Colombia / Coffee Triangle

Paisa houses and wax palm trees in the Coffee Triangle

Ever since 30 million coffee plants were planted here in the late 19th century, coffee has been one of Colombia's most important exports. The largest growing region is the so-called Coffee Triangle, an upside-down triangle spanning much of the departments of Quindío, Risaralda and Caldas. Countless coffee plantations blanket the gentle hills, dotted with traditional, brightly painted haciendas. The houses in classic Paisa villages such as Jericó, Jardín, Marsella, Filandia and Salento are just as colorful. From Salento, it's worth heading to the Valle de Cocora or the Valle de Toche, where you can walk among wax palm forests and spot native birds — with a bit of luck, even an Andean toucan.