Worth it? PERERIA COLOMBIA 2021

Colombia Travel

Oct 6

Traveling Through RioSucio, Manizales, and Pereira to Otun Quimbaya Nature Reserve

Welcome to BACKPACKING COLOMBIA - How I ended up in Pereira Colombia 2021...

Our Next Colombia Backpacking Adventure is through the towns of Jardin Antioquia, Riosucio & Manizales, Caldas, and of course, Pereira, Risaralda.

While most travelers will turn back to Medellin after exploring Jardin, or head straight through to Salento, there are a few hidden gems in between.

The city of Manizales, Caldas is a great little pit stop for digital nomads looking for some decent internet connection and a safe & comfortable place to stay for a few nights.

I felt safe (relatively speaking) in Manizales and was comfortable walking around the little central area in the day and early evening when it was busy.

Pereira was another story. I was on high alert every moment and was very very careful to “no dar papaya”. I did meet a few kind people who made sure I got around safely.

I traveled to the city of Pereira for one reason only: to visit the nature reserve Otun Quimbaya. Under 5 km square, it’s very small but is a true wildlife Adventure- home to dozens of species including endangered birds and mammals.

And while my journey didn’t go *quite* as expected, I saw my fair share of wildlife and had a great time just being in the presence of nature.

Would you go? Let me know in the COMMENTS!

Guide to Places & Things in Manizales and Pereira:

MANIZALES:

Excellent, upscale restaurant in Manizales Centro: La Azotea Rooftop https://goo.gl/maps/zCScHJaAKZidPhhj9

One of my FAVORITE hostels in Colombia: Golden Frog Hotel AKA Golden Frog Mountain Hostel https://goo.gl/maps/TsA6oZLXgQtDFLYi6 https://goldenfrogmanizales.com/

PEREIRA:

Where you catch the bus to Otun Quimbaya: https://goo.gl/maps/pxoxmMAVsrWbKaZdA

Otun Quimbaya(reservations required lol): https://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co/...

Hotel in Pereira (was safe & clean but a little out of the way. I’d pay for something more central if I stayed in Pereira again): Hotel Posada Don Simon https://goo.gl/maps/tCikpVZPzooUYz4R9

The GRAYL: My Favorite FILTERING WATER BOTTLE: https://grayl.com/collections/grayl-w...