In an effort to raise visibility for the region and bring attention to the national heritage of the coffee culture – the Colombian government together with the United Nations created Paisaje Cultural Cafetero (PCC) in 1991. The PCC area is the departments of Risaralda, Caldas, Quindio and Valle del Cauca. [1]

A website dedicated to the Eje Cafetero, or Coffee Axis of Colombia. Our main areas of interest are Risaralda, Caldas, Quindio and Valle del Cauca. This is an online magazine dedicated to Expat Lifestyles, Gastronomy and Tourism in the previously mentioned places.

Yes! We won’t lie – petty crime exists in all the major cities. However, with the exception of some very specific areas – most of the Paisaje Cultural Cafetero is safe to visit and live in.

Due to our proximity to the equator, the Coffee Axis is split into micro-climates. We have Paramo in and around the high volcanic mountain peaks like Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado de Santa Isabel and Nevado del Tolima. We have cloud forest in places like Manizales and Salento. In the lower elevations you will see warm to hot weather zones. Pereira and Armenia are both warmer and milder climates. Cartago, Viterbo and El Dorado – are all towns in what the locals call “Tierra Caliente,” or hot earth.

In the previous question we mentioned micro-climates. Always have a light jacket, an umbrella and a lighter shirt or undershirt that you can fall back to. Layering is essential for the rapid changes in climate and weather that travelers will encounter over surprisingly short distances. Wool socks at night are a must if you plan to visit Manizales, Aguadas and Salento.

As of 2019, most nationalities don’t need a visa for TOURISM. Currently, the Cancilleria website has an easy to use tool to help you find out. Click here to find out what visa you need = https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visa/requirements