Armenia: THE HEART OF QUINDÍO

History, culture, nature, and a good cup of coffee are the hallmarks of this city that is much more than the gateway to the green adventures that draw visitors to Colombia’s Coffee Triangle.

Por Vicky Santana

Photos: Andrés Mayr

Armenia’s biodiversity, architecture, and green landscapes come together to create a unique experience that combines history, nature, and adventure, all wrapped in the warm welcome of the people.

The smell of recently prepared Quindío coffee nudges my stillsleepy self into wakefulness. I can’t wait to try the delightful coffees that await in the city of Armenia, in the heart of the Coffee Triangle. This olfactory and gustatory experience is undoubtedly the ideal way to tease your palate and introduce you to the capital of the department of Quindío before you set out to explore the surrounding areas.

The intense coffee culture and dynamic history of Armenia —known as Miracle City— make it a captivating destination. Bolívar Plaza, an iconic meeting place for residents and visitors alike, sits at the heart of the city. Surrounded by establishments serving the famous Quindío coffee and flanked by important buildings like Quindío City Hall and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the plaza is an excellent starting point for touring the city.

Where to Start

The Quimbaya Gold Museum is one of the city’s must-see cultural destinations. It displays a vast collection of gold and ceramic artifacts, along with sculptures from the Quimbaya culture. The building, designed by award-winning architect Rogelio Salmona, is a surprise in itself.

Also in the heart of the city, the Park of Life is a natural and cultural space with year-round activities and events. This eco-tourism oasis features paved walking trails, man-made waterfalls, bamboo bridges, a bandstand for cultural shows, a skating rink, and a central lake where birds come and go freely.

The Old Railway Station Cultural Center, which operates in a historic 1927 building, and the Blue Theater, with varied theater, dance, and music programming, are focal points of the city’s cultural scene.

Addresses

Plaza de Bolívar

Between Calle 20 and Calle 21 and Highways 13 and 14

Museo del Oro Quimbaya

Avenida Bolívar No. 40 Norte – 80, at the Ferrocarril traffic circle

Parque de la Vida

Avenida Bolívar and Calle 6 Norte

Old Railway Station

Intersection of Highway 19A and Calle 26

Blue Theater

Highway 13 and Calle 11

From Food to Coffee

The coffee belt’s cuisine highlights corn, beans, plantains, rice, chorizo, and fried pork belly, as well as fish like trout and mojarra. But not everything is bandeja paisa (mixed platter of beans, pork, rice, eggs, plantains, and avocados, among other ingredients) in Armenia. Visitors can also savor contemporary fusions and international dishes at restaurants such as La Fogata, Café Gourmet Quindío, Rancho Edén, Donde Juan B, El Solar, Icónico Terraza, Mariajuana Ale House, and El Silo. This latter is widely known for its highly creative haute cuisine.

What about coffee time? Coffee is not merely a beverage in Armenia; it is the economic mainstay of the region. Armenia natives hope to instill in others a passion for what is above all an expression of culture. If you’d like to feel the passion, don’t miss Expedición Café (Calle 5N No.18-00). It’s a good choice for learning about the work involved in coffee production at Quindío farms.

To select a restaurant, consult the dining guide guiayipao.co, designed by the city mayor’s office and ACODRES, the restaurant industry association’s governing body.

Tour the Villages

Green is the color of life and nature. The Quindío landscape is painted in a sweeping palette of shades of green. spectacular view of the chromatic diversity of lush vegetation —including coffee and banana plantations— unfolds along the road from Armenia to Salento.

Salento, known for its traditional architecture and the lively Calle Real, is the gateway to the Cocora Valley, where wax palms stretch majestically skyward, creating a dynamic landscape that changes with the vagaries of the fog.

The municipality of Filandia, some 12 miles from Salento, is known for its rich culture, natural fiber handicrafts, and lovely panoramas of coffee plantations. The 90-foot tall illuminated Colina viewpoint looks out over scenic landscapes, including the parish of the Immaculate Conception. La Calle del Tiempo Detenido (The Street Frozen in Time) is notable for its well-preserved historic homes. One way for visitors to recharge their batteries is to visit the Restaurante Helena Adentro, known for its innovative cuisine, or the Restaurante José Fernando, famous for its extensive menu and the charming and colorful mansion that houses it.

Located quite near Armenia, estates like El Ocaso (Salento), Terraza Café Concorde, and Café San Alberto (Buenavista) offer tours and tastings of their coffee varieties.

Where Coffee Is an Attraction in Itself

Lovers of nature and coffee culture can visit theme parks like PANACA, National Coffee Park, and Paque Los Arrieros, which immerse visitors in rural life and introduce them to the significance of coffee in local culture. With activities like cart and canopy tours, and opportunities to interact with a wide variety of animals and plants, these theme parks offer entertainment and education for the whole family. In the same vein, the Quindío Botanical Gardens invite you to explore the biodiversity that makes this region ideal for adventure and communing with the natural environment.

If you are interested in the coffee farms, La Finca El Ocaso, Terraza Concorde, and Café San Alberto are some of the places where you can learn all the details of coffee cultivation and production and enjoy a cup of coffee prepared by experts. These places provide not only exceptional coffee, but also impressive views of coffee-growing landscapes, all while allowing you to immerse yourself in local culture. The passion and dedication of Quindío coffee producers are reflected in every cup of coffee, leaving an indelible memory of your visit to this land.