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Pereira

Pereira travel guide

City in Colombia and capital of the Risaralda department

Things to do10 experiences
Best time to visitAll year round
Nearest airportPEI · 3 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC−5
Population590,554

About Pereira

Pereira is the capital city of the Colombian department of Risaralda. It is located in the foothills of the Andes in a coffee-producing area of Colombia officially known as the "Coffee Axis". Pereira, alongside the rest of the Coffee Axis, form part of UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia". It is the most populated city in the Coffee Axis. Pereira is also part of the Central West Metropolitan Area, which has 735.769 residents and is composed of Pereira and the neighboring cities of Dosquebradas and La Virginia. It is considered the most important city in the "Coffee Axis" from a geopolitical and economic standpoint.

Things to do in Pereira by type

10 tours, tickets and experiences across 2 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 5
  • 3-6 hours 5
Ways to go
  • Private 2
Browse all things to do in Pereira

Top experiences in Pereira

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.

See all things to do in Pereira

Where to stay in Pereira

Popular hotels in Pereira, out of 61 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Pereira

Best time to visit Pereira

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Pereira is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 74–78°F and rain falls on about 27 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 60° – 77° 25
Feb 61° – 77° 27
Mar 61° – 77° 30
Apr 61° – 77° 29
May 61° – 76° 28
Jun 60° – 74° 26
Jul 60° – 77° 18
Aug 60° – 76° 25
Sep 61° – 78° 23
Oct 60° – 75° 30
Nov 61° – 74° 29
Dec 61° – 75° 29

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Know before you go

Currency
Colombian peso (COP)1 US dollar ≈ $3,174
Language
Spanish
Calling code
+57
Driving
On the right
Time zone
America/BogotaUTC−5
Capital
Bogotá

Upcoming public holidays in Colombia

  • Independence of CartagenaIndependencia de Cartagena
  • Immaculate ConceptionLa Inmaculada Concepción
  • Christmas DayNavidad
  • New Year's DayAño Nuevo
  • EpiphanyDía de los Reyes Magos
  • Saint Joseph's DayDía de San José

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Pereira

These are the airports closest to central Pereira. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • PEI Matecaña International Airport3 mi (5 km) from the city centre
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Getting around Pereira

There is an extensive network of buses running around Pereira connecting most parts of the city. Costs are around COP$2,000. It runs 5 km along the main avenues, including numerous nearby neighborhoods (barrios) and surrounding barrios. Use caution when visiting lower-income barrios (as you should in any other city).

By taxi

Taxis are relatively cheap but make sure the meter is on. Some taxi drivers are dishonest and try to take advantage of foreigners. For example, if they stop along your route they will charge you an additional fare, and use standing charges while waiting. Some don't have meters, so ask for cost in advance. It's possible to negotiate as well. Fares as of 2024:

Pereira travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Pereira?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Pereira is all year round, when average daytime highs are around 74–78°F and rain falls on about 27 days a month.

What is the weather like in Pereira?

September is usually the warmest month in Pereira, with average highs of 78°F (26°C). November is the coolest, with average lows of 61°F (16°C). The wettest month is typically November, with about 427 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Pereira?

Matecaña International Airport (PEI) is the closest airport, about 3 miles (5 km) from the centre of Pereira.

What currency is used in Pereira?

Pereira uses the Colombian peso (COP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ $3,174.

What time zone is Pereira in?

Pereira uses the America/Bogota time zone (currently UTC−5). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Pereira?

There is an extensive network of buses running around Pereira connecting most parts of the city. Costs are around COP$2,000. It runs 5 km along the main avenues, including numerous nearby neighborhoods (barrios) and surrounding barrios. Use caution when visiting lower-income barrios (as you should in any other city).

What are the top things to do in Pereira?

Popular experiences you can book in Pereira include Don’t miss out on the fun at the Coffee Park – Full-Day Tour, Panaca Park with Private Transportation and Coffee Farm Experience - Half-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 10 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Pereira?

The most popular types of experiences in Pereira are day trips & excursions (4), amusement parks (2), art & culture (1) and gastronomy & nightlife (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Pereira?

Popular areas for hotels in Pereira include Pereira. Well-reviewed options include Visus Hotel Boutique And Spa and GHL Hotel Abadia Plaza.

How many hotels can I book in Pereira?

Destina Holidays currently lists 61 properties in and around Pereira, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.