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Known for its coffee culture, stunning landscapes, and welcoming locals, Pereira is a dream destination for travelers who want an authentic Colombian experience off the beaten path.
This post covers Pereira, when to visit, getting around, where to stay, safety, and attractions. We’ll also delve into considerations for those seeking to remain long-term, like living costs and healthcare.
Overview
Pereira is more than just a gateway to Colombia’s coffee farms—it’s a vibrant city. The city’s Plaza Bolívar, with its iconic sculpture of Simón Bolívar in a dynamic pose, serves as the town’s heartbeat. You can explore a lively mix of restaurants, bars, and shops from here that showcase traditional and modern Colombian culture. But the locals, known as pereiranos, make the city truly special. Friendly and eager to share their heritage, they’ll make you feel like family when you arrive.
Pereira’s natural wonders and surrounding region are part of the UNESCO-listed Coffee Cultural Landscape, with lush valleys and rolling hills covered in coffee plantations as far as the eye can see. Take a day trip to a local coffee farm and learn about the intricate process that turns coffee cherries into the rich, aromatic brew we all love.
Don’t miss a visit to the Cocora Valley, where the towering wax palms—the tallest palm trees in the world—create an otherworldly landscape that feels straight out of a dream.
The nearby hot springs of Santa Rosa de Cabal are perfect for a relaxing soak after a long day of hiking. At the same time, the Tatamá National Park offers more challenging trails for those seeking a genuine connection with nature. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Ukumarí Biopark is home to a wide variety of native species, making it an excellent spot for families and animal lovers alike.
With its perfect coffee blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality, it’s no wonder this city is quickly becoming a must-visit destination in Colombia. Pereira has a way of captivating visitors and leaving a lasting impression.
Pereira
- Department: Risaralda
- Population: 482,000
- Official language(s): Spanish
- Currency: Colombian peso (COP)
- Climate: Af (tropical rainforest)
- Safe to visit: Yes
- Cost of living: Low
When to Visit
The best time to visit Pereira is during the rainy seasons, from March to May and October to November. While there might be occasional showers, these months typically see fewer tourists compared to the peak dry season. If you don’t mind a little rain, you’ll find a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere in the city and surrounding areas. If you prefer drier months, visit from December to February.
Getting Around
Aeropuerto Internacional Matecaña (PEI) is Pereira’s main airport. Avianca, LATAM Colombia, Wingo, and Clic Air lead Colombia’s airline sector and serve Latin America, North America, the Caribbean, Oceania, Asia, and Europe.
Rental car options include Hertz, National, Alamo, Enterprise, and Localiza. Consider getting an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to drive in Colombia. It translates your home license, making it understandable to local authorities. That can be helpful in Colombia, where English is not widely spoken.
Pereira’s main bus terminal is at Cl. 17 #N° 23-157. You may need a transit pass to take local buses.
Cabify, InDrive, Uber, and taxis are available in Pereira.
Where to Stay
The best neighborhoods in Pereira include Pinares, known for its upscale vibe, cafes, and proximity to downtown, and Circunvalar, a trendy area with restaurants, bars, and easy access to nightlife. For a more local experience, Alamos offers a peaceful residential feel while still being close to major attractions.
Pereira offers various accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to affordable hotels.
Airbnb is available in Pereira. For long-term stays, you can book one to three months through the platform and then deal with the host privately. Many homeowners and travelers prefer private arrangements to avoid Airbnb’s high fees. You can also search Vrbo for vacation rentals and private homes.
Things to Do
The top things to do in Pereira include:
Plaza de Bolívar: Visit the city’s central square, known for its iconic Bolívar Desnudo statue and vibrant atmosphere.
Cocora Valley: Take a day trip to hike among the towering wax palms in this stunning nearby valley.
Coffee Farm Tour: Explore local coffee farms and learn about Colombia’s world-famous coffee production.
Ukumarí Biopark: Discover native wildlife and exotic animals in this expansive park, perfect for families.
Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs: Relax in these natural thermal baths surrounded by lush mountains.
Tatamá National Park: Hike or bird-watch in this biodiverse national park, ideal for nature lovers.
César Gaviria Trujillo Viaduct: Walk or drive across this iconic bridge that connects Pereira with the neighboring town of Dosquebradas.
Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary: Explore pristine forests and waterfalls and spot wildlife in this peaceful nature reserve.
Matecaña Zoo: One of Colombia’s oldest zoos, featuring a variety of animals and educational programs.
Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Pobreza: Admire the architecture and history of this beautiful cathedral located in the city center.
Discover more things to do, attractions, and tours in Pereira and surrounding areas.
Shopping and Gyms
The best shopping malls in Pereira are Victoria Mall, Parque Arboleda Centro Comercial, Centro Gastronómico Sonoma, and Pereira Plaza Shopping Center.
Pereira’s best gyms include Smart Fit, Spinning Center, and Bodytech.
The best supermarkets in Pereira are Carulla, Ara, Éxito, Olímpica, and Majana Fit Market Saludable.
Safety and Crime
Pereira is safer to visit than many other Colombian cities. However, it is best to stick to well-traveled neighborhoods like Pinares and Circunvalar. Avoid wandering alone at night and use official taxis or ride-hailing apps. Keeping a low profile and being aware of your surroundings will also help ensure a safe visit.
Consult your government’s travel advisories for more details.
Cost of Living
Pereira’s living costs are low, with accommodation, food, and transportation well below the prices of other major cities.
Dallas, Texas, is a good representation of the average cost of living in the U.S.; it is neither extremely expensive like New York or San Francisco nor particularly cheap like Mississippi or Arkansas.
Pereira’s living costs are about 74% lower than Dallas’s.
- Rent prices in Pereira are 89% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Restaurant prices in Pereira are 69% lower than in Dallas, TX.
- Groceries prices in Pereira are 65% lower than in Dallas, TX.
Healthcare
Colombia’s healthcare system includes public and private hospitals. Public hospitals suffer from supply shortages, overcrowding, and long wait times. Private hospitals charge a premium and provide better care, equipment, and services.
San Joaquin-Cuba Hospital and MegaCentro Pinares are Pereira’s best hospitals and medical centers. Pharmacies include independents and chains, like Farmacenter and Multidrogas.
Health insurance providers are available nationally and locally. They operate in Spanish, so you might consider getting insurance from a company that operates globally, like SafetyWing and WorldTrips. That will make policy and claim management much easier should a medical concern or incident arise.
Explore Pereira’s other quality of life factors.
Mobile and Internet
Claro, Movistar, and Tigo dominate Colombia’s mobile, T.V., and internet sectors.
If planning a short visit to Colombia, consider buying an eSim to save on roaming fees. Nomad and Jetpac offer the best rates and plans.
Real Estate
Visit Metrocuadrado, Fincaraiz, Remax Colombia, and Century21 Colombia for Colombian real estate and rentals.
Nearby Cities
- Dosquebradas
- Armenia
- Manizales
- Ibagué
- Chinchiná
Updated: October 17, 2024