Colombia Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera)

The region is an all-year destination. It enjoys a pleasant, temperate climate with plenty of sun and enough rain to keep the landscape verdant.

For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.

The main language spoken in the Colombian coffee region is Spanish.

The Peso is the main currency used in the Colombian coffee region. Notes can be withdrawn from ATMs in all major towns and cities, including Pereira, using a UK credit or debit card, though you may have to advise your bank first and amounts that can be withdrawn may be lower than in the UK. Be aware that some ATMs are often out of service but there should be a working one nearby. Banks will offer advances on a credit card, but with a lot of paperwork. Money exchanges (casas de cambio) change US dollars cash (very few accept euros or sterling and the rate will be poor). You are advised to acquire local currency before heading into the coffee region.

The time difference between the Colombian coffee region and the UK is GMT – 5 hrs

An excursion to the lovely rural colonial town of Villa de Leyva, 129km from Bogotá; a few days in Colombia’s most graceful and atmospheric cities, Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast, 1.5hrs by air from Bogotá

There are frequent flights from Bogotá to Armenia and Pereira (both 1 hr).