Experiences -

Top 15 Things to Do in Pereira, Colombia [2025]

Looking for the best things to do in Pereira, Colombia? You’ve come to the right place. This vibrant city in the heart of the Coffee Region blends nature, culture, and adventure — all surrounded by lush mountains and world-class coffee. Whether you’re a backpacker, digital nomad, or someone who loves discovering hidden gems, Pereira has something for everyone.

Let’s explore the must-see spots and local favorites that make Pereira a perfect stop on your Colombia itinerary.

Explore the Best Attractions in Pereira

Visit the Termales de Santa Rosa

Just 40 minutes from Pereira, these natural hot springs are surrounded by waterfalls and jungle landscapes. It’s the perfect place to relax after a hike or long travel day.

Tip: Bring a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes. Early mornings or weekdays are best to avoid crowds.

How to get there: Take a bus to Santa Rosa de Cabal and then a jeep or taxi to the termales.

Discover Parque Ukumarí

One of the largest zoos in Colombia, Parque Ukumarí is more of a wildlife park with well-designed habitats and educational exhibits. It’s family-friendly and surprisingly informative — a great way to spend a half-day outdoors.

Walk Around Plaza de Bolívar & The Cathedral

The heart of Pereira beats in its historic center. Visit the Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Pobreza, admire the giant Bolívar statue (on a horse… and naked!), and enjoy a coffee in one of the surrounding cafés. Perfect for people-watching.

Try a Coffee Tour Around Pereira

You are in coffee country, after all! Book a tour to a finca cafetera and learn how Colombia’s famous beans go from plant to cup. Many farms also offer tastings and breathtaking views of the mountains.

Visit Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary

This protected natural reserve is a paradise for bird watchers, hikers, and nature lovers. Early morning tours often include howler monkey sightings and local guides who share fascinating insights about the region’s biodiversity.

Best Day Trips from Pereira

While Pereira is a great base, these nearby gems are just a short ride away:

Salento & Valle del Cocora – Hike among Colombia’s towering wax palms. Don’t miss the trout lunch or a jeep ride in a classic Willys.
Filandia – A colorful town with less tourism and more authenticity. Great food, great coffee, and a stunning lookout point.

Where to Stay in Pereira

Looking for a friendly, central, and budget-friendly place to stay?

Derequka hostel in Pereira offers cozy rooms, fast Wi-Fi, a shared kitchen, and local tips that go beyond any guidebook.

Whether you’re heading to the hot springs or planning a coffee tour, we’re just a short walk from bus terminals and top spots in town.

Book your stay now and start exploring Pereira like a local.

Conclusion

Whether you’re into soaking in hot springs, sipping world-class coffee, or just wandering colorful pueblos nearby, Pereira has something for every type of traveler. And the best part? It’s not overrun with tourists — yet.

If you’re planning a trip through Colombia, don’t just pass through Pereira. Stay a few nights, explore deeply, and let this underrated city surprise you.

Ready to explore Pereira? Book your stay and follow us on Instagram for daily tips, events, and traveler stories

Top 5 Hostels in Pereira, Colombia [2025]

The complete guide to budget accommodation in Colombia’s Coffee Triangle

Why Pereira is Colombia’s Best-Kept Secret for Travelers?

While everyone talks about Medellín and Cartagena, savvy travelers are discovering Pereira—Colombia’s gateway to the Coffee Triangle. This vibrant city offers everything you would want: incredible coffee culture, stunning nature within 30 minutes of downtown, thermal hot springs, and access to famous spots like Cocora Valley, Salento and Finlandia, all without the tourist crowds and inflated prices.

After conducting extensive research and engaging in numerous conversations with travelers who have explored Colombia’s hostel scene, we have compiled this definitive guide to the best places to stay in Pereira. Whether you are a solo backpacker, digital nomad, or budget traveler, these hostels offer the perfect base for exploring Colombia’s coffee heartland.

Top 5 Hostels in Pereira (2025)

De Requka Hostel Boutique — The Top-Rated Colonial Experience

Consistently ranking as Pereira’s #1 hostel on Hostelworld, De Requka Hostel Boutique stands out for its unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Housed in a beautifully preserved 1920s colonial building, this boutique hostel has earned rave reviews from travelers worldwide.

What sets De Requka apart is its attention to detail: reliable high-speed WiFi that digital nomads rave about, comfortable dorms with individual reading lights, and a peaceful inner courtyard that provides a tranquil escape from the city as well as neat attention from stuff and volunteers.

Why travelers choose De Requka:

Prime location just 5 minutes from Plaza Bolívar and main transportation
Exceptional WiFi is perfect for remote work
Beautifully designed spaces that blend history with comfort
Knowledgeable staff with insider tips on local attractions
Flexible check-in options for late arrivals

Perfect for: Digital nomads, solo travelers, couples seeking comfort and character
Starting price: $14 USD
Pro tip: Book directly through their website for the best rates and local recommendations

Casa Azul Boutique Hostel — Best Value for Budget Travelers

Casa Azul has built a reputation as one of Pereira’s most welcoming hostels, offering exceptional value in the peaceful Barrio La Elvira neighborhood. This charming blue house creates a genuine home-away-from-home atmosphere that keeps travelers coming back.

The hostel’s fully-equipped communal kitchen becomes a natural gathering place where solo travelers connect and groups plan their Coffee Triangle adventures. With some of the lowest prices in the city, Casa Azul proves that budget accommodation doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort or community.

What makes Casa Azul special:

Great prices starting at just $13 USD
Peaceful residential location, 10 minutes from downtown
Fully equipped kitchen perfect for budget meals
Genuine hospitality from hosts
Comfortable common areas and relaxing hammocks

Perfect for: Budget backpackers, extended stays, travelers seeking authentic local connections
Starting price: $13 USD
Location: Barrio La Elvira (safe, residential, great for rest)

Tuki Hostel & Lounge — Where the Night Owls Gather

If you’re the type of traveler who makes friends at hostel bars and ends up exploring cities with people you met three hours ago, Tuki is your place. They’ve mastered the art of creating social energy without it feeling forced or overwhelming.

The Thursday music nights aren’t just tourist entertainment—local musicians actually show up, and some incredible impromptu collaborations happen..

Best for: Solo travelers looking to meet people, music lovers, anyone who enjoys a good hostel bar scene
Starting at: $13 USD
Location: Walking distance to Pereira’s best late-night spot.

Ventiuna Hostel — For When You Need Some Peace

Sometimes you want the hostel experience without the chaos, and Ventiuna gets this perfectly. It’s like someone took the best parts of staying in a hostel (affordability, meeting people) and removed the parts that can drive you crazy (noise, mess, drama).

The design is clean and calming, which may sound boring but is actually perfect when you are in month three of backpacking and just need a space that doesn’t assault your senses.

Why it works: They have created natural quiet zones and social areas, so you can choose your energy level. Plus, their rooftop space during sunset is genuinely stunning.

Best for: Couples who want privacy but not isolation, introverts who still want to meet people, anyone needing a mental reset

Starting at: $11 USD

Location: Quiet street, 15-minute walk to downtown

La Iguana Café y Más — The Creative Hub

This is not just a place to sleep—it’s a genuine cultural center that happens to have beds. The café serves coffee that competes with Pereira’s best specialty shops, and the evening events feel authentic rather than touristy.

Travelers discover local artists here, learn about Colombia’s coffee process from actual farmers, and participate in Spanish conversation exchanges that turn into lasting friendships.

The real deal: If you want to understand Pereira beyond the tourist surface, spend at least one evening here. The conversations alone are worth the stay.

Best for: Creative travelers, coffee enthusiasts, people who want cultural immersion over just sightseeing

Starting at: $13 USD

Location: Central, with easy access to local cafés and cultural spots

The Honest Breakdown

Hostel	If You Want…	If You Don’t Want…
De Requka	Reliable work space + social options	Party atmosphere
Casa Azul	Genuine local connections	Busy downtown energy
Tuki	Active social scene	Early bedtimes
Ventiuna	Peaceful design vibes	Constant socializing
La Iguana	Cultural immersion	Just a place to sleep

Expert Recommendations

Pereira offers some of the country’s best accommodation values. The city’s location makes it the perfect base for exploring the Coffee Triangle, while the hostels themselves provide authentic Colombian hospitality without tourist-trap pricing.

For the best overall experience: De Requka Hostel Boutique combines everything travelers want—location, comfort, character, and reliability—making it worth giving it a try.

For budget-conscious travelers: Casa Azul offers incredible value and genuine local connections.

For social butterflies: Tuki Hostel provides the perfect party-friendly atmosphere.

For peace and quiet: Ventiuna delivers minimalist design and tranquil vibes.

For cultural immersion: La Iguana Café connects you with Pereira’s creative community.

Planning your Coffee Triangle adventure? Each of these hostels offers something unique, but starting with the highest-rated option ensures you’ll have the perfect base for exploring everything Pereira has to offer.

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Top 15 Things to Do in Pereira, Colombia [2025 Guide]