Pereira is the lively commercial centre of the "Coffee Axis" of Colombia: fun, friendly and fast-paced, it is far from the touring crowds of gringos and lies in the foothills of the Andes, surrounded by valleys of bamboo and sugarcane and mountains planted with coffee and bananas. A happening place with a thriving nightlife, the best places to stay in Peirera will place you in the beating heart of this vibrant city.

The area was once inhabited by the Pijao and Quimbaya tribes who were famed for being expert goldsmiths, and this stands as a symbol for Peirera's reputation as a commercial hub of spirited entrepreneurship. In 1540 it was founded as the city of Carthage but quickly this was abandoned, and the city was moved elsewhere. In 1863 it was rediscovered and the first seeds of the city we find today were planted. It is now the most populated city of the "Coffee Axis", a region that is itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Far from being flooded with tourists, Peirera is a bustling commercial metropolis and has few notable attractions. However, it is a colourful city full of art, there are bright muraled buildings, sculptures, mosaics and wall paintings. The Cathedral, too, has an idiosyncratic and rather beautiful wooden interior. Peirera is better served as a stepping stone for activities and sights that lie beyond its streets, whether it's the National Natural Parks - great for hiking or bird watching - or the outdoor adventure centres in the townships in the surrounding area.

What Not to miss

• Make a trip to see the Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty, dating back to 1890, the interior is built from 13,503 pieces of curly cumin wood. On the west side of the Plaza de Bolivar, it is as picturesque as it is tranquil.
• The mountains that overshadow Peirera are great for everything from horseriding and hiking to biking, canopying and rock climbing. Townships like Arabia and Tribunas offer these activities.
• Lying 30km away is the picturesque and extremely well-preserved town of Marsella that stands as a great example of a Founders Colony, with wide streets, colourful 19th century houses and beautiful churches.

Not your average tourist honeytrap, Peirera is a bustling commercial centre with an animated nightlife and a fun-loving spirit. It proves to be a great stepping stone for excursions into the "Coffee Axis" and the natural parks of Colombia, and some of the best places to stay in Peirera are in fact just outside the city itself.

The best places to stay in Peirera

For a Country escape

• Sazagua is a stunning hacienda in the heart of coffee-country, it offers 10 spacious rustic rooms, a spa and an outdoor pool.
• Set in the beautiful hills and coffee plantations of Pereira, Casa san Carlos Lodge, is a sustainably-built luxury lodge, complete with pool. Ideal for nature lovers.

For an apartment or villa

• If you would prefer something self-catering our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the local area.

Travel information

• The best time to visit is between December and March, when it rains the least, and the weather ranges from 17 to 27 degrees.
• Fly to Matecana International Airport, mainly served by domestic flights, there are however also two flights daily to Panama City. A number of buses run directly to Pereira's main station from across the country.
• If you are looking to rent a car we suggest you contact our partner Rentalcars.

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