If you have to visit one region in Colombia with kids, make it el Eje Cafetero! Colombia’s coffee region is one that we keep going back to again and again. If you’re planning a trip with family, friends, and little ones you want to stick around.
We spent time exploring coffee farms, hiking through valleys that felt like something out of a movie, and watching our kids take in all of the magic. Whether you’re living in Colombia like us or planning a visit, this guide is everything you need to know to plan a family trip to the coffee region that your kids (and you) will never forget!
¡Vámonos!
Why the Coffee Region?
Before we get into it, let me tell you why this region is so special. El Eje Cafetero, also known as the Coffee Triangle, spans the departments of Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindío. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape, and once you’re there, you’ll understand why. Rolling green mountains, mild weather year-round (think 70–75°F every day), and some of the warmest people you’ll ever meet.
For families, it’s a dream. The pace is slower, the activities are hands-on, and there’s something for every age — from toddlers to abuelos. Plus, it’s incredibly affordable compared to a lot of travel destinations.
Salento: Start and Stay Here
Let’s start with Salento because this is where you’ll likely base yourself, and honestly, you could spend days here without running out of things to do.
Salento is a small colonial pueblo with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and a main plaza that served as an inspiration for the movie Encanto. We spent a few days just walking Calle Real, popping into artisan shops, and eating trucha and bandeja paisas.
Don’t skip the climb up to Mirador Alto de la Cruz. It’s a short walk up some stairs from the end of the main street and the views over the entire valley are absolutely worth it.
For families: The town is walkable, safe, and full of affordable restaurants. There are plenty of accommodation options ranging from cozy hostels with private family rooms to beautiful fincas and glamping spots just outside town. We loved being able to walk everywhere without needing a car. There are also Willys aka traditional jeeps that can take you around if you need it.
Tip: Visit on weekdays if you can. Salento fills up with domestic tourists on weekends and holidays, and the vibe is much more relaxed during the week.
Finca El Ocaso Coffee Tour
If you’ve been following along on Instagram, you already know how much we loved this one. I wrote a full post about our experience at Finca El Ocaso, but it absolutely deserves a spot in this guide too.
Finca El Ocaso is a family-run coffee farm just a short ride from Salento that’s been growing coffee for over 100 years. The tour walks you through the entire process — from how the coffee trees are planted, to picking the beans yourself, to drying, roasting, and finally brewing your own cup. It’s completely hands-on, and kid friendly!
As a proud Cuban, my usual go-to is a colada with whipped sugar. Safe to say that is not how coffee is prepared here — the traditional Colombian tinto is a whole different experience. But after learning about every step that goes into a single cup, I have a whole new level of respect for the process.
The tour finishes with a coffee tasting and you can hang out at their on-site café with gorgeous views of the valley. They also have accommodations if you want to wake up surrounded by coffee plants — which, yes, is as dreamy as it sounds.
Practical info: Tours run in both Spanish and English. Morning tours at 8:30 a.m. are typically in Spanish, afternoon at 1:30 p.m. in English. Adults are around COP$50,000 (~$13 USD), kids 6–12 are half price, and under 6 are free.
Tip: Book the afternoon tour if you prefer English, and let the kids get their hands dirty picking coffee cherries!
Valle de Cocora
I don’t think anything can fully prepare you for the first time you see the wax palms of Valle de Cocora. These are the tallest palm trees in the world — some reaching up to 60 meters — and they’re Colombia’s national tree. Staring out into the valley is a core-memory moment!
The valley is about a 30-minute jeep ride from Salento’s main plaza (jeeps leave regularly and the ride itself is an adventure). Once you’re there, you have options depending on your family’s energy level.
Short route: About 60–90 minutes, easy, and takes you straight into the valley of palms. Perfect if you have younger kids or just want to soak it in without a major hike.
Full loop: 8.5 km, about 4–5 hours, with some serious elevation gain. You’ll cross suspension bridges, hike through cloud forest, and end with the dramatic reveal of the palm valley. It can get muddy — like, really muddy — so waterproof boots are non-negotiable.
We did the short route with the kids and it was perfect. Entry costs about 25,000 pesos into Bosque de Palmas, and horses are available at the entrance if anyone in the family needs a little extra help getting around.
Tip: Go early in the morning to beat the crowds and the afternoon rain. Pack layers — the weather can change fast at this altitude. And seriously, wear waterproof shoes. Chanclas are not it for this one.
Parque del Café
Now here’s where you earn some serious parenting points. Parque del Café is a coffee-themed amusement park (yes, you read that right) and it is so much fun for the whole family.
The park has over 35 rides, including El Krater — Colombia’s most extreme roller coaster with a 30 meter vertical drop. There’s also a teleférico, a Ferris wheel, water rides, and plenty of gentler rides for the little ones. But what makes it special is that it’s not just about the rides. There’s a whole free museum section dedicated to Colombia’s coffee history and culture, with educational exhibits and demonstrations.
Our kids spent the morning doing rides and the afternoon learning about coffee production in the museum — unintentional worldschooling at its finest.
Practical info: Kids under 90 cm enter free. The park is open Wednesday through Sunday in low season, daily in high season, from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Buy tickets online the day before for a 10% discount.
Tip: Plan for a full day here — you won’t want to rush. Bring sunscreen and hats, pack snacks if you want to save on food costs, and go on a weekday for shorter lines.
You can check out our full walkthrough on YouTube here!
Bioparque Ukumarí
Bioparque Ukumarí is located just outside Pereira and it’s one of the best family attractions in the region. This isn’t your average zoo — it’s a conservation-focused biopark with over 90 species of animals, 6,000 types of plants, and themed areas that recreate different habitats, including a rainforest section and an African savannah.
The kids were obsessed with the life-size dinosaur displays (there are 12 of them!), and getting to see Colombia’s only giraffe was pretty special. There are also animal feeding experiences, bird and mammal shows, and expert-guided tours that teach about conservation and habitats.
Practical info: Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with last entry at 2:30 p.m. Kids under 2 enter free. Plan for 4–6 hours to see everything without rushing. The park is about 30–45 minutes from downtown Pereira.
Tip: Arrive early when the animals are most active. Wear comfortable walking shoes — the park covers a lot of ground. And don’t skip the expert-guided tours, they’re worth the time, especially for curious kids.
Bonus: A Few More Worth Mentioning
Termales Santa Rosa de Cabal — Natural hot springs with thermal pools, a stunning 95-meter waterfall, and a dedicated kids’ pool. The perfect way to unwind after a day of hiking. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and kid admission is around COP$23,500 (~$6 USD).
Jardín Botánico del Quindío — A botanical garden in Calarcá with an incredible butterfly house shaped like a butterfly. Inside there are around 1,500 butterflies from 30 native species. The trails are accessible for all ages, and it’s a peaceful, beautiful experience.
PANACA — An agricultural theme park with over 4,500 animals. The kids can feed llamas, ride ponies, watch cow milking demonstrations, and learn about agriculture. It’s educational and entertaining, and you can bring your own food and water into the park. You can grab tickets here!
Getting There
From Medellín: You can fly (about 40 minutes to Pereira or Armenia) or drive/take a bus (4–5 hours). We recommend flying if you’re short on time, but the drive through the mountains is beautiful if you have the flexibility.
From Bogotá: Flights are about an hour. The bus takes 8–9 hours and crosses La Línea, one of the highest mountain passes in Colombia. It’s an experience, but with little kids, I’d fly
From Cali: We drove this route and it took roughly 4-5 hours on roads that curved like there was no limit! There were so many curves, that my youngest actually got car sick. The first time we visited the area we went on bus from Cali to Quindío which was the least amount of stress!
Getting around: Within the region, jeeps and taxis are easy to find. Salento’s main plaza is the hub for jeep rides to Cocora Valley and surrounding areas. You can also rent a car for more independence, but know that some roads are rough! Between the curves, narrow roads along mountainsides, and unfinished streets, you need to be aware at all times!
Best Time to Visit
The coffee region has a year-round mild climate, but if you want the driest weather, aim for December through February or June through August. April can be the cloudiest month, so plan outdoor hikes accordingly. That said, even during rainy season, the showers tend to be short afternoon bursts followed by sunshine.
If you want to catch the coffee harvest in action, visit between October and December or April and May — watching the recolectores work is fascinating, especially for the kids.
What to Pack
This one’s important because the weather is deceiving. It feels warm, but you’re at altitude and conditions shift fast. Rain can (and does) happen at any moment!
Bring layers, a solid rain jacket, waterproof hiking boots (I cannot stress this enough for Cocora), sunscreen, hats, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag for your phone and camera. Chanclas for the hot springs, comfortable walking shoes for the towns, and something warm for evenings.
Final Thoughts
El Eje Cafetero has become one of our favorite regions in all of Colombia. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, connect with the land and the people, and your kids learn without even realizing it. Every single activity was a lesson wrapped in so much immersion that nobody complained about “school.”
If you’re planning a trip to Colombia with your family, please don’t skip this region. It’s magic.
Make sure you’re following our family adventures around Colombia on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube for the full video experience. Drop a comment if you’ve visited the Eje Cafetero or if you have any questions about planning your trip leave a comment below!
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