Most travelers reach the coffee region through Pereira, the capital of the Risaralda department and home to the nearest major airport to Salento. Many pass straight through, but the city has a story worth hearing. It was founded in the nineteenth century and grew rapidly with the coffee economy. Its center has plazas, monuments and markets, and its hillside setting gives views across the surrounding countryside. The tour we link combines history with food and coffee, and adds a ride on the cable car that crosses part of the city. It gives you a sense of local life that is different from the tourist villages.
What you may see
The central plaza and its famous bronze statue of Simón Bolívar, shown without clothes and on a horse, a controversial work that has become the city symbol. You will hear about local history, the founding families and the coffee economy. Food stops introduce regional dishes, and a coffee stop shows the local brewing culture.
The cable car
Pereira has an aerial cable car that crosses part of the city, giving views and a lift to a hilltop. It is a fun way to see the urban landscape and the surrounding hills.
Planning
A city tour is a good use of time on arrival or departure day, or when the weather is poor in the hills. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and sun protection, and carry cash for food. Pereira is a working city, so keep valuables secure as you would anywhere in a large city.
It is also a good base for flights, buses and trips to Santa Rosa de Cabal and the hot springs. If you plan to stay in Pereira, our where-to-stay guide compares the city with Salento and the surrounding towns, and explains how to travel between them.
Understanding the city
Pereira grew rapidly with the coffee boom and became one of the most important commercial centers of the region. Its people, like those in Medellín and Manizales, are known as paisas in the broader sense, and the culture of hospitality and entrepreneurship shapes daily life. Walking the center reveals a mix of modern buildings, older facades and busy markets, and a guide can explain how the city grew and where its famous residents lived. Local cuisine, including the bandeja paisa and fresh juices, is part of the story.
Getting the most from a city tour: ask your guide for restaurant tips and walking routes you can repeat later. Keep your phone and valuables secure in crowded areas, and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps at night. The cable car is best on a clear day, so check the weather forecast. If you have a free evening, consider dinner at a local restaurant or a coffee at one of the city's cafes.
Many travelers combine the tour with a short visit to a nearby park or the hot springs in Santa Rosa de Cabal. If you are on a tight schedule, the tour fits well into the hours between a morning arrival and an afternoon departure for Salento. Wear sun protection and a hat, since the central streets have little shade in the middle of the day, and carry a small bottle of water.
What to expect
The experience
A guided city tour of Pereira with history, food, coffee and a cable car ride.
Best time
Morning or early afternoon, with clear skies for the cable car views.
How long
About three to four hours.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, carry cash and keep valuables secure.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travelers passing through Pereira who want to see the city.
- Families
- Easy and varied, with a cable car ride.
- Couples
- A relaxed introduction to the city.
- Pair with
- Santa Rosa de Cabal hot springs.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
Is Pereira worth a stop?+
Yes, a short tour shows the history and food of the region.
What is the Bolivar statue?+
A famous bronze of Simon Bolivar on horseback, shown unclothed, now the city symbol.
Is the cable car included?+
The tour includes it. Confirm when you book.
How far is Pereira from Salento?+
Roughly an hour by road.
Is it safe?+
Take normal city precautions and follow local advice.
