Things To Do
in Filandia
Filandia is a tranquil hill town in Colombia's Coffee Axis (Eje Cafetero), perched on rolling emerald slopes of Quindío. Colorful colonial houses line its narrow, cobbled streets, inviting strolls and photo-worthy corners at every turn. The town is famed for warm hospitality, artisan crafts, and sweeping views of coffee plantations and distant valleys.
It's a gateway to Salento and the Cocora Valley, offering a cool, comfortable climate and authentic rural vibes.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional breakfast at a local café, enjoying arepas and freshly brewed coffee. After breakfast, wander through the colorful streets of Filandia, admiring the colonial architecture and vibrant murals. Stop by the main square, Plaza de Bolívar, to take in the atmosphere and perhaps chat with local artisans.
Visit the renowned Mirador de Filandia, where you can take in panoramic views of the coffee region's lush landscape. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes like bandeja paisa or sancocho. Afterward, explore the coffee farms nearby, learning about the coffee production process and tasting some of the finest brews.
As the sun sets, head back to the plaza for a leisurely stroll, where you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Filandia. Find a cozy spot to have dinner, perhaps trying the local trout specialties. Conclude your evening with a drink at a local bar, mingling with locals and other travelers.
Start your day with a guided tour of a nearby coffee farm, where you can learn about the art of coffee cultivation. Participate in the picking process, getting your hands dirty while harvesting ripe coffee cherries. Enjoy a fresh cup of coffee brewed from the beans you just picked, experiencing the full journey from farm to cup.
After lunch at the farm, engage in a coffee tasting session, learning to distinguish the various flavors and aromas of different coffee varieties. Discover the intricate brewing methods used to create the perfect cup, guided by a knowledgeable barista. Spend some time exploring the farm's beautiful gardens and taking in the serene surroundings.
Return to Filandia for dinner at a local eatery, where you can savor delicious regional dishes. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through the town, soaking in the charming ambiance under the stars. If you're up for it, find a local spot for live music to enjoy some Colombian rhythms.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee at a cafe | $1-3 |
| 🏨One-night stay in budget hotel | $25-60 |
| 🚲Bike rental for a day | $15-25 |
| 🧃Water bottle | $0.50-1 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful scenery and photo-friendly town
- Friendly, welcoming locals
- Walkable town with easy access to coffee region highlights
- Close to Cocora Valley and Salento
- Limited nightlife and large-scale entertainment
- Some services and facilities may be basic compared to bigger cities
- Hilly terrain can be tiring for long walks for some visitors
- "Hola" - Hello
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Filandia
Visit one of these nice places.
A hillside lookout with panoramic views over the coffee hills and Salento in the distance, ideal for sunrise or sunset.
Colorful, flower-adorned street with charming balconies and colonial architecture for street photography.
The central square framed by pastel buildings and the church, perfect for portraits and architectural shots.
Rippling green fields with coffee plants at the edge of town; great for wide landscape compositions.
Food in Filandia
Filandia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Grilled trout from local streams, typically served with potatoes, rice, and salad.
Must-Try!
Traditional corn-based tamales with meat and vegetables, often enjoyed with a hot drink.
Sweet corn arepa, usually served with cheese.
Dulce de leche (arequipe) with cheese, a common dessert pairing.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small, lively market where you can sample fresh produce, coffee, empanadas, and obleas (wafer cookies) from street vendors.
Try empanadas, pastelitos, and obleas around the plaza.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake or a light kiss on the cheek among friends; greet with warmth and eye contact.
Show courtesy to elders and speak calmly and politely.
Don’t rush coffee moments; engage in conversation and savor the drink.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; avoid loud behavior in public spaces.
Safety
Tipping in Filandia
Ensure a smooth experience
In Colombia, tipping is common but not always required. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is typical if service isn’t included; in cafes and street food, rounding up the bill is appreciated.
Cash and cards are widely accepted in towns; keep some small bills for markets; ATMs are available in Filandia and nearby towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry season with plentiful sunshine and clear skies; great for outdoor activities and photography; expect cooler mornings and mild afternoons.
Rainy season with higher humidity and lush, emerald landscapes; trails can be muddy; carry a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes; afternoon showers common.
Filandia at Night
Hiking in Filandia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic route near Salento with wax palm groves; multiple trail lengths for varying fitness levels.
Several easy hikes to hilltop viewpoints above the town offering sweeping valley views.
Airports
How to reach Filandia by plane.
Serves domestic flights and a few international connections; about 40-60 minutes by car to Filandia.
Regional airport with regular flights to major Colombian cities; about 50-70 minutes by car to Filandia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly families tied to coffee cultivation; friendly and community-focused.
Visitors seeking coffee culture, scenic views, and photography opportunities; generally respectful.
A small but growing presence of expatriates attracted by the climate and pace of life.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region; local games and informal matches are common.
The rolling coffee-country roads attract cyclists of all levels.
A traditional Colombian throwing game often played in outdoor spaces around towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Filandia.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in Filandia; look for beans, rice, plantains, and cheese dishes; communicate clearly with servers to avoid hidden animal-based broths or lard; many places will happily adapt if asked.