Things To Do
in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa de Cabal sits in the Andean highlands of Risaralda, surrounded by coffee farms and cloud forests. The town blends colonial charm with sweeping valley views and easy access to natural hot springs. Visitors come for outdoor activities, fresh coffee, and a warm, welcoming local culture.
Its proximity to Pereira makes day trips convenient while preserving a tranquil, small-town atmosphere.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up early to enjoy a traditional Colombian breakfast before embarking on a tour of the picturesque coffee farms in the Coffee Cultural Landscape. Visit local plantations, learn about the coffee production process, and enjoy tastings of some of the best brews in the region. The lush landscapes and vibrant green hills will make for a memorable start to your adventure.
After a morning filled with coffee experiences, savor a delicious lunch at a nearby café featuring local cuisine. Post-lunch, take a guided hike through the breathtaking trails, where you can immerse yourself in the stunning biodiversity and learn about the area's unique flora and fauna. Don't forget to capture the stunning views that frame the iconic shape of the surrounding mountains.
As the sun sets, return to Santa Rosa and unwind at a charming local eatery with live music. Relish a dinner of traditional dishes while soaking in the lively atmosphere and perhaps making new friends with locals. End the evening with a stroll through town, enjoying the warm climate and friendly faces around the square.
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast before heading out to the nearby thermal pools that Santa Rosa is famous for. Relax as you soak in the naturally heated waters, surrounded by lush vegetation and the chirping sounds of nature. This morning ritual will rejuvenate your body and prepare you for another day of exploration.
After enjoying the thermal pools, have lunch at a rustic restaurant that overlooks the beautiful landscapes. Spend the afternoon walking through the nearby trails, feasting your eyes on the captivating sights of waterfalls and wildlife that adorn the area. The tranquil atmosphere provides the perfect backdrop for reflection and relaxation.
Return to Santa Rosa and experience the local nightlife; visit a bar known for its traditional cocktails and vibrant atmosphere. Taste the unique flavors of Colombian drinks while mingling with locals and other travelers. The lively ambiance will leave you with lasting memories as you share stories and laughter under the starlit sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-12 |
| ☕Coffee or cappuccino | $1-3 |
| 🚌Local transport (bus/taxi within town) | $0.50-2 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel night | $25-60 |
| 🧺Groceries for a week | $20-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery and easy access to coffee country
- Warm, welcoming locals and authentic regional cuisine
- Affordable travel with good-value accommodations
- Proximity to Pereira allows day trips and larger city amenities
- Limited nightlife in the immediate town center
- Hilly terrain means some walks can be tiring for new visitors
- Smaller selection of high-end dining compared to bigger cities
- Some services and attractions cluster around Pereira; transport may be needed for fuller itineraries
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "¡Buen provecho!" - Enjoy your meal/Bon appétit
- "Me gustaría una mesa para dos" - I would like a table for two
Places to Visit in Santa Rosa
Visit one of these nice places.
Panoramic views over the Cauca River valley and surrounding coffee farms, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Sunlit façades and vibrant doorways along the town’s old streets provide excellent street photography opportunities.
Steam and warm light rising from the pools in the late afternoon create atmospheric photos.
Riverside landscapes with greenery and farm plots—great for wide-angle nature shots and wildlife photography.
Food in Santa Rosa
Santa Rosa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty platter featuring beans, rice, ground meat or pork, chicharrón, fried egg, plantain, arepa, avocado, and sometimes chorizo.
Must-Try!
Grilled trout sourced from nearby rivers, often served with potatoes, plantains, and fresh salad—popular in mountain towns.
A hearty soup with chicken, plantains, yuca, corn, and herbs—comfort food in the highland climate.
Sweet corn arepa typical to the region, often enjoyed with cheese or as a side to main dishes.
Corn-based tamales stuffed with vegetables and meats, wrapped and steamed, commonly found in the broader Risaralda area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A local market where you can sample fresh produce, regional snacks, and traditional sweets; great for an authentic quick bite.
Arepas, empanadas, patacones, and grilled skewers often available near plazas and main streets; ideal for trying multiple snacks in one stroll.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake or light kiss on the cheek is common among friends; greet shopkeepers and locals politely when entering a shop.
Dress modestly in public spaces and avoid loud or disruptive behavior in sacred places or markets.
Safety
Tipping in Santa Rosa
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants a small tip (5-10%) is appreciated if service is not included. Rounding up cab fares or leaving a few extra pesos is common for good service.
Cash (COP) is widely accepted in small shops and markets; many restaurants take cards, especially in tourist areas. ATMs are common in town and Pereira; credit/debit cards are increasingly accepted at larger businesses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Typically dry mornings with clearer skies and excellent visibility for valley and mountain views; light layers recommended as evenings cool.
Afternoons and evenings can bring showers; carry a light rain jacket and waterproof camera protection. Lush landscapes are at their greenest.
Santa Rosa at Night
Hiking in Santa Rosa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Moderate hike through cloud forest with viewpoints over the valley and coffee farms.
Panoramic hilltop trail offering sweeping views at sunrise or sunset.
Riverside loop with lush greenery and birdwatching opportunities.
Airports
How to reach Santa Rosa by plane.
Primary regional airport serving Pereira and surrounding towns; frequent domestic flights and easy road access to Santa Rosa de Cabal (about 30–60 minutes by car).
Located in Armenia, about a 1.5–2.5 hour drive; mostly domestic routes with connections to major Colombian cities.
In Cali, about a 2.5–3.5 hour drive; larger international and domestic connections, useful for longer trips in southwestern Colombia.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly families and farming communities involved in coffee cultivation, with a growing number of young professionals and students connected to Pereira.
Visitors seeking coffee culture, nature getaways, and thermal springs; many stay in the town center or in nearby guesthouses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Colombia, with local amateur matches and community events in and around town.
The region’s hills and valleys attract cyclists and offer scenic routes through coffee farms.
Popular due to abundant trails in the surrounding mountains and cloud forests.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Santa Rosa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available in most restaurants, including beans, plantains, salads, and cheese. To ensure dishes are meat-free, look for sides like rice, beans, arepa, and vegetables, and ask for no meat stock or lard in soups.