Discover Quimbaya, Quindío: A Hidden Gem for Family Adventure

Quimbaya, Quindío might not yet be on your radar, but it definitely should be. Our Quimbaya Destination Guideprovides the perfect roadmap to plan your next adventure—one that the whole family will enjoy!

Located just about 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from Pereira, Quimbaya is an emerging destination for family tourism, cultural experiences, and agricultural eco-tourism.

Part of the renowned Quindío department, home to some of Colombia’s most iconic destinations, Quimbaya is following in the footsteps of other well-known towns like Salento and Filandia, which have become top tourist spots. Quindío has long been a model for promoting tourism, and Quimbaya is quickly gaining recognition as a must-visit location in the Colombian Coffee Axis.

A Brief History of Quimbaya

The terrain of Quimbaya is a beautiful mix of rolling hills, canyons with creeks and streams, guaduales (bamboo forests), open fields, coffee plantations, cattle pastures, palm trees, and warm to hot weather with occasional rainstorms.

The village of Quimbaya has gone through several name changes throughout history. It originally began as La Soledad(meaning “The Loneliness”), a small settlement of houses engaged in some local trade, but it eventually fell under the jurisdiction of the nearby village of Filandia. Later, it grew into a corrigimiento, a slightly larger commercial settlement, and was renamed Alejandría. In 1914, it became an independent town, officially adopting the name Quimbaya.

Before the arrival of Spanish explorers, the region was home to the Quimbaya indigenous tribe, from which the town gets its name. This tribe was known for their wealth, but they were also a peaceful people. In their culture, deceased individuals were buried with gold, a practice that has led to numerous discoveries of “Guacas”—gold caches—in the area. Many landowners in the region have found ancient burial sites containing gold artifacts, preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Quimbaya people.

Fun Fact: The 200 peso coin has a Quimbaya symbol on it. 

Where is Quimbaya, Quindio?

In a nutshell, Quimbaya is between Cartago, Pereira and Armenia. Visitors can take a direct bus from all three cities based on their point of origin. from Pereira and Cartago your travel time will be about one and a half to two hours depending on road conditions. As of November the ticket from Pereira is 7,500 cop and from Cartago 5,700 COP.

Quimbaya, Quindío Destination Guide: The Perfect Family Getaway

Quimbaya, a charming pueblo in Quindío, is well worth the detour, offering a unique tourism experience that’s especially suited for family travel. Whether you have young children or teenagers, you’ll find a variety of fun activities to keep everyone entertained.

Our top lodging recommendation in Quimbaya features a playground, swimming pool, football field, traditional games, and even a playhouse, ensuring that your children will have plenty of ways to explore and satisfy their curiosity during your stay.

Family Tourism in Colombia: Discover Fun for All Ages

In general, Colombia has historically offered limited options for children’s activities. For example, Pereira has few playgrounds, while Manizales boasts playgrounds in nearly every park. Children’s entertainment opportunities can vary greatly depending on the location.

Quimbaya, however, stands out as a family-friendly destination with several nearby theme parks that provide fun and engaging experiences for the next generation. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Quimbaya offers plenty of options to keep your kids entertained while you enjoy the beauty of Quindío.

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Agricultural Eco-Tourism in Quimbaya, Quindío: A Unique Destination

One of the biggest draws of Quimbaya, a medium-sized pueblo in Quindío, is its growing potential for agricultural eco-tourism. As a country with a deeply rooted agrarian culture, Colombia is a major producer of tropical fruits and other foods that are exported to countries like the United States and Canada. Quimbaya offers visitors the opportunity to explore this agricultural heritage firsthand, making it an ideal destination for those interested in eco-friendly travel and sustainable farming practices.

What is Agricultural Eco-Tourism?

Agricultural eco-tourism focuses on fostering a deeper connection with nature and the agricultural practices that have shaped the culture of Colombia’s Coffee Axis. From music and dances to daily interactions, much of Coffee Axis culturerevolves around farming and livestock. Before the advent of paved roads and jeeps, food, clothing, tools, and other essentials were transported by oxen and mules.

Agricultural eco-tourism offers travelers an engaging way to learn about Colombia’s rich agricultural heritage. It provides an opportunity to experience firsthand how these practices have influenced the nation’s identity and culture, all while enjoying an unforgettable adventure.

Mama Lulu Ecological Farm

Mama Lulu Ecological Farm is a self-sustaining farm where even the cooking gas is produced on-site. Experience a fully homegrown, sustainable lifestyle with a tour and a farm-to-table lunch made with locally raised animals and crops. This is the perfect experience for any DIY enthusiast looking to reconnect with nature and sustainable practices.

Panacea Theme Park

Panacea Theme Park offers a unique farm-life experience with attractions for all ages. Enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, zip lines (canopy), and live shows. If you’re staying at Balcones de Bella Vista, you’ll be pleased to know that Parque Panaca is just a short drive away, making it easy to plan a day full of adventure.

Parque del Cafe

For an unforgettable family day out, head to Parque del Cafe, Colombia’s answer to Disneyland. This coffee-themed amusement park offers thrilling rides, a coffee museum tour, and daily folk dance performances. It’s a perfect blend of fun and culture.

Balsa Raft River Adventures

Float down Rio La Vieja from Quimbaya to Cartago on a traditional bamboo and balsa wood raft, reminiscent of a Tom Sawyer adventure. The journey includes life vests for safety and comfortable raised chairs for the ride. One of the routes even takes you to a scenic waterfall, offering a refreshing and exciting experience.

Parque de los Arrieros

Step into the life of the Paisa people at Parque de los Arrieros, a themed park that showcases the region’s unique culture. Enjoy engaging shows, events, and workshops that provide insight into the heritage of Quindio. This is a fantastic experience for visitors of all ages.

Cabalgatas – Horseback Riding

Explore the rolling hills and grassy fields of Quimbaya on horseback. Whether you prefer a short ride or a longer adventure, horseback riding is a fun and immersive way to discover the beauty of the region, perfect for families.

Coffee Farm Tour

Take an in-depth tour of a coffee farm and see firsthand how Colombia’s famous coffee is produced, from field to cup. Gain a new appreciation for your favorite beverage as you learn about the coffee-growing process, taste fresh brews, and experience the rich flavors of Colombia’s coffee culture.

Birdwatching

Birdwatching is a must for nature enthusiasts in Quimbaya. Whether you’re seeking out specific species or simply enjoying the sounds of birds at dawn, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with the region’s diverse wildlife. Choose your adventure and let the birds come to you!

Where to Stay in Quimbaya

Finding the ideal place to stay for you, your family, or your partner can be a challenge, especially when booking multiple hotel rooms doesn’t fit within the budget. If you’re planning a weekend getaway, a special event, a family reunion, or even a wedding, the Quimbaya Destinations Guide offers great options for accommodations that cater to a variety of needs and budgets.

Balcones de Bella Vista

Founded in 2011, Balcones de Bella Vista is our top recommendation for couples or family accommodations in Quimbaya. Whether you prefer individual rooms or small apartments with fully equipped kitchens, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable stay. All you need to bring are your personal belongings and some groceries, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a relaxing getaway.

The Perfect Event Venue and Family Getaway

Looking for the perfect venue for small to medium-sized events? Balcones de Bella Vista offers a unique experience where you can host your event and have your guests stay right on the property. Located just five minutes by car from Quimbaya, the venue offers the convenience of home delivery (domicilio) with no extra delivery fees. While meals are not currently offered on-site, a nearby restaurant provides delicious lunch and dinner options.

The essence of Balcones de Bella Vista—which means “balconies with a beautiful view”—lies in its family-run atmosphere, where you and your loved ones will feel at home. The property features multiple social spaces, a football field, a pool, a kiosk, an outdoor kitchen, tejo pits, a children’s play area, table games, and much more.

The finca hotel offers three spacious apartments, each with multiple beds and the capacity to sleep up to 10 people. The main house includes three double rooms, and the guest house offers two individual rooms. With lodging for up to 40 people, Balcones de Bella Vista is an excellent choice for families, events, and group getaways.

Whether you’re looking to cook your own meals, unwind in nature, or relax with a stunning view, this is the perfect spot for your next trip.

Gastronomy

Discover Dining and Drinks in Quimbaya Pueblo

Inside Quimbaya, you’ll find a delightful array of cafes, restaurants, and evening establishments, each beautifully decorated and offering a wide variety of food and drinks. From award-winning coffee shops to local and international restaurants, ice cream parlors, bakeries, and even a sushi spot, there’s something for every taste!

We recommend arriving around 3:00 pm to explore the main plaza. Take a leisurely stroll past the church, and wander a block in each direction to discover the local dining scene. This will give you a great sense of the options available. For drinks and bar food, we highly recommend La Bogadera—a perfect spot to relax and unwind.

Book Now – Your Seamless Travel Experience

In our previous travel guides, we’ve provided all the contact information you need, but we understand that communicating in Spanish can sometimes be a challenge. That’s where our new “BOOK NOW” service comes in! We assist you with making reservations, booking activities, and covering all the essential details to ensure your experience is smooth and stress-free—at no additional charge.

We’re also thrilled to offer a professional Touristic Concierge service. Our dedicated concierge will help you plan your itinerary and, for an additional fee, accompany you during your trip to handle all the small details. From food orders to directions, and even sharing insights on history and culture, having your own personal concierge makes your trip more enjoyable and hassle-free.

To Book Now, simply fill out the form below with some basic information. We’ll get back to you within 12 to 24 hours via phone or email to confirm your reservation and finalize your travel itinerary.

For Airbnb bookings, click here: [Airbnb Link]

[contact-form-7 id=”5448″ title=”Quimbaya Destination BOOK NOW”]

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