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If you are looking for fun or exclusive outdoor activities, then there is a lot for you to experience in Pereira. This city is located in a mountainous region west of Colombia and the locals mainly depend on coffee.
A visit here should not be considered successful before tasting the sweet Colombian coffee.
Here are some of the top things to do in this location:
Biking and Hiking Tours
Mountain bike tours is not only is a killer workout, but it’s also enjoyable with the marvelous scenery surrounding you. Most of these bike tours in Pereira give you a chance to explore the wild, and understand more about coffee plantations in Colombia. Pereira has vast coffee farms and is among the major coffee producers in Colombia.
Different bike tours offer different experiences. For instance, a bike tour could focus on covering the lush green vegetation and forest cover. Another bike tour could just focus on covering dirt trails. But, with the correct tour, you should visit countryside villages, coffee plantations, and nature reserves.
A great biking tour should be approximately 3-4 hours long, with stops to refresh. Request for some coffee breaks during the tour. Pereira village residents are friendly and will offer coffee any time.
Visit Lake Otún
Lake Otun is another source of fresh water in Pereira. It is located in Parque Nacional Los Nevados. Close to this scenic spot are different types of birds that you can see. Bird watchers like to come and see the different kinds of bird species during the dry season. Also, you can rent a boat and fish as you enjoy the refreshing climate.
Many visitors and locals choose to camp around this lake because of its beautiful and safe surrounding. If you indeed plan to sleep, you should carry a durable tent and recommended gear. However, because it gets really cold during the night, you should bring warm clothes.
During the day, you can enjoy walking peacefully on the trails to see different bird species and different types of trees.
Jardin Exotico Kamala
If you like to learn about reptiles or you want to understand more about the exotic plants native to Colombia, then you need to visit Jardin Exotico Kamala. Located in Ruta Pereira-Marsella s/n Chalet Kamala 12, Pereira 660001 Colombia, arriving at this location is stress-free.
You will see giant turtles and reptiles. There was one staff member called Raffaele. He would relate to these turtles in a unique way and they loved him so much.
You should feel free to take pictures during the visit for insightful memories.
Victoria Centro Comercial
Victoria Centro Comercial (Plaza Victoria) is a mall located at the heart of the city where most tourists get to understand different gastronomic Colombian cultures and nature of the city.
There are hundreds of stores that sell different kinds of delicious foods you need to taste. The food stores are ideal if you are planning to go out on dinner dates.
In all my visits to see my family, we never fail to got to Plaza Victoria. Think of a huge mall with many things to do, including a park for kids, and a movie theatre. Speaking of the modern movie theatre, it’s now in place and has cheap entrance fees. You should visit soon and enjoy watching the latest movies.
Located at Cra. 11, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia. Open from morning to night.
La Pastora
La Pastora (Parque Regional Natural Ucumarí) is another natural reserve that is often flocked by tourists. This is because it has clean waterfalls and lush green vegetation. If you like spending time with nature, then you should visit the Natural Ucumari and take photos as well.
Also, if you find the outing exciting and you plan to stay longer, there are safe camping spots for you to enjoy. Cabins are also available if you need modern and comfortable sleep.
Amazingly, entry to the natural reserve is free of charge. However, to reach the entrance, you will have to walk approximately 5 kilometers through a murram road and narrow trails before arriving. If you like hiking, this journey should be interesting for you.
Locals enjoy lighting fire during cold nights and chatting until dawn. This is a never-to-miss opportunity.
Plaza de Bolivar
Plaza de Bolivar is an interesting landmark and a point of interest located between carreras 7a y 8a y calles 19 y 20, Pereira Colombia. This large town square is home to the naked Simon Bolivar statue. Think of a downtown area. That’s how it is.
My mother and her family lived here for many many years. I have visited often, and it… NEVER.GETS.OLD.
Many tourists take photos beside this statue because it looks attractive as it faces the Cathedral Church. Some tourists even like to feed the pigeons with rice and grains and enjoy chatting with the locals. Local shops and street vendors are freely located close to the statue and you can buy different commodities from them.
I’m probably biased with Plaza de Bolivar because it brings back so many memories. But there’s something about just meeting and socializing with locals, eating the food while walking/shopping/ or playing chess. It’s just a very humbling place. I love it very much.
FULL DISCLAIMER, though! There’s a lot of traffic. And unless you are staying at a hotel nearby, you will need to take a taxi to get there. That’s the only downfall in my opinion. As I said before, think of a huge downtown area.
Do not forget to purchase grains and feed the doves and pigeons. This is what I really enjoy most apart from taking photos on this iconic landmark.
Museo de Arte de Pereira
Museo de Arte de Pereira (Pereira Art Museum) located in the heart of the city, you should not leave Pereira before visiting this art museum. Entry is free and you should expect to see interesting works of art and attractive drawings from famous painters.
There are also lectures and films that show documentaries about everything you need to know about art. The floors are very clean and the atmosphere is excellent. I have rarely seen big museums with such kind of atmosphere.
Pereira Art Museum hosts different art exhibitions that display ingenious construction from great scholars.
The museum has three seasons of exhibitions each year. Each exhibition is open to the public for the next 3 or 4 months. But after the closing of each exhibition season, the museum will close its doors for two weeks and dismantle any assembled artifact. Also, during the two weeks, all the technical adjustments and mounting of new exhibitions should be complete.
There are strict rules you are supposed to follow inside the museum. So, before visiting the museum, you need to understand these rules by visiting the museum’s official page.
Schedule: Monday- Closed
Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Make me proud and go visit my home state! Let me know if you have any questions. I assure you, the destinations I have covered are a must visit in Pereira, Colombia.