are relatively cheap but make sure the meter is on. Some taxi drivers are dishonest and try to take advantage of foreigners. For example, if they stop along your route they will charge you an additional fare, and use standing charges while waiting. Some don't have meters, so ask for cost in advance. It's possible to negotiate as well. Fares as of 2024:
Pereira travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Pereira?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Pereira is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 74–78°F and rain falls on about 27 days a month.
What is the weather like in Pereira?
September is usually the warmest month in Pereira, with average highs of 78°F (26°C). November is the coolest, with average lows of 61°F (16°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 427 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Pereira?
Matecaña International Airport (PEI) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Pereira.
What currency is used in Pereira?
Pereira uses the Colombian peso (COP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $3,174.
What time zone is Pereira in?
Pereira uses the America/Bogota time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Pereira?
There is an extensive network of buses running around Pereira connecting most parts of the city. Costs are around COP$2,000. It runs 5 km along the main avenues, including numerous nearby neighborhoods (barrios) and surrounding barrios. Use caution when visiting lower-income barrios (as you should in any other city).
What are the best places to visit in Pereira?
Top sights in Pereira include Cocora Valley, Salento, Our Lady of Poverty Cathedral and Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs. A misty valley near Salento filled with towering wax palms, Colombia's national tree. Do the loop hike in the morning, and wear waterproof boots, as the trail can be very muddy.
What are the top things to do in Pereira?
Popular experiences you can book in Pereira include Don’t miss out on the fun at the Coffee Park – Full-Day Tour, Panaca Park with Private Transportation and Coffee Farm Experience - Half-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 10 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Pereira?
The most popular types of experiences in Pereira are day trips & excursions (4), amusement parks (2), art & culture (1) and gastronomy & nightlife (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Pereira?
Popular areas for hotels in Pereira include Pereira. Well-reviewed options include Visus Hotel Boutique And Spa and GHL Hotel Abadia Plaza.
How many hotels can I book in Pereira?
Destina Holidays currently lists 61 properties in and around Pereira, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
