The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Risaralda

The Río Quindío is the main river of the Colombian department of Quindío. It originates in the Los Nevados National Park in the Andes and flows approximately 69 kilometers in a southwesterly direction. The river flows past the picturesque town of Salento and forms the eastern border of the provincial capital, Armenia. It is the vital drinking water source for the majority of the population in the Quindío region. The upper part of the river runs through the Cocora Valley, home to the Quindío wax palm, Colombia's national tree.

The Las Acacias Coffee Farm (also known as Las Juntas Traditional Coffee Farm) is a family-run plantation. The farm offers authentic, less commercialized tours where visitors can learn about the entire process from sowing to roasting. Participants can pick, roast, and grind coffee beans themselves. The tour concludes with a tasting overlooking the mountains of the Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero). It is a traditional farm that uses organic techniques and is known for its personal atmosphere and diverse flora (fruit trees, flowers).

The Cascada Santa Rita is a popular natural destination in the private nature reserve Reserva Natural Santa Rita in the Boquía sector. The hike to the waterfall is considered relatively easy and leads through a picturesque landscape with cow pastures, rivers, and old tunnels. A popular circular route is about 7.9 km long and takes an average of 3.5 to 4 hours. The approximately 20-meter-high waterfall plunges into a natural pool that invites swimming. Access to the private property is subject to a fee. The price is 11,000 Colombian pesos, with visitors gladly welcomed with a free coffee.

These suspension bridges are quite adventurous. But they allow hikers to cross the Río Quindío on popular hiking trails in the Cocora Valley.

The bridges and paths („Puentes y sendas“) that lead hikers through the cloud forest ecosystem. Highlights of the hiking route Hanging bridges: The path along the Quindío River crosses several adventurous, mostly simple wooden bridges. Circular route: The classic hike takes about 5 to 6 hours (approx. 12 km) and leads through dense jungle, cloud forest, and open pastures with palm trees. Popular destinations along the route include the Reserva Natural Acaime (Home of the Hummingbirds) and Finca La Montaña at 2840m.

The view of the Central Cordillera is fantastic, even if the weather is only halfway cooperative. The photos give a hint.

The Quebrada Cárdenas is a picturesque mountain stream in the Quindío department and is part of a popular hiking route that leads through dense cloud forests and past the giant wax palms. The route through the Cocora Valley often runs along or across the Quebrada Cárdenas. The trail is considered moderately difficult and offers spectacular views of the Andean landscape. As the terrain can be muddy and slippery, sturdy footwear is recommended. The area offers lush vegetation, numerous bird species, and the sound of rushing water.

The Bosque de Las Palmas trail is part of Los Nevados National Natural Park and is known for the wax palms, up to 60 meters high, the national tree of Colombia. The route is classified as moderate. It is about 4.3 km long and takes an average of 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail leads through Andean landscapes and rainforest sections. As the ground can often be slippery and muddy, sturdy footwear and the use of hiking poles are recommended. There are several Miradores (viewpoints) along the way.