Pereira

Where to stay

Most budget hostels cluster in the city center around Parque de los Pioneros and the surrounding blocks, keeping you within walking distance of the main bus terminal, the pedestrian zone, and the bulk of the cheap eats. Staying here avoids the need for taxis to reach the main attractions or catch intercity buses, which depart from the Terminal de Transporte just a short walk away.

Getting around

• Use the Megabus system for getting around the city. It is a dedicated bus rapid transit network with exclusive lanes and enclosed stations, making it faster and cleaner than the regular bus network. You need a Megatarjeta to ride, which you can buy at any station.
• Pereira is the main gateway to the Coffee Cultural Landscape. Buses to Salento, the gateway to the Cocora Valley, run frequently from the main terminal and are significantly cheaper than booking a tour through a hostel. You can also easily reach Armenia and Manizales for day trips.
• The city is a university town with a vibrant nightlife, particularly around the central parks and avenues. While generally safe, standard precautions apply in the center after dark, and it is wise to avoid poorly lit side streets when walking alone late at night.

When to go

Hostels are cheapest during the rainy months of April-May and October-November, when fewer tourists visit the coffee region. Prices rise during the dry season (December-March and June-August) when weather is best for hiking the Cocora Valley, and during Colombian school holidays in June-July and December-January.