1. A Liberating Experience At The Center Of Town
Pereira's focal point, the Plaza de Bolivar is a great place to start an exploration of everything this charming Andean city has to offer. Built in the 18th century, the square was once the center of the colonial city, but now (as with many Colombian squares), it's a grand homage to the Liberator, Simon Bolivar. The centerpiece is "Bolivar Desnudo", an 8.5 meter tall statue of the great man, but for many the highlight will be exploring the shopping streets around the square.
2. Pereira's Spiritual Heart
The religious nexus of the city, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty can be found just off the Plaza de Bolivar, and it's well worth popping inside to check out the interior. If you're used to soaring arches and dazzling stained glass in cathedrals, it might prove a surprise. Instead of showy features, Pereira's cathedral is a brickwork masterpiece, more in the tradition of the Mezquita at Cordoba than traditional European churches. And it's a deeply moving, tranquil place to spend some time.
3. Go Wild In This Unconventional Botanical Attraction
The tourist highlight of the sprawling Universidad Tecnológia de Pereira, the city's botanical gardens show off the rich biodiversity of the Andean foothills, and the UNESCO-protected "Coffee Cultural Landscape" of which Pereira is a part. When you visit, you'll come across beautiful orchids, walks through shady bamboo groves, a fascinating apothecaries' garden showing how locals use plants for medicinal purposes, and plenty of bird life, too. The whole place has been deliberately left semi-wild, making it very different to standard botanical gardens, and giving a vivid peek into the life of the rainforest. If you love nature, it's an absolute must-see.
4. A Gorgeous Catholic Creation
A complete counterpoint to the intimate cathedral, the Iglesia El Claret is a Baroque/Gothic fusion, and an architectural delight. Located on Carrera 7, a few hundred meters west from Plaza Bolivar, it's a much more ornate affair, with intricate stonework and crenellations, and a bright interior nave. And when you've had your fill of spirituality for the day, the neighborhood around the church is packed with seafood restaurants and laid-back student bars, so it's a great place to kick back and fill the evening with entertainment.
5. Family Fun In Coffee Country
Another must-visit for budding biologists is the excellent Bioparque Bonita Farm. Situated a few miles northwest of Pereira's city center, the Bioparque is a working family farm that's been set up as a thriving ecotourism destination. The owners will be happy to show guests around the coffee plantation, giving some insight into where your espresso gets its kick, as well as showing off local residents like snakes and the odd tarantula or two. The butterfly enclosure is a particular highlight, making it a great place for families to head during their time in Pereira.
