Coffee Farm & Santa Rosa Hot Springs Review: Day Trip from Pereira
Planning a trip to Pereira, Colombia? If that’s the case, you might be looking for some neat things to do nearby. That being said, two destinations that often pop up are a local Coffee Farm and the Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs. What are they like, very, and what could you expect? Let’s find out, is that okay?
Experiencing a Coffee Farm near Pereira
So, when people go to Colombia, there’s almost a general assumption that visiting a coffee farm is very much a must-do, and for decent reason! That is to say, this country is actually incredibly famous for its coffee, plus the area around Pereira happens to be smack-dab in the middle of what people have actually called the “Coffee Triangle.” Pretty neat, alright?
A coffee farm visit, in some respects, it typically involves actually learning about the whole process, from when the coffee plant is first planted, to the harvesting, and, well, all the steps in between. Many tours take about two to three hours. Too, they usually cost somewhere between $15 to $30 USD, give or take.
One of the best things? It’s almost always that you get to sample the fresh coffee, which could be a truly neat experience, more or less, especially if that’s the first time you have sampled coffee made right where it is actually grown. Arguably, you can also often buy some coffee beans to take home, is that cool or what?
What to expect from the Coffee Tour Experience
First of all, be prepared to actually walk quite a bit, is that understood? The farms often cover actually pretty hilly terrain. You could get a bit of a workout. Also, you may want to ask if there is someone who speaks your own language. Seemingly, while many guides could speak okay English, knowing some basic Spanish just could very well go a long way.
I want to also touch on one pretty important aspect that lots of people forget about. Be sure you actually wear comfortable shoes, I can’t stress this enough! And bring water. Oh, and maybe actually pack a hat and some sunscreen, if you want, alright?
Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs: Relax and Unwind
So, after your tour of the coffee farm, maybe you would actually like to just relax a bit. As a matter of fact, Santa Rosa de Cabal Hot Springs is the place! The hot springs are located in a pretty scenic setting, amidst some really beautiful mountains and a lush forest. It might very well take your breath away, it is very pretty.
There are usually several different pools with different temperatures. I want to mention that people typically move between them. Basically, starting with the cooler ones and making your way up. Just a little word to the wise. The admission tends to vary but it typically lands between $20 to $40 USD.
What to Expect at the Hot Springs
The pools are almost cascading down the mountainside, with the thermal waters providing kind of therapeutic relief. Oh, and right under the main pools, there is almost a hot waterfall which is pretty cool to experience! In some respects, many people could very well just enjoy standing right beneath it for a kind of hot stone massage.
There are too changing rooms and lockers there, as well as usually a restaurant or two that you could visit when you want to grab a bite. Is that very neat?
Getting There: Transportation Tips
To actually get from Pereira to either a coffee farm or the hot springs, you basically have a few options. Taxis are really usually readily available. Though they may actually cost you a little bit more, like your travel options generally do. Local buses are available, but depending on where you are going, this might very well mean multiple connections. What could also be the case is that it will probably just take a bit longer too.
If that’s the case, I would almost advise people that they check into shared or private shuttles. More or less, lots of tour companies provide transportation as part of a package. Just so you know.
Tips for the Transportation
The road to Santa Rosa, specifically, is usually in decent condition, seemingly, but it’s usually curvy, and may very well get a bit crowded during peak times. To be honest, it really is sometimes better to leave very early to actually avoid the traffic, just saying.
Also, it could be handy to check if the transportation is included in your tour price when you could very well book your tour of choice, is that great?
Planning Your Day Trip
The question remains then, what could be actually involved in scheduling a successful trip from Pereira? You see, a neat plan usually does entail putting these two things together in a single trip, just so you know. You may also consider just actually allocating about half a day for your Coffee Farm visit. Also, the same could almost apply to the Santa Rosa Hot Springs, right?
I think I can fairly safely suggest doing the coffee farm in the morning, very, and that way you get there really early when the weather is nice. Later on, as a matter of fact, the afternoon is almost a prime time to chill in those Hot Springs! Sound good?
Some Extra Suggestions
Now, if you have to plan for just a single day for those things, I want to let you know to also think about any travel time. The journey in between Pereira and the destinations might eat into it, more or less.
Do your own research. Look to online reviews on platforms. As a matter of fact, doing so could prove incredibly insightful.
I also want to recommend that you see what all sorts of tour packages are around, so too there could be a combined tour on sale for the Coffee Farms and Hot Springs! What a win.
Some Safety Considerations
Now, there are almost always things to actually keep in mind to ensure your day excursion goes all nice and well. Always use certified taxis. Moreover, be on guard and keep an eye on your belongings when traveling through busy tourist areas. Be sure to drink bottled water too, you can be too careful these days, is what I usually tell folks.
Always ensure you are taking the needed health safeguards! I also advise visitors to always make sure you check that your vaccinations are to snuff, okay?
Money
Cash can still be very important when visiting Coffee Farms or the Hot Springs, especially smaller establishments. Just so you are aware.
Communication Tips
Very basic Spanish skills may really prove invaluable to you! To that point, learning a greeting may serve you quite well when out.
A quick summary of Insights
- Experience local coffee production
- Recharge your senses within warm thermal waters
- Plan your logistics efficiently.
There’s nothing quite like that unique feeling of both exploration and rejuvenation around Pereira, Colombia! I sure hope you’ll think of visiting.
#Colombia #Pereira #CoffeeFarm #HotSprings #TravelGuide