Colombia

This was "must-do" but I have mixed feelings about it. Although the views from the cablecar were incredible and the coffee tour was very informative, there is not much else to here as an adult. There are a lot of rides, rollercoasters, etc. Basically, attractions that target families and little kids. It's a fun place to visit but as an adult looking to learn about coffee, Colombia, and looking for authentic experiences, this is not the place for me. I recommend finding a local guide and visiting a functioning coffee farm instead.

Montenegro

Quindio

The Valle de Cocora was probably the best part of the trip. The wax palm trees in this valley are the worlds tallest palm trees (about 200 feet tall). You really don't have to travel too far to see them, if you are not a big hiker, maybe 30 minutes or so. However, if you are a hiker, there are some amazing hikes starting at  4-6 hours in length and others that can be a few days long. This valley is part of the Los Nevados National Park, so there is a lot of hiking opportunities here. Plan for rain, as it always rains in the valley and bring water and anything else you may need because once you start, there isn't much in the valley. These palm trees, and Colombia's nature in general are magical and this trip should not be missed. Also, I was traveling with my grandmother (she is in her early 70s) and she found the first leg of the hike to be manageable.

Casa Campo Valle De Cocora

Salento

The following day we went to the Termales de Santa Rosa de Cabal. These thermal, hot spring pools are not natural but the thermal water is fresh. Right next to the pools there's a waterfall, about 100 feet tall, where you can cool off from the hot baths. The waterfall is beautiful, the service is really good here. I definitely recommend a visit if you are looking to have a relaxing day by a pool and enjoy some hot springs. You can eat, drink, laze in the baths and explore the area a little. However, if you are an active person and  like to keep moving, this might not be the place for you - or you might find a couple of hours here to be enough. The pools can get crowded but it is mostly be Colombian families. Very few foreigners seem to be here at a given time.

Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal

Spent a week in Colombia's coffee region, in the department of Quindío. I landed in Armenia, stayed at the Decameron Panaca, visited the Cocora Valley, el Parque de Cafe, a few towns in the region.

Colombia's coffee region

Highs & Lows

What would you have changed?

Anything go wrong during the trip?

Packing tips?

Transportation Tips?

Any surprises?

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