Filandia, Colombia, is one of those destinations that many people don’t even have on their radar. As a smaller, less touristy version of Salento, you’ll find a much quieter, more authentic atmosphere here than in its touristy big brother.
In this article, you will discover whether a visit is worthwhile and the best things to do in Filandia.
We’ll give you all the essential information for visiting this Colombian hidden gem and tell you about our personal experiences in this colorful village. So, let’s dive right in.
What to find out in this post
- 1 Why visit Filandia
- 2 How to get to Filandia, Quindío
- 3 The best things to do in Filandia
- 3.1 Parque Bolívar
- 3.2 Iglesia de María Inmaculada
- 3.3 La Calle de Tiempo Detenido
- 3.4 Mirador del Tiempo Detenido
- 3.5 El Mirador Colina Iluminada
- 3.6 Try a regional Coffee.
- 3.7 Helena Adentro Restaurant
- 3.8 Visit a Coffee Farm
- 3.9 Doble Cascada Waterfalls
- 3.10 La Reserva Barbas Bremen
- 3.11 Visit Salento
- 3.12 Hiking in Cocora Valley
- 4 Where to stay in Filandia
- 5 Where is Filandia, Colombia
- 6 Filandia Day Trip or Over-night-Stay?
- 7 Common Questions about Filandia Travel
Why visit Filandia
Filandia is a great day trip from Salento, but also makes a great leading destination and starting point for a trip to the Eje Cafetero region in Colombia.
Filandia is far less touristy than Salento but surprises with its colorful colonial architecture.
Surrounded by beautiful nature, Filandia exudes a relaxed and idyllic atmosphere where you can experience the authenticity of Colombia and enjoy great hikes.
FILANDIA INFO BOX
Where to stay in Filandia: Tukawa Hotel (picturesque accommodation in the middle of nature) or El Reloj Casa (Iconic hotel right in the center)
Die beliebtesten Aktivitäten & Touren in Filandia
Colonial Buildings
Viewpoints
Trips into Nature
Salento
Cocora Valley
Getting there: By Willy from Salento
Transportation: By foot or Taxi
Want to rent a car? Find great, trustworthy deals at RentalCars.
Filandia Must-Have: Colombia Travel Guide
How to get to Filandia, Quindío
It is quick and easy to reach Filandia from Salento. From the main square, Parque Bolívar, jeeps, the so-called Willys, travel back and forth between Salento and Filandia regularly (usually once an hour).
You can conveniently buy your ticket in the small sales booth right next to the Willys parking lot.
The journey takes around 40 minutes and ends at Parque Bolívar, the main square in Filandia.
If you are not traveling from Salento, you can also find buses from the next largest cities, Pereira and Armenia, or Quimbaya.
The best things to do in Filandia
You already know how to get to Filandia and why you should visit this underrated destination. Let’s dive deeper into the must-sees of Filandia.
Filandia Fun Fact: The name Filandia does not derive from “Finlandia,” as you might think, but from the Latin “Filia” (“daughter”) and “Andia” (“Andes”) and therefore translates as “daughter of the Andes.”
Parque Bolívar
Let’s start our trip to Filandia with the main square of the small town, Parque Bolívar. In addition to numerous restaurants, you’ll find plenty of greenery here.
The square is truly picturesque, and you can almost always find some locals enjoying the quiet atmosphere on one of the benches.
The square is surrounded by several colorful colonial-style houses, which contrasts nicely with the green plants.
Iglesia de María Inmaculada
Opening Hours Church: Mon – Fri: 10 am – 12 pm & 3 pm – 5 pm; Sat+Sun: 8 am – 1 pm & 3 pm – 8 pm
Entrance Fee Church: free of charge
The church of Filandia stands out from the surrounding colorful buildings not only because of its white color. Its impressive size also invites you to come closer and admire the picturesque church.
Taking a look inside can also be worthwhile. However, I must admit that the church is far more impressive from the outside than the inside.
Important information: Although there are official opening hours, unfortunately, these are not always maintained. If the church is closed during your visit, just try again later.
La Calle de Tiempo Detenido
Let’s now move on to the most picturesque street in the small town, Calle de Tiempo Detenido (“the street of stopped time“). Although its name is actually Calle 7, the locals have renamed this colorful street.
Calle 7 connects the main square, Parque Bolívar, with the Mirador del Tiempo Detenido viewpoint.
Walk along the street and be impressed by the beautiful colonial architecture. Stop for a full-bodied coffee or a snack at one of the bakeries (I tried some super tasty pastries at Panadería Las Delicias de la Abuela.).
Mirador del Tiempo Detenido
At the end of Calle de Tempo Detenido, you’ll come across a viewpoint with the same name. Take a moment to soak in the stunning greenery surrounding Filandia.
Hopefully, you’ll be luckier with the weather during your visit than we were. Regardless, the view over Filandia’s lush green landscape is definitely worth it.
And if the view isn’t green enough for you, you must check out the next attraction on our list.
El Mirador Colina Iluminada
Opening Hours Mirador: 09 am – 06 pm
Entrance Fee Mirador: 8.000 COP (ca. $ 2)
Alongside the colorful city center, the Mirador Colina Iluminada is arguably the main attraction of Filandia. From the entrance, the path leads through a pretty park to the viewing tower. On the way up, visitors also have the option to enjoy some coffee or a small snack.
The 27-metre-high wooden structure offers a beautiful view of Filandia and its surrounding nature across eight floors.
On each floor, you will find interesting information about the place and the landmarks that you can see from here.
Make sure you take enough time during your visit to walk up and appreciate the idyllic natural surroundings.
The observation tower is a short walk (around 15 minutes) outside the city. You will pass a few souvenir and craft stores on the way there.
Try a regional Coffee.
Eje Cafetero is Colombia’s premier coffee-growing region, where the coffee plants thrive amidst its lush greenery.
When you’re here, indulging in the region’s exquisite coffee is a definite must-do. Treat yourself to a cup or two and savor the unique flavors.
You’ll be spoiled for choice with various cafés and restaurants, particularly along Calle de Tiempo Detenido, where they serve up the region’s rich, full-bodied coffee.
Our personal favorite? Quindío Café. Their extensive selection of coffees is impressive, and the cute bird design adds a special touch to the experience.
Helena Adentro Restaurant
No matter where you look, this restaurant in Filandia is recommended everywhere: Helena Adentro. And I have to admit, the views from here are simply beautiful.
The dishes served here are very creative and even a bit similar to Spanish tapas, so there’s plenty to try. Although the prices are slightly higher by Colombian standards, they are not entirely out of line.
The restaurant’s popularity is immediately noticeable, as it gets pretty packed. Ideally, you should reserve a table in advance, perhaps as soon as you arrive in Filandia, to ensure you get a table.
Honest opinion: Honestly? I wasn’t completely blown away by the food here. After all our recommendations for this restaurant, I was somehow expecting a little more. Don’t get me wrong, the food was still good and “something different,” and the view from the restaurant is great, which is why I would still recommend a visit.
Visit a Coffee Farm
If time allows, you really should make it a point to visit at least one coffee farm during your stay in Eje Cafetero.
There’s something genuinely fascinating about seeing the spot where your coffee is grown and harvested. And the opportunity to taste coffee at its freshest? It’s an experience like no other.
The area is brimming with options, but Finca Tematica La Divisa stands out. The owner, Javier, possesses a wealth of knowledge about the local flora and fauna and is always eager to share his insights with visitors.
We had already explored a coffee farm near Salento the previous day, so we decided to pass on this particular attraction in Filandia.
Doble Cascada Waterfalls
Hiking Time: ca. 1 ½ hours (6 km/3.7 mi)
Entrance Fee: 12.000 COP (ca. $ 3)
If you feel like hiking, the Doble Cascadas waterfalls are an ideal activity for you. As the name suggests, this is a double waterfall.
It is located around a 1½-hour hike (approx. 6 km) from the center of Filandia. Hike through the region’s beautiful nature and admire the vibrant green colors.
Extra tip: To find the correct route, simply search for Cascadas Gemelas on Google Maps.
Unfortunately, our own hike to the twin waterfalls fell through due to heavy rain.
La Reserva Barbas Bremen
If you want to immerse yourself even deeper in the lush nature of the region, the Barbas Bremen Reserve is a great option.
The reserve is privately owned and is located around 3 km from Filandia city center.
You can experience a wide variety of animals and plants on the grounds. However, many visitors come here to discover the red howler monkey.
The site can only be entered with an experienced guide for safety reasons. This guide can give you lots of exciting information about the flora and fauna of the reserve during a 3-hour hike.
Visit Salento
Journey Time: approx. 40 Minutes
Journey Price: 8.000 COP (ca. $ 2)
Salento may not be the biggest city in the coffee region, but many regard it as the unofficial ‘capital of the Eje Cafetero’ thanks to its widespread popularity. It’s the preferred base for most travelers exploring the area, with many choosing to spend their nights here.
Even if you’re not staying overnight, a day trip to this charming, vibrant town is highly recommended.
Think of Salento as Filandia’s more bustling ‘big brother.’ While it might draw more tourists, it compensates with a rich array of cafés, restaurants, and shops. Here, you can find an assortment of souvenirs, jewelry, and memorable keepsakes to take home.
Hiking in Cocora Valley
Opening Hours Cocora Valley: 08 am – 06 pm
Entrance Fee Cocora Valley: 10.000 COP (ca. $ 2.5) + 6.000 COP (ca. $ 1.5) for the longer hiking route
Do you fancy gigantic palm trees almost touching the sky and hiking trails leading you through breathtaking landscapes? Then pack your hiking boots and camera and make your way to the Cocora Valley.
The Valle de Cocora, as the locals affectionately call it, is located not far from Filandia, right in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region, Eje Cafetero.
In addition to the majestic wax palms, the tallest in the world, countless photo opportunities and hiking trails await you here. Whether you prefer a short walk through the sea of palm trees (around 1½ hours) or venture out on the extensive hiking trail through the dense forests (around 6 hours) – adventure is calling.
Where to stay in Filandia
Tukawa Hotel
The Tukawa Hotel is a wonderful accommodation for nature lovers. Nestled in a coffee finca, it offers breathtaking views over coffee plantations and a variety of birds. In addition to an outdoor pool and cozy rooms, it serves a continental breakfast.
Activities such as table tennis and cycling provide variety. The only downside is that the hotel is quite a bit out of town.
Check further info, prices, and availability of Tukawa Hotel
El Reloj Casa
El Reloj Casa Hotel impresses with its central location and comfortable rooms. An American breakfast awaits guests every morning.
With a view of the city and modern amenities, it is an ideal accommodation for those who want to stay in the city’s most iconic hotel and explore the heart of Filandia.
Check further info, prices, and availability of El Reloj Casa
Where is Filandia, Colombia
Journey Duration: around 40 Minutes
Journey Price: 8.000 COP (ca. $ 2)
Filandia is located in the department of Quindío, in central Colombia, around 20 km/ 12.5 mi from Salento and 30 km/19 mi from Pereira. The small town lies at an altitude of almost 2.000 meters/ 6.500 ft. in the coffee-growing region, Eje Cafetero.
Filandia Day Trip or Over-night-Stay?
Filandia is a great destination – whether a day trip or a leading destination. Here are a few advantages of both options to help you decide.
Pros of a Day Trip to Filandia/ Stay in Salento
- Accommodated “closer to the action”
- More Transportation options
- Larger selection of restaurants, bars, and stores
- Easier to get in touch with other travelers
- Better infrastructure
Pros of staying in Filandia
- Quieter environment
- Less touristy
- natural surroundings
Common Questions about Filandia Travel
You can visit Salento from Filandia with the Willy (jeep) (about once an hour from Parque de Bolívar) or drive there in a rental car.
The small town of Filandia is considered safe for tourists. With relatively few visits, even pickpocketing is very rare here.
Filandia in Colombia offers suitable accommodation so that you can stay overnight.
The tap water in Filandia is not drinkable. Therefore, you should only drink bottled or filtered water from a safe source.
