The city of Pereira is a coffee-growing mountainous region of Colombia, famous for its Arabica beans. Other than that, the city is abundant with historical sites, landmarks, nature parks and spectacular bistros. When in Pereira, visit the Bolívar Square, the 19th-century Cathedral, César Gaviria cable-stayed bridge, Pereira Art Museum and Otún River. Above all, visit this fast-paced Colombian city to experience its contradicting nature reserves and thermal springs. Here’s a rundown of some of the awesome things to do in Pereira, Colombia.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. Visit the animals at Old Zoologico Matecaña
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Zoológico Matecaña de Pereira on Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Whether you are visiting Pereira with your family, friends, or a special someone, Old Zoologico Matecaña should be on your holiday itinerary. It is the largest zoo in Latin America, home to approximately 800 animals of different species. On record, there are 150 species of creatures in Old Zoologico Matecaña. It has a veterinary clinic that takes care of the needs of the inhabitants, a dreamy botanical garden with gorgeous blooms, and two museums on-site - a natural science museum and an anthropological museum.
Old Zoologico Matecaña
Address: Av. 30 de Agosto, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Website: Old Zoologico Matecaña
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 24 hours (closed from Sat - Mon)
2. Explore the beautiful Replica de Pereira
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Nestled in the beautiful Parque Consotá with beautifully landscaped lawns and lush blooms, Replica de Pereira is an attraction that you should not miss on your Pereira holiday. It is a fascinating museum in a stunning park that bills itself as a little Alice in Wonderland. Replica de Pereira is a little village that is packed with all the characteristics of the city. It showcases colorful cabins and stores that sell artisan products from different regions, local delicacies, and lots of souvenir items. Also, in the park, you’ll see exhibits of antique items, memorabilia, and old photographs.
Replica de Pereira
Address: Kilometro 11 via, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Website: Replica de Pereira
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
3. Spend a relaxing day with your family at Metropolitan Park Café Pereira
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Metropolitan Park Café Pereira is a fantastic tourist attraction for families. It is a huge waterpark that’s operational six times a week. It features lagoon-like pools with adorable slides and a vast playground with monkey bars and swings. Also, there are picnic areas for guests to enjoy. Fitness-enthusiasts will be thrilled to know that this park has football fields, walking and jogging routes, and bike tracks. Plus, there are food stalls where guests can buy some snacks.
Metropolitan Park Café Pereira
Address: Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
4. Admire the city views at Cerro Canceles
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Looking for a lovely place to unwind in Pereira? Grab your shoes and head to Cerro Canceles. It is a beautiful public park that is found in an elevated area on the eastern side of Pereira. Because of its location, it offers stunning city views to its visitors. This park is lovely all-day, but it is even more magical at night when the city is illuminated by sparkling city lights. The government plans to turn this hilly area into a coffee-centered tourism hub. In the future, it will be filled with coffee, food, and craft vendors, but for now, you might want to bring your own snacks and drinks when you visit.
Cerro Canceles
Address: Unnamed Road, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Watch a football match at Estadio Hernán Ramírez Villegas
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Cordep Pereira on Saturday, April 2, 2016
Your Colombian adventure would not be complete without getting to watch a football match. Colombians are big on football, and it’s a part of their culture. In the city of Pereira, football matches are held at Estadio Hernán Ramírez Villegas. It is a vast football stadium that can accommodate up to 30,313 guests. Built in 1971, this stadium underwent renovation in 2011 for the FIFA U-20 World Cup. Check its website before your visit so that you know the schedule of upcoming games.
Estadio Hernán Ramírez Villegas
Address: Vía, Villa Olímpica, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Website: Estadio Hernán Ramírez Villegas
6. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty Pereira
The Church of “Our Lady of Poverty,” is also called the Pereira Cathedral in Pereira. The cathedral is devoted to the Virgin Mary, under the title of Nuestra Señora de la Pobreza, in the capital of Risaralda of Colombia. The cathedral is located in the centre of the city, and towards the west of the Plaza de Bolivar. The cathedral features original brickwork, great architecture, incredible wooden artwork, and stunning roof and ceilings. Above all, this church was transformed into a cathedral by Pope Pius XII in the 19th-century.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty Pereira
Address: Cra. 7, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
7. Explore Plaza de Bolivar
The main square of the Colombian capital Bogotá, is this magnificent Bolivar Square with a magnificent plaza. In the 18th-century, this square was called Plaza de la Constitución and Plaza Mayor and today, it is one of the best places to visit in the heart of this historical city. The square also flaunts an 18th-century statue of Simón Bolivar, which was the first public monument installation in Pereira. Visit this square for its open area, street vendors, architecture, up-scale plazas and great ambience. The square offers great entertainment from groups of artists and performers.
Plaza de Bolivar
Address: Cra. 7 #11-10, Bogotá, Colombia
8. Explore Bonita Farm
Bioparque Bonita Farm is a beautiful family farm, run by the charming and witty Juan Carlo. Juan Carlos, a Colombian biologist, launched this bio-reserve on his family’s former coffee farm to assist visitors to understand the deep connection between all living beings. In the farm, you can have up and close experience with snakes, butterflies, tarantulas and many more species. The park also features a greenhouse that displays various species of butterflies, and a presentation of the life stages of a butterfly along with snakes and spiders. This farm is off the main road, outside Pereira.
Bioparque Bonita Farm
Address: Av. La Romelia El Pollo, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Website: Bioparque Bonita Farm
9. Tour Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira
The Technological University of Pereira is a coeducational research university, in the city of Pereira, Colombia. This university is a fascinating place to visit, for its architecture, history and Engineering specialities. The University grants education in engineering, science, technology, medicine, environment management, liberal arts, literature, philosophy, child pedagogy, sports science and recreation.
Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira
Address: Cl. 27 #10-02, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Website: Universidad Tecnologica de Pereira
10. Visit Iglesia El Claret
The beautiful church of Iglesia El Claret is situated at the well-located park lake. This traditional church in Pereira is particularly famous for its architecture and Baptism activities. Architecture lovers will notice prominent Gothic style design in this medieval cathedral. This small church is one of the prime cathedrals and also one of the oldest churches in Pereira. It’s a must-see place for visitors who follow a religious faith.
Iglesia El Claret
Address: Cra. 7 #24-42, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Website: Iglesia El Claret
11. Explore Estacion del Ferrocarril
Estacion del Ferrocarril is a charming railway station in the railroad system of Colombia. Estacion del Ferrocarril is one charming place to explore, with its somewhat run down building, yet an enthusiasm to revitalize and restore the station. Estacion del Ferrocarril is a historical heritage in one of the main squares of the city, close to downtown. The railroad tracks of the dilapidated-car are located next to this former railway station.
Estacion del Ferrocarril
Address: #19- a, Cra. 14 #1987, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Facebook: Estacion del Ferrocarril
12. Experience Palacio de Rentas Departamentales
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Palacio de Rentas Departamentales is a building that represents the colonial architecture of Colombia in the heart of the city. This architecture features forms, finishes, and colors as an iconic reference to the city’s culture. The governor of the department operates his official duties in this government building. Palacio de Rentas Departamentales flaunts a dimly lit architecture, with a lovely park and the Department of Risaralda, which sells liquor. Above all, the management has meticulously preserved the SENA work in this old building.
Palacio de Rentas Departamentales
Address: Cra 9 | Calle 17, Pereira, Colombia
13. Spend a day at Parque del Cafe
Parque del Cafe is a theme park that features lush coffee plantations. Visit this place to drink a cup of nice Juan Valdez, while you observe the spectacular views from the patio and the lifts. Additionally, you can enjoy the horseback riding, roller coasters and water rides for all ages. You can spend a whole day here, therefore, plan your time accordingly. Parque del Cafe is an excellent place to enjoy with friends, stroll around, participate in numerous games, and relish the best coffee and food in the locality.
Parque del Cafe
Address: Avenida Del Rio, Pereira 660017, Colombia
Website: Parque del Cafe
14. Hang out in Parque Regional Natural Ucumari
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Parque Regional Natural Ucumari is an excellent place to spend a day with family or friends. This park is not your typical zoo, instead, it is a very well organized Institute that offers excellent information about the animals. Stroll around the park to appreciate numerous species of animals along with the charming infrastructure. Also, the park features a food zone where you can get yourself delicious snacks.
15. Stroll through Parque Consota
Parque Consota is a beautiful, clean park in Pereira that features comfortable cabins and excellent food. There are plenty of fun and adventurous rides in the park with innovative designs. When visiting the park, keep in mind that it is crowded on the weekends. Regardless, enjoy the swimming pools, farm of Noah, and short nature trails in this park.
Parque Consota
Address: Kilometro 11 Vía Pereira - Cerritos, Entrada 15, Sector Galicia, Pereira, Risaralda, Colombia
Website: Parque Consota
Visit this unique Colombian tourist town
Pereira is an 18th-century business centre and also the economic powerhouse and proud capital of Risaralda. While you are here, enjoy Pereira’s throbbing nightlife, chic bistros, and elegant restaurants in the evening.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
