What to do in and outside Filandia
What to do in Filandia? There is plenty to do in Filandia and area to keep yourself entertained for a few days. So you can learn about the village’s long traditions in one of its small museums, get to know its lively coffee culture and enjoy nature on a hike or horseback ride. Read on for all our tips for what to do in Filandia.
12 tips
1. Enjoy the atmosphere and architecture
It is fun wandering around the streets with the colored houses with wooden balconies and cozy cafes. The focal point of the central square is the white and blue church Iglesia María Inmaculada. There is always something to see in Filandia: a packed Willy jeep, a beautiful facade or the colorful locals.
On Calle del Tiempo Detenido you will find some of the most beautiful houses in the typical architecture of the Eje Cafetero.
On this street you will also find many stores with handmade souvenirs, restaurants and the Mirador Encanto, for your best photo moments of Filandia.
2. Create your own photo shoot at Mirador Encanto
Cl. 7 #7-29
Calle del Tiempo Detenido
Sure, it’s super touristy, but oh so much fun! The Mirador was inspired by the Disney movie Encanto and is located in “the street with the umbrellas.”
You pay an entrance fee of COP10,000/€2.50 per person to get in and then you can take as many “instagrammable” photos as you want at the various vantage points.
When we were there it was very cloudy, but fortunately it stayed dry until we took the last photo!
There are also photographers who will take pictures of you, which you can then view on a computer. Digitally, the photos cost COP15,000/€3.75 each. They are then sent to you via WhatsApp and the printed photos cost COP20,000/€5 each.
3. Check out the view at Mirador Colina Iluminada
This viewpoint, a 10-minute walk from Filandia, has become one of Filandia’s popular attractions. From the mirador you have a 360-degree view of the landscape of the coffee region.The view is best during sunset. You will find descriptions of the different towns you can see and information and stories about Filandia. During the walk from Filandia to the mirador, you will pass through the neighborhood of the Maestros Artesanos, where you can find a large assortment of handmade souvenirs. (for a good price). there is a restaurant and a play area for the kids. COP12,000
4. Taste the different types of coffee
Coffee is not just a drink, it is a culture in Filandia. At Mocafe, you can feel and taste the passion for coffee that is locally produced. Mocafe is located on Calle 7, 7-62, near Helena Adentro and Tuk Tuk. Another nice place for a cup of coffee is CoffeecolBean Roastery (Carrera 7 #7-56)and also Incógnito Café Coffee roasters (Calle 7#4-45). You can also get a coffee tour do at a colorful, authentic finca outside Filandia, where you’ll learn all about the coffee bean, “from field to cup.” Check here for more tips on the best coffee shops in Filandia.
5. Spot birds
You don’t have to go far to spot birds. From our hotel an 8-minute walk from the village, we saw several species of birds, such as the beautiful Barranquero, hummingbirds, Tángara and the blue Azulejo.
6. Take an ecological walk in Reserva Barbas Bremen
In the reserve live groups of monos aulladores (howler monkeys) which -with a little luck- you can spot. Furthermore, you will hike to a waterfall and you can spot birds. The best time to go is early in the morning, when the animals are most active. It is not possible to visit the nature reserve independently, you have to go with a guide for this, e.g. with tour operators Turaco, Rural Adventure and Palacio del Barbas. If you are only in the coffee region for a short time, you can also do an organized tour to Barbas Bremen from Pereira.
7. Learn about the tradition of "el canasto"
Casa del artesano, Kra 5 con calle 6 Esquinaa
“El canasto” is the symbol of Filandia and during a tour at Centro de interpretación “Bejuco al canasto,” you will learn all about the history and tradition of making these baskets. Traditionally, these baskets were made to hold the coffee beans during harvest. During a workshop you will learn to make your own canasto, which you can take with you afterwards. A short tour costs only COP5000/€1.25 and for COP30,000/€7.50 you get the tour and a workshop.
8. Book a horseback ride
At Steelhorse you can book horseback riding tours with a clear conscience, as the horses here receive the best possible care. Tours start from a short 1h ride (COP120,000/€30) to an 8h trip, where you spend 6 hours in the saddle, riding through bamboo forests, pastures and villages and swimming in El Río (420,000/€105). The ranch is 2 kilometers from Filandia. Look here for more information.
9. Grab a bike
With good roads, elevation changes and beautiful scenery, the coffee region is a cyclist’s paradise. There is even a hotel dedicated entirely to cyclists: the Casa du Velo hotel. Heb je geen eigen fiets, dan kun je hier fietsen huren. Wil je Filandia niet uit om een fiets te huren, check dan met Bidea Backpackers hostel Whether they also rent bikes to people outside the hostel.
10. Visit the Museo Casa de los Abuelos
Cra. 8 #15 6
This museum is located in a house with the typical architectural style of Filandia. Here you will take a journey through time with the owner’s stories and special collections, which consists of antique items such as cameras, traditional furniture and more. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated.
11. Shop a handmade souvenir
Plazoleta de los Toldos
Cl. 7 #7-20
Calle del Tiempo Detenido
Here you will find several stores where you can buy not only the usual souvenirs, such as tshirts, mochilas (handmade “Wayuu” bags) and coffee products. There is also art for sale and special souvenirs made of wood. In the food court you can eat inexpensively, especially the lunch day menus are very affordable.
Insider’s tip: in the Carrera 6 / Calle Real we found the most beautiful and cheapest mochilas. The store had just opened when we were there and did not yet have a name -:)
12. Take a side trip to Salento
In terms of architecture, Salento similar to Filandia, yet we like to visit both towns and not skip Salento. It is busier and livelier than Filandia and the town is close to the Valle de Cocora, where you can take beautiful walks. Salento is always busy and especially on weekends when Colombian tourists come there to chill, so if you can go during the week. You get there by Willy Jeep ride (about 1 hour). The Willy Jeeps leave from the Willy’s stand at the central plaza. This costs around COP8000/€2 for a collectivo. The Willy goes every hour on the hour and you share a cab with other travelers and locals. A private Willy costs around COP90,000/€22.50.
