How to get to Colombia's Coffee Region
Colombia's Coffee Region (Quindío, Risaralda and Caldas) lies in the centre of the country, between Bogotá, Medellín and Cali. The easiest way to get there is to fly into one of its three airports and continue by road.
Updated: · Espontáneos Travel
The three airports
El Edén (AXM), in Armenia, is the closest to many experiences in Quindío: Salento, the Cocora Valley, Filandia and the theme parks.
Matecaña (PEI), in Pereira, is a few minutes from the city centre and halfway between Quindío, Santa Rosa de Cabal and Manizales.
La Nubia (MZL), in Manizales, is the gateway to Caldas and the snow-capped Nevados area. Cali airport (CLO) is another option, although it is further away.
Road distances from the airports
| Airport | To | Distance | Approx. time |
|---|---|---|---|
| El Edén (AXM) | Armenia | 17 km | 30 min |
| El Edén (AXM) | Salento | 39 km | 1 h 5 min |
| El Edén (AXM) | Filandia | 45 km | 1 h 10 min |
| Matecaña (PEI) | Pereira | 6 km | 15 min |
| Matecaña (PEI) | Salento | 41 km | 1 h 5 min |
| Matecaña (PEI) | Filandia | 35 km | 1 h |
| Matecaña (PEI) | Santa Rosa de Cabal | 20 km | 30 min |
| La Nubia (MZL) | Manizales | 11 km | 20 min |
| Alfonso Bonilla Aragón (CLO, Cali) | Armenia | 169 km | 3 h 40 min |
Road distances and times calculated with OpenStreetMap, by vehicle and without stops; they may vary with traffic and weather.
Which airport should I choose?
If you are staying in Salento, Filandia or Armenia, both main airports work: it is 39 km from El Edén to Salento and 41 km from Matecaña.
For Santa Rosa de Cabal and its hot springs, Matecaña is best (20 km); for Manizales, La Nubia (11 km) or Matecaña (56 km).
Getting around between towns
Distances are short but the roads are mountainous: Armenia to Salento is 21 km (about 40 min), Salento to Filandia 20 km, Armenia to Pereira 48 km and Pereira to Manizales 51 km.
Many of our experiences include transport from your hotel; check “What's included” on each one. If you prefer a vehicle for several days, we can arrange that too.
Private transfers
We arrange private transfers between Armenia, Pereira and Manizales airports and your hotel, with the right vehicle for your group size. Message us on WhatsApp with your flight and hotel.
FAQ
Which airport is closest to Salento?
El Edén (AXM) in Armenia and Matecaña (PEI) in Pereira are at similar distances: 39 km and 41 km by road.
How long does it take from Armenia to Salento?
It is 21 km by road, about 40 min by vehicle.
Can I get there by road from Bogotá or Medellín?
Yes, but the journeys take several hours on mountain roads. For most travellers it is better to fly into Armenia, Pereira or Manizales.
