Last Updated on September 2, 2018 by Nancie
The Best Things to do in Filandia, Colombia, contributed by Kaylee and Mark, who blog at These Foreign Roads is the ninth small town exposé in the series Small Town Explorer.
The villages and towns we visit in our travels are often the hidden gems of a country or region. In this series readers are introduced to small centers around the globe, from travel bloggers who have experienced the location firsthand; featuring their uniqueness, their history, what to see and do, and often where to stay and where to dine.
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A picturesque coffee town situated in the foothills of the Colombian Andes, Filandia is a photographers playground. With its vibrant, colourful buildings tucked away in the lush green rolling hills of coffee farms, it will definitely put a smile on your face. The name Filandia comes for the words ‘Filia’ meaning daughter and ‘Andia’ meaning Andes. That said, the ’Daughter of the Andes’ should definitely be a stop on your journey through Colombia.
Filandia, Colombia: What to See and Do
Mirador de Filandia
A twenty-seven-metre tall observation deck with a 360-degree platform overlooking the surrounding hills as far as the eye can see. While the views can be spectacular, it is often quite tough to get a good view most days due to the moisture in the air. If you get any chance on a cloudless day, this is a definite thing to check out, especially if you can get a clear evening and watch the sun setting over the countryside. The cost to enter at the time of writing is 8,000 COP.
Cruise the Countryside on a Bicycle
There is plenty of beautiful countryside to explore around Filandia and numerous things to see and do nearby. There are plenty of walks you can do around the town, but many of the farther places to visit require hitching a ride in the back of a Jeep Willys or booking a tour with a company to get in a full day of events.
However, the cheapest way – also the method that gives you the most freedom to explore – is by bicycle. The most popular biking route is Filandia to Quimbaya, since it is a great way to check out the countryside, and is downhill most of the way. Stop in at Hostel Bidea to rent a bike and get a free map and tips on the route. Also, if you don’t want to ride back up the hill (which most people don’t) wave down a Jeep Willys – the most common mode of transport in the area. Most drivers will happily take you and your bike back into Filandia for a small fee.
If staying at Hostel Bidea, you’ll get a free bike rental! Just be sure to confirm a day in advance.
Hike to the “Secret” Double Waterfalls
Okay, they might not be a secret these days, but they can still be a little tricky to find. Tucked away deep in a steep valley outside of town, this gorgeous set of waterfalls are the perfect spot to cool down from the Colombian heat. Head out of Filandia to the north and follow the backroads as they wind east through farmland. Eventually, you’ll find a small house where you’ll pay the owner a small fee to cross his property. As a bonus, he’s cleared a fairly nice path down behind the house to the falls below. Once there, relax and cool down in the refreshing pool, or bring a picnic and stay a while. Asking around town for some detailed directions is probably a good idea. However, any locals you pass along the way will be able to point you in the right direction.
Play Tejo
When in Colombia, without question – you must play Tejo. If you’re unfamiliar with the country’s national sport, in essence, it involves drinking a lot of beer, while throwing lead pucks at small explosives. Make sure to hit up Cancha de Tejo Cafe Pueblo for a couple hours in the afternoon or evening. The game is free to play as long as you are buying beer, this is the rule. It is actually tougher – and louder – than it looks but is a must try!
Visit a Coffee Plantation
If you have never witnessed how coffee gets from the field to your cup, you definitely should. This is especially crucial while visiting one of the best coffee regions on earth! The most popular coffee tour is from Finca El Mirador which costs 20,000 COP per person and includes a cup at the end of the tour. You’ll be able to watch the entire process, from the growing of the fruit, the gruelling harvest, fermentation and roasting. You’ll certainly have a new appreciation for every sip.
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Filandia, Colombia: Where to Eat and Drink
Cultivar Cafe
In the far Northwest corner of town, overlooking bright green fields, Cultivar Cafe is the best place to come for a local coffee. It is a bit expensive, but if you can score one of the two tables outside on the patio overlooking the rolling coffee hills, it is very worth it. Especially if you work on your computer or just want to relax the day away.
Helena Adentro
This is the top restaurant of the entire region and is known throughout Colombia for their unique blend of traditional ingredients with modern preparation methods. Originally, the restaurant was only opened on the weekends, so the owners could return to their farm for the week to cultivate and harvest their fresh produce for the menu. Today they are opened every day of the week and have added farmland to produce more for the necessity. They use 100% natural ingredients, whether it is the cheese they produce, to the mixes in their amazing cocktails, to the jams they sell on the side, there is a very good reason this restaurant continues to collect rewards. If you eat anywhere during your visit to Filandia, Helena Adentro must be the spot.
Filandia Colombia: Where to Stay
The most popular place for backpackers in Filandia is Bidea Hostel. Their rooms are large, beds are comfy, there are some fantastic common areas and a fresh breakfast is included. As well, free coffee and tea are available all day to keep you fuelled for your exploration.
There are plenty of other options in Filandia from simple, budget hostels, to high-end hotels and gorgeous boutique Bed and Breakfasts. There are also farm stays around the area if you would rather have the tranquillity and learn a bit more about the culture or the region.
Filandia, Colombia: How to Get to Filandia
Though distances may appear close on the map, travelling through this region of Colombia takes some time. The high, twisting mountain roads lead to long hours on the bus. Most visitors to Filandia arrive from Bogota via Armenia. Buses run several times a day, including some overnight options. From Armenia, it’s a 30-minute ride to Filandia. If you’re already in the area, likely the town of Salento, it’s a short 45-minute ride in a Jeep to get here.
If arriving from Medellin, we suggest spending some time in the spectacular village of Juayua on your way down. Not only will it break up the long journey, but the ride from Juayua to Filandia is quite… interesting.
Filandia, Colombia: When to Visit
The temperatures are great all year-round. April and May are the wettest months. However, don’t worry if this is the only time you can visit. The temperatures are warm throughout the year and even during the rainy season, the sun is out most of the afternoon!
For more information on visiting Filandia and the rest of this stunning country, check out our Complete Guide to Backpacking Colombia! (http://www.theseforeignroads.com/2018/07/22/ultimate-guide-backpacking-colombia/)
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[su_box title=”Bio ” style=”soft” box_color=”#54f64d”]Mark and Kylee have been travelling on and off for over eleven years and finally made the decision to quit their jobs, sell their home and hit the road full time. As they are both professionally trained chefs, experiencing the local cultures through food is a huge aspect of their journey. Find them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/theseforeignroads/[/su_box]
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45 responses to “The Best Things to do in Filandia, Colombia”
Good TO KNOW! Colombia wasn’t really high on my to visit list, but now I want to raise up up a few spots!
Hi GiGi. I’m with you there. I think I’ll try to visit Colombia sooner rather than later. I want a cup of that delicious coffee.
I am loving this series and being able to learn about the lesser known cities around the world. Had never heard of Filandia but am now intrigued!
Thank you for this information! Filandia sounds like an amazing place to visit! From the scenery to the food the the hospitality.
What a lovely spot for families who love taking photos! Those rolling green hills are so relaxing!
I just love discovering and exploring smaller, unknown places like Filandia, surrounded by natural beauty. Visiting a coffee plantation to appreciate how this popular drink is created would be great. I absolutely love the twin waterfalls – who wouldn’t want to spend some time here? Just fabulous!
Never imagined Colombia to be so beautiful. I would love to visit one day.
Oh my gosh, Colombia looks like an absolute dream! I can’t wait to visit here myself one day! 🙂
I enjoy going on these virtual trips! That observation tower is amazing and reminds me of a similar structure here in Maine, with awesome views. The falls are also beautiful.
I have never been there but definitely a nice place to visit. Seeing your beautiful photos inviting me to go there, it so beautiful.
Such a beautiful view for taking a photos with your family and that waterfalls is really beautiful.
What an amazing article, I’d never heard of it before but Filandia sounds like such an interesting place!
Filandia sounds like a nice place to visit and those views is really amazing and it is so relaxing.
I’ve heard that Columbia is a beautiful country. I don’t mean to sound insane… but is it safe?
I would love to go there one day. I love your photo of the pork rib, it looks delicious.
Thank you for this amazing information. Filandia sounds like an amazing place. The views a re all such relaxing and breathtaking. Loved the post.
I would take a cafe with that view any day! Looks like an amazing place.
I’ve seen columbia in documentaries and it looks beautiful! I would love to dine or have coffee outside there someday.
Colombia is high on my bucket list! I’m hoping to be able to visit soon.
Columbia definitely seems like my kind of place. Beer drinking and coffee are two things I love! Can’t believe Tejo is the national sport. That is too cool
I’ve never heard of this town ,but it looks beautiful and sounds very interesting ! A game of Tejo sounds hilarious – beer and explosives, what could go wrong?
Great post! It looks just beautiful! Your images are great too! Thanks so much for sharing! Especially your tips on where to eat and where to stay!
Visiting places that grow coffee is one of the things we particularly enjoy, so I appreciate the introduction to Filandia in Colombia. The landscape looks lush and beautiful, and the cuisine also very appealing.
I have a penchant for doors and my insta account is filled with them. Though I would love to do everything you mentioned in Colombia, I may actually visit the place just for those gorgeous doors 😀
Good to know these things, I love discovering the world.
Honestly, I had no idea about Finlandia but it’s a beautiful place. I love chasing waterfalls, & the secret waterfalls will be a treat for me. Tejo is also one thing I’d surely try, isn’t travelling all about trying new things!
I still haven’t visited Columbia. But the natural landscapes and the great food are really calling my name. Filandia looks like a great mix of beauty and culinary heaven and I will most certainly add it to my list.
I’ve never been to Colombia but it’s on my list. Looks amazing and I wonder how much that guy makes a year with travellers crossing his property haha
Love the scenery, I’d enjoy sipping coffee by that waterfall! Colombia is a country I’d love to visit.
I keep hearing Filandia is a great alternative to Salento if you want to go somewhere less touristy, and I can definitely see the appeal! Hiking, cycling, coffee-drinking…seems perfect. I’m heading to this part of Colombia this winter and will definitely refer back to this — I especially appreciate the hostel suggestion. Colombia has so many great hostels it can be hard to choose!
Looks amazing! Heading to Colombia next May and def will come back to this 🙂 Thanks!
What a gem I found! I am heading there soon and would bookmark your post to use.
I really want to visit a coffee plantation. Colombia being one of the leading coffee makers would be a perfect spot!
Haha, Tejo sounds amazing and slightly dangerous! I’m definitely going to need to learn more about this sport. I love the combination of beer with explosives. Haha.
I really want to visit Colombia one day, when I go I will make sure I go to Filandia, looks like a great place 🙂
I have never been to Filandia before but you make it look/sound amazing! I hope to go very soon 🙂 The waterfall looks incredible! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us! xo
Hi Sharon. Finlandia is a destination worth considering. I’d love to sit by that waterfall for a few hours.
Wow what a magnificent world we live in. A part of the world I know nothing about – so it was good to read, thank you.
Hi, Karen. Happy to read you enjoyed this post. I have to say I also knew nothing about Filandia until I published this guest post. If I ever make it to Colombia, this town is high on my list.
I didn’t know Colombia has so many places to visit. It’s now on my bucket list
Hi Daniele. Yes, Colombia looks like a fantastic destination. I want to enjoy a cup of that fresh coffee while I enjoying that view.
I admit that I don’t know much about Colombia but Finlandia looks like a very cool place to visit. Adding it to the list – which is growing ever longer.
Hi Jill. My list is like yours; longer every day. Thanks for dropping by.
Honestly I have not read much about Columbia, but i feel i needs attention. I would love to visit Filandia, someday. Lovely post.
Hi Jill. I’m with you. When I first read this guest post I had to check the name. I would like to visit Finlandia now that I know it exists.