A pueblo with big dreams and tourism for horse lovers, bird watchers and coffee drinkers. Happenings are transforming this sleepy pueblo into a day-trip hotspot.

Settled by the children of nearby Apia, and Belen de Umbria, Viterbo was founded between 4 large haciendas, in 1911. A bishop from Manizales had a hand in making good use of what he considered to be a great potential. 

Viterbo, Caldas

Today, it is a small pueblo, or town of 12,000 residents, and growing fast. A faster connection to Manizales and Medellin via Tesalia Tunnel (Tunel de Tesalia), is currently bringing a new demand for local housing. On the outskirts large plots of land have been set aside for over 90 different condominiums. Now, the local residents are seeing a new potential for tourism and economic activity.

We met with the local tourism providers to create a travel guide based on top recommendations. #SponsoredPost

Here are some ideas which will help you plan your next weekend adventure in the Colombian Coffee Region. Enjoy!

Where to Stay

Viterbo has a comfortable elegance that is well worth staying more than one day. Wander the pueblo, go on a horse ride or lounge around watching life go by.

Villa LuzPi

A rural lodging option great for two families, four couples or even a couple individuals to get the peace and quiet they need as they escape the rat race of the city. You can stay at a small milk farm out in the countryside in the most beautiful vereda of Viterbo.

Great for birdwatchers and nature lovers. You can also rent it for the day to have a large family dinner in their outdoor dining room in a kiosk. There is a nearby farm, also listed here in this guide, which offers cacao/coffee tours and a nature hike. 

Contact: Luz Piedad +57 318 358 0599 via Whatsapp (Spanish) or Erin +57 312 794 8245 (English) – reservations must be made at least a week ahead of your intended arrival. 

Breakfast & Bakery

For something sweet or that caffeine you needed, here’s what we recommend!

Manjares Reposteria – Panadería

Olga, who lived many years in the US, wanted to create a classic bakery feel for her shop. She describes it as “Un sueño hecho de sabor. Esta es mi pasion.” A dream made of flavor. This is my passion.” And it is evident in everything she does.

Fresh bread, typical pastries and coffee are all on the menu. This is a great meeting place for locals and visitors alike. Be sure to ask about their event services. Indoor and outdoor seating available.

Hours of Operation: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm DAILY Address: Carrera 7 #7-39

Where to Eat Lunch or Dinner

You’ve been going hard, time for something cold and refreshing…

When you return to the pueblo, in the afternoon, the heat will be nearing its peak. Don’t forget to stay hydrated. Here’s a place we really liked!

Wamba Juice Bar – Gourmet Hamburgers

A catchy name inspired by Jamba Juice in the US. Not quite a coffee shop, this is an open air juice bar/burger stand situated in the Parque Principal (main park). Their limited aged beef gourmet burger menu, is only available in the early evening onward. We love their Philadelphia burger!

Be sure to stop in, relax, and opt for one of their smoothies inspired by exotic or tropical Colombian fruits, or a cool frozen lemonade. The house lemonade is Cucumber & Chia, we know you are going to love it!

Hours of Operation: Mon – Fri 2:00 – 10:00 PM / Sat & Sun 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Location: Main Park – in front of the church.

When the hunger comes upon you, it’s important to know where to go…

La Fonda

For the typical flavors of Colombia, particularly the coffee region – then this is your place. An old house that was remodeled and restored is home to this cute, old-fashioned Colombian diner fare. Favorite local plates include Trucha, or trout, and Cesar salad.

Whether you are planning a family lunch, or experimenting with the flavors of typical Colombian cuisine – La Fonda has a little something for everyone, even children! Their desire is to bring quality ingredients and preparation to a variety of timeless favorites. Yes, they accept credit cards!

Hours of Operation: 10:30 – 10:00 PM Every Day Location: Carrera 7 #9-54

Al Aire Libre – Lunches – Nature, Art & Flavor

There is a place that feels like paradise – where you can eat lunch in the open air. Featuring traditional recipes and unique details – on the weekends you can choose from Sancocho de Espinazo (pork), Chicharron and beans, or the traditional Bandeja = Meat of your choice, soup, rice, salad and side of your choice. Al Aire Libre, is a weekend place where you and your family or friends can go to take a break from the heat with fresh breezes and friendly service.

The tables are in the front yard of an old house next door to Pinceladas. Inside the house are two workshops, one for painting, and one for jewelry making. That is because the mother-daughter team who run it are also accomplished creatives.

Hours: Saturday, Sunday and Holidays 12:00 – 4:00 PM. Lunch to go during the week (must call). Extra charge if sending out to the condominiums. Whatsapp/Cell: 314 713 7535 – 311 356 9093 Location: Cra. 7 #10-15

Pinceladas de Sabor | Cafe – Bar

Afternoon coffee, or evening drinks with something extra – the next place is full of artisan crafts, locally grown single origin coffee, local single origin chocolate and a colorful ambiance that continues into the night.

Whether you are craving a cappuccino, a cool artisan ice cream bar, or even a waffle with ice cream – you have come to the right place. The first Saturday of each month features live music and different art, culture or gastronomy themes.

Hours of Operation: 1:00 PM – 10:00 PM EVERYDAY Address: Carrera 7 #10-02

Touristic Attractions in Viterbo, Caldas

Time to get your feet wet and find your sense of adventure…

Visitors can choose from hiking, jeeping or riding a horse. Or you can do a little bit of everything. For horse lovers, we found this local operator.

La Tulia – Farm Tour

If you love to walk in nature, drink coffee, eat chocolate, and experience exotic fruits, then this tour is for you! Only 20 minutes outside of Viterbo, is a jungle paradise where man meets nature and seeks balance while enjoying the fruits of his labor – tropical fruits that is!

The tour is a well-maintained walking path through a productive jungle farm which has conserved much of the natural surroundings while cultivating in and around the forest and bamboo. The farm itself is focused primarily on coffee and cocoa (chocolate) production. However, like the traditional farms of this region, also has fruit trees planted in and around the property.

Call or Whatsapp: +57 317 762 4888 Reservations must be made 24 to 48 hours prior to expected tour.

Experience includes a 2-3 hour tour which features the nature walk, chocolate/coffee tasting, and lunch. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and bug repellent. Transport available for an additional cost, or can take jeep from/to pueblo which leaves at 7:00 am and returns at 1:30 PM.

This tour is great for children and senior citizens as the walking path is mostly on level ground and easy to navigate with very little up/down challenge.

Jinetes del Eden – Horse Rides

For a fun ecotourism adventure, take a page out of history and experience the rolling hills, creeks and forests by horseback. Riders will be matched by experience, of course! Minimum of 2 riders, up to 15 riders per tour.

This 2-3 hour adventure will take you into the tropical dry forest surroundings of Viterbo, Caldas. Visitors are insured, and all precautions are taken to create a diverse trail riding experience! Be sure to call 4-5 days ahead of time to schedule your adventure. Cost: 90,000+ depending on length.

Call: +57 310 411 8221 or email: cabalgatasjinetesdeleden@hotmail.com

Note: Reservations must be made 4-5 days prior to arrival. Jinetes del Eden is a local tourism operator which offers a variety of tours including trail rides, jeep tours, and more. Call or email for more information. Cost of insurance included.

Across the street from Pinceladas, you might notice a strangely peculiar place…

Cameloc Casa de Cultura – The Heaven of Music

Music aficionados come hither, this one is for you! With a collection of more than 6,000 LP (Long Play) Vinyls, your ears will be filled. Nelson Arturo Lopez Diaz, is a life-long collector, singer and music aficionado.

Located directly in-front of Pinceladas de Sabor, you can’t miss the peculiar charm of the place. Feel free to wander into the front part and meet with the History of art and culture in Viterbo, which is also carved into the exterior bricks.

Hours: Whenever the doors are open. Address: Look for the oddity only a few blocks from the main park and across the street from Pincelarte.

Monkey World Smoke Shop

Times are changing, and as legality looms closer and closer, the culture is slowly changing. Some years ago, the head shop concept was almost unheard of, today are becoming a normal staple in the daily lives of Colombians. Monkey World Smoke Shop is no exception!

Opened by twin brothers Marco and Santiago, Monkey World is an American-style smoke shop offering a massive variety of tobacco smoking implements, survival gear, and a variety of sex toys. They have something for everyone.

Address: Calle 4 #11-40  Hours: Every day 9:00 – 12:00 pm & 2:00 – 9:00 pm   Call: 311 863 9484

Initially they suffered prejudice and even intense criticism. Today, they have grown into 3 shops in Viterbo, La Virginia, and Belen de Umbria. From popular RAW brand rolling papers, to artisan rolls like OME, definitely come check out this novelty smoke shop!

Instagram: @monkeyworldoficial       Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/monkeyworldoficial

Conclusion 

This is a very breve, or short, guide to tourism in Viterbo, Caldas. Only an hour from Pereira, you will find a fun variety of amusements to plan the perfect day trip.

Pack a hat for the sun, grab your shades, and dive into the adventures of Tierra Caliente, the hot earth – or warm climates of the lower valleys near Pereira in the Coffee Axis.

This pueblo is growing fast – and a lot of government funding is being made available for tourism projects which include birdwatching, local culture, panela processes, gastronomy and pueblo infrastructure.