Things To Do
in Quinchía
Quinchía is a small town in the Risaralda department of Colombia, nestled in the Andean highlands among rolling coffee hills. It serves as a quiet gateway to the coffee region, with lush landscapes, winding roads, and a relaxed rural pace. The town blends colonial charm with a warm, welcoming community that invites visitors to connect with local farmers and artisans.
Visitors come for scenic hikes, farm tours, and authentic rural Colombian hospitality.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the picturesque Plaza de Quinchía, where you can admire the colonial architecture and vibrant local life. Enjoy a traditional breakfast at one of the local eateries, tasting arepas and freshly brewed coffee. After your meal, stroll through the nearby streets to soak in the atmosphere and perhaps visit the charming local shops.
In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, a stunning church with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Engage with local artisans at the nearby workshop, learning about the intricate handicrafts made from local materials. As the sun begins to set, relax at a café in the plaza, enjoying the lively ambiance and people-watching.
For dinner, indulge in a meal at a traditional restaurant offering regional dishes such as sancocho or bandeja paisa. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the illuminated plaza, where you can often find local music performances or cultural events. End your evening with a nightcap at a local bar, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Quinchía’s locals.
Embark on a day trip to one of the renowned coffee farms in the region, where you'll learn about the coffee production process from bean to cup. Participate in a guided coffee tour, where you can see the plants, pick coffee cherries, and understand the significance of Colombian coffee. Enjoy a delicious breakfast made with fresh ingredients sourced from the farm.
After the tour, savor a freshly brewed cup of coffee while overlooking the lush landscapes of the coffee fields. Join a hands-on coffee tasting workshop, where you can learn to identify different flavors and aromas in various coffee blends. Enjoy a hearty lunch prepared with local ingredients, surrounded by the stunning scenery.
Return to Quinchía in the evening and relax at your accommodation, reflecting on the day’s experiences. If you’re feeling adventurous, head out to a local restaurant for dinner and try a new dish or two. Wind down your night with a stroll in the fresh air, taking in the sights and sounds of the tranquil village.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🌮Street food snack | $1-3 |
| ☕️Coffee at a local cafe | $1-3 |
| 🍽️Main dish at mid-range restaurant | $6-15 |
| 🛏️Budget hotel room (per night) | $20-50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic coffee-region landscapes and rural charm
- Affordable food and welcoming locals
- Easy day trips to farms, viewpoints, and waterfalls
- Proximity to Pereira for airports and larger services
- Limited nightlife and few large-scale tourist amenities
- Rural roads can be winding and slower to navigate
- Fewer direct flight options; often requires a transfer through Pereira
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Una mesa para dos, por favor." - A table for two, please.
- "¡Ayuda!" - Help!
Places to Visit in Quinchía
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over the valley and surrounding coffee hills, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Photogenic streets with colonial-era houses painted in bright colors, offering charming street photography opportunities.
A riverside vantage point near the town where you can capture the meandering river with the green backdrop of hills.
Food in Quinchía
Quinchía Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Sweet corn arepa, usually grilled and sometimes stuffed with cheese; a breakfast and snack staple found at markets and cafés.
Must-Try!
Grilled trout from nearby streams, typically served with plantains or rice and a fresh salad.
Hearty soup made with chicken or beef, plantains, yuca, and corn; a comforting staple in many regional eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small market offering seasonal fruits, fresh vegetables, herbs, local cheeses, and ready-to-eat street foods like arepas and empanadas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Buenos días/tardes' and a handshake or kiss on the cheek among close friends. Use formal titles with elders until invited to use first names.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or rural communities; show respect for farmers and elders; avoid loud behavior in public spaces late at night.
Safety
Tipping in Quinchía
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10% is common if service is not included. For smaller cafés and informal spots, rounding up is appreciated but not required.
Cash (COP) is widely accepted in town; many shops and hotels in Pereira accept credit/debit cards. In Quinchía, carry some cash for markets and smaller eateries; mobile payments are gradually increasing but not universal.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dryer months bring clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures, ideal for outdoor hikes and long photography sessions. Evenings remain cool, and sunscreen is useful during the day.
Expect short, heavy showers, especially in the afternoon. Trails can become muddy; carry a light rain jacket and waterproof footwear. Weekends can still be good for outdoor activities if you plan around weather windows.
Quinchía at Night
Hiking in Quinchía
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Gentle to moderate trails around town offering views of the valley, coffee farms, and cloud-forest pockets within a short drive.
Short hikes to nearby waterfalls and protected reserves, suitable for a half-day excursion with opportunities for birdwatching.
Airports
How to reach Quinchía by plane.
The main regional gateway serving Pereira and the surrounding coffee region; convenient for arrivals and fast connections to Quinchía via road transfer.
Located in nearby Quindío, a common option for travelers combining the Coffee Triangle; driving time to Quinchía is longer but feasible for itineraries that include Salento and nearby towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Primarily Mestizo and Afro-Colombian communities in surrounding rural areas; a mix of families involved in coffee farming, farming, and local trades. Younger residents often travel to Pereira for education and work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is the most popular sport across Colombia, with local matches and pickup games common in plazas and schools.
The Andean terrain and scenic routes make cycling a favored activity for both locals and visitors exploring surrounding hills.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Quinchía.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many menu items rely on corn, grains, vegetables, and beans; communicate clearly to cooks about avoiding meat stock or animal products. In larger nearby towns, vegetarian options expand; in Quinchía, plant-based dishes like arepas with cheese, bean stews, salads, and fruit plates are common.