Salento or Filandia? Which destination suits you?

The Eje Cafetero, Colombia’s coffee region, is one of the most beautiful and visited areas of the country. Two of the most popular villages here are Salento and Filandia. Hoewel ze slechts 30 minuten van elkaar verwijderd zijn, bieden beide dorpen unieke ervaringen. Dus, hoe kies je welke bestemming het beste bij jou past? Hier vergelijken we Salento en Filandia op basis van sfeer, activiteiten, toegankelijkheid en meer.

• Salento: This village is the most famous in the Eje Cafetero and attracts many tourists. The center is lively, colorful and full of restaurants, cafes and souvenir stores. The main street, Calle Real, is often crowded, but it buzzes with energy.
• Filandia: Filandia is quieter and a little less touristy, but at least as charming. The village square is surrounded by traditional coffee houses and local restaurants. Here you will experience a more authentic Colombia without the big crowds.

Conclusion: Looking for vibrancy and hustle and bustle? Choose Salento. Want tranquility and an authentic atmosphere? Go to Filandia.

• Salento: Salento is the gateway to the famous Valle de Cocora, home to the tallest wax palms in the world, the palmas de cera. Here you can take beautiful walks and enjoy breathtaking views.
• Filandia: Filandia offers access to lesser-known but beautiful natural areas such as the Barbas-Bremen Canyon, a nature reserve where you have the chance to spot howler monkeys and rare birds.

Conclusion: For iconic nature and well-known attractions, Salento is the favorite but for a quiet and unique nature experience, Filandia is ideal.

Salento: Besides the Valle de Cocora, in Salento you can also visit coffee incas, go horseback riding, bird watching, hiking and mountain biking. Activities are easy to book, such as at one of the small travel agencies or hostels or online.

Filandia: In Filandia, you can also do these activities and tours, only that these are activities are less visibly offered than in Salento. Filandia adds unique activities, such as a visit to the observation tower Mirador de Filandia, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys. At one of the small museums / workshops you can learn more about the rich tradition of Filandia, including the tradition of making the traditional canasto.

Conclusion: Both villages offer fun activities, but Filandia adds some extra, authentic experiences. On the other hand, the activities in Salento are easier to book.

• Salento: Salento is easier to reach from the major cities of Pereira and Armenia. There are direct buses and the roads are well maintained.
• Filandia: Although Filandia is also easily accessible, it may take a little longer to get there from certain cities, such as Pereira.

Conclusion: If you are limited in time, Salento is more practical.

• Salento: Here you will find a wide range of international restaurants, local food stalls and cozy cafes. Be sure to try the Trucha with patacones, a local dish.

• There are also several options in Salento for people with special dietary needs such as vegan and vegetarian food.
• Filandia: Filandia has fewer restaurants, but the quality and authenticity are excellent. Many places serve dishes with ingredients from the region. There are restaurants that serve vegetarian dishes, but the choice is a lot more limited.

Conclusion: For more choice, go to Salento, but for an authentic meal, Filandia is a top choice.

• Salento: Here you have a wide choice of accommodations, from luxury boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels.
• Filandia: The accommodations in Filandia tend to be smaller and offer a more personalized experience. Perfect for travelers seeking tranquility.

Practical tip: if you are a little worse for walking, it is useful to know, that the city center of Filandia is flatter and easier to walk than Salento.

If you like a lively atmosphere, iconic nature such as the Valle de Cocora and a wide range of facilities, is Salento the perfect choice. But if you want an authentic experience, tranquility and unique views, then Filandia a destination not to be missed.

Why not combine both? Their proximity makes it easy to experience the best of both worlds during your journey through the Eje Cafetero.

Check our travel guides Salento and Filandia for more information on these two unique destinations in the coffee region of Colombia.