Salento and Filandia, the coffee towns
Salento and Filandia are the most visited towns in Quindío: bahareque houses with colourful balconies, crafts and coffee, close to each other and to the Cocora Valley.
Updated: · Espontáneos Travel
Filandia
Filandia is one of the best-preserved towns in the Coffee Cultural Landscape: colourful balconies, bahareque (wattle-and-daub) architecture and a basket-weaving tradition that is still alive.
In a workshop with a master artisan you can weave your own piece using vines and fibres from the region.
Salento
Salento is the oldest town in Quindío and the gateway to the Cocora Valley. Its Calle Real is full of crafts and cafés.
The most convenient way to see it is to combine it with Cocora on the same day, with transport, a guide, a walk, a coffee tasting and lunch.
Getting there and getting around
Armenia to Salento is 21 km (about 40 min) and to Filandia 30 km. Salento and Filandia are 20 km apart; from Pereira it is 37 km to Salento and 31 km to Filandia.
Our tours include transport from your hotel, so you don't depend on buses or timetables.
Both in one day
The full day takes in the wax palms of Cocora, Salento's Calle Real and the basketry of Filandia in about 8 hours, with lunch included.
Tips
Go Monday to Friday if you can: it's less crowded. Bring layers and something for the rain, plus cash for shopping in the towns.
FAQ
Which is better, Salento or Filandia?
They complement each other: Salento is the gateway to the Cocora Valley and Filandia keeps a living basket-weaving tradition. You can see both in one day.
How far is Salento from Filandia?
20 km by road, about 35 min.
Can I do a basket-weaving workshop?
Yes. In the basket-weaving workshop you weave your own piece with a master artisan; it can also be added to the Filandia tour at an extra cost.