The town of Salento was officially founded on January 5th, 1842.
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Measuring in at more than 440,000 square kilometers, the South American country of Colombia offers a particularly diverse array of landscapes for visitors to explore, with pristine beaches, sprawling plains and lush rainforests found all throughout its borders—but for those wishing to explore the beauty of the Andes, it’s tough to find a better destination than Quindío. A prominent portion of Colombia’s Coffee Triangle, this verdant department is home to historic settlements, vast nature preserves, and—perhaps most notably—the Cocora Valley, a renowned natural feature that served as the inspiration for parts of Disney’s Encanto. As you plan your next trip to South America, be sure to save some room on the itinerary for a few days spent exploring Quindío, one of Colombia’s most celebrated mountain escapes.
Explore Quindío’s Bustling Capital
Armenia is also referred to as the “Ciudad Milagro,” or “Miracle City” in English.
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Colombia’s El Edén International Airport serves as the perfect spot for kicking off a voyage across the Coffee Triangle—and as an added bonus, the nearby city of Armenia is home to a wealth of top-tier attractions for newcomers to explore. During a visit, guests are welcome to take advantage of the city’s many cafés, with destinations like Café Quindío Gourmet and La Ceiba Café both showcasing Quindío’s agricultural prowess within the realm of coffee. Further north, visiting history buffs can find a particularly fascinating destination in the form of the Museo del Oro Quimbaya, a prestigious institution that highlights the lengthy history of the surrounding region’s indigenous groups, with gilded statues, ancient ceramics and a garden full of native species all on display.
For those who prefer an idyllic escape into the countryside, there’s no shortage of charming hotels to explore just outside of city limits, with La Herencia serving as a top spot for a relaxing getaway. Located on a sprawling estate just north of Quindío’s largest airport, this idyllic property offers five distinct houses for guests to book, each one coming equipped with large outdoor pools and sprawling gardens that attract all sorts of native flora and fauna. While the property is perfect for relaxing all throughout the day, wildlife aficionados should be sure to get an early start to scan the estate for native animals, with colorful birds like the thick-billed euphonia, western emerald and green honeycreeper all making a potential appearance.
Discover the Historic Charm of Filandia
The name Filandia is a combination of the Latin words “fila” and “andia,” roughly translating to … [+] “Daughter of the Andes” in English.
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Just 45 minutes north of Armenia, the scenic town of Filandia serves as a major draw for international and domestic tourists alike, providing visitors with a wealth of colorful streetside shops, bars and restaurants to peruse. After a stroll down Calle del Tiempo Detenido in search of hand-crafted souvenirs, guests will arrive at the town’s main square, an idyllic gathering space that’s home to the towering Iglesia María Inmaculada—and luckily, one of the community’s most interesting cultural sites is just a few steps away. During a trip to the Centro de Interpretación “Del Bejuco al Canasto,” visitors can gain insight into Quindío’s lengthy heritage of basket-weaving, providing guests with an opportunity to view intricate vessels that have been used for decades to transport coffee beans and even try their hand at crafting a basket to take back home.
While downtown Filandia is perfect for a deep dive on local Quindío culture, those hoping to discover the natural beauty of the department can make their way north for a hike through Barbas Bremen Nature Reserve. In addition to boasting towering trees and colorful butterflies, this lush park also draws visitors thanks to its many red howler monkeys, while lucky birdwatchers may catch a glimpse of the Cauca guan, a turkey-sized animal that’s endemic to the surrounding region. After a lengthy hike through the preserve, guests can reward themselves with a trip to Helena Adentro, a colorful downtown Filandia venue that offers hearty Colombian cuisine spanning from chorizo tacos to smoked chicken gyros.
Marvel at Towering Palm Trees in the Cocora Valley
The Quindío wax palm was declared the national tree of Colombia in 1985.
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In the northeastern reaches of Quindío, Colombia’s Cocora Valley has earned nationwide acclaim for its spectacular beauty—and for anyone paying a visit to this natural wonder, Salento is the perfect pitstop. Founded in 1842, this quiet community has evolved into a top-tier tourist destination in recent years, with visitors gathering in droves to search for colorful souvenirs and enjoy a well-earned drink after exploring the valley. For coffee aficionados, Café Jesús Martín is a must-visit thanks to its cozy interior and high-quality drinks, while those who venture north will be richly rewarded with gorgeous vistas from the Mirador de Salento—and to sweeten the deal, neighboring Restaurante María Ocampo’s is perfect for a craft beer enjoyed on the outdoor patio.
Venturing east, travelers can make a pitstop at Restaurante Donde Laurita Campestre—an idyllic open-air venue that crafts top-tier bandeja paisa—before basking in the splendor of Quindío’s Cocora Valley. While this natural feature is rife with verdant hills and colorful birdlife, it’s best known for its high concentration of Quindío wax palms, a towering plant that serves as the national tree of Colombia. Upon arrival, guests can stroll along the valley’s many walking paths, with ample opportunity to get an up-close look at the palms as well as the native yellow-eared parrots that nest on their branches.
Source link : https://www.forbes.com/sites/jaredranahan/2024/07/27/discover-the-beauty-of-colombias-coffee-triangle-in-quindo/
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Publish date : 2024-07-27 14:25:32
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