Where to stay in Pereira – A Guide to the Capital of Risaralda
Pereira is the capital of the department of Risaralda, the most important city in the Colombian Coffee Region and the second-largest city in the Paisa region after Medellín. It is located in western Colombia, in the Otún River valley in the Central Cordillera of the Colombian Andes. In this post, we will explore the best areas to stay in Pereira.
The main tourist attractions of Pereira are the Ukumarí Biopark, Bolívar Square, El Lago Uribe Park, Olaya Herrera Park and the lively Circunvalar area. See accommodation in Pereira.
Pereira was officially founded in 1863, although the Otún Valley had been inhabited since pre-Hispanic times by groups from the Quimbaya and Pijao cultures. In contrast to most large Colombian cities, Pereira lacks a colonial legacy in its historic center due to its relatively recent foundation.
The main attractions of Pereira revolve around the coffee industry and the natural sights of the region. It is an important starting point for numerous tours to the Coffee Triangle and places like Santa Rosa de Cabal, Salento, or the Cocora Valley.
Due to its location in the Central Cordillera of the Andes of Colombia, Pereira has a tropical climate. The city experiences constant temperatures that remain between 19 and 26 ºC throughout the year and abundant rains. Its pleasant temperature makes it an ideal tourist destination year-round. However, the best time to visit Pereira is from December to February and June to August, the driest months.
To get to Pereira by air, the city is served by Aeropuerto Internacional Matecaña. Located 7 km west of the center, this important Colombian airport offers domestic connections to several cities, including Medellín, Bogotá, San Andrés, the Caribbean Coast, and Cali, as well as a couple of international flights (namely to Panama City and Miami).
Additionally, the city is connected by long-distance buses with many cities in the Eje Cafetero and central Colombia. See long-distance bus routes, schedules & fares.
To move around the city, the Pereira public transport system revolves around the Megabús, a network of articulated buses with exclusive lanes, not unlike Bogota’s Transmilenio. The areas not connected by this transport network are served by traditional buses, taxis, and mobile applications such as Uber.
The best area to stay in Pereira is Circunvalar. This exclusive district in the southeast of the city has the highest concentration of accommodations, restaurants, shopping centers, and nightlife. In addition, Circunvalar and its surroundings are the safest areas to stay in Pereira. See accommodation around Circunvalar.
Other excellent areas to consider when choosing the best location in Pereira for tourists include the City Center, Dosquebradas, and Cerritos.
Keep reading to learn more about the best areas to stay in Pereira, Colombia.
The Best Areas to Stay in Pereira, Colombia
1. Recommended area: Circunvalar
Carrera 13, known as Circunvalar, is a road southeast of the center of the city of Pereira.
This area is considered one of the best neighborhoods of the upper and upper middle class of Pereira.
The neighborhood around this artery is called the “zona rosa” (party district) of Pereira and is the most lively place in the city.
In this area, you will find bars, restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and shopping centers.
Circunvalar is one of the most modern areas of Pereira, full of residential buildings and offices.
This area concentrates infinity of gastronomic options. Some of the best restaurants are here.
Most of the hostels of Pereira are in this area, so, despite being a luxury area, it is also one of the cheapest places to stay in Pereira.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pereira:
- Best area for nightlife
- Wide variety of hotels
- Safe area to sta
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Don Alfonso
This elegant, colonial-style mansion is located just 5 blocks from Victoria Square and offers rooms with free Wi-Fi. The hotel has marble patios and common areas with chandeliers and checkered floors.
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Budget
Kolibri Hostel
Kolibri Hostel is located in Pereira, just 300 meters from Arboleda Shopping Center and 7.4 km from the international airport. It offers simple rooms with free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Movich Hotel de Pereira
The luxurious Movich Hotel De Pereira, located a 5-minute walk from the center of Pereira, offers rooms with free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, a spa, a gym and 3 restaurants.
2. City Center
Pereira’s City Center is the birthplace of the city and there are some of the most representative monuments of the capital of Risaralda.
The historic center of Risaralda revolves around Plaza Bolívar, where the city was founded and the most emblematic place in the heart of Pereira.
In this iconic square, you’ll find the Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty and the monument “Bolívar desnudo” (naked Bolivar).
As is common in many Latin American cities, the center is a busy commercial area during the day, but at night, it is not advisable to walk through its streets, particularly in dark or lonely places.
The center of Pereira also has a large number of hotels of all types and for all budgets.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pereira:
- Heart of the city
- Well-connected area
- Historic monuments
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Soratama
This hotel has a restaurant and a terrace and is very well located, in the center of the city of Pereira, just in front of the Plaza Bolivar. It has a panoramic lounge bar open until 22:00, as well as free WiFi.
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Budget
Hotel Grand Palace
Hotel Grand Palace is located in Pereira, less than 1 km from the Cathedral of Our Lady of Poverty. Nearby places of interest include the Lucy Tejada cultural center (10 minutes on foot), the Plaza Bolivar de Pereira (less than 1 km away).
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Luxury
San Simon Hotel Boutique
San Simon is located in Pereira, just opposite the sculpture El Bolívar Nude and only 30 minutes by car from the Santa Rosa hot springs. This elegant, modern design hotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and free private parking.
3. Dosquebradas
Dosquebradas is one of the cities that make up the metropolitan area of Pereira.
This area is located northeast of the city, about 4 kilometers from the center of Pereira.
It is a quiet area to stay, with enough accommodation, supermarkets, and restaurants for a good stay.
The city of Dosquebradas is connected by the Megabus rapid transit system and local buses.
Dosquebradas offers a large number of accommodations, especially apartments and budget hotels.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pereira:
- Peaceful area
- Connected by Megabús
- Cheap accommodation
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Hotel Guadalupe Plaza
Hotel Guadalupe Plaza is located in Dosquebradas and offers free WiFi. The property has a terrace, a shared lounge, a 24-hour reception and room service.
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Budget
Hostal Victoria
Hostal Vitoria offers a family room and shared kitchen in Dosquebradas, just 11 minutes from Plaza de Bolívar. It also offers laundry services and free Wi-Fi.
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Luxury
Villa Veracruz Eje Cafetero
Located in Dosquebradas, Villa Veracruz Eje Cafetero offers an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a tour desk. The property overlooks the mountain.
4. Cerritos
The area of Cerritos is located west of the city of Pereira, on the road that connects it with Cártago.
Cerritos is part of the metropolitan area of Pereira and is surrounded by beautiful coffee plantations, many of which have been converted into residences, luxury restaurants and beautiful hotels with country themes that revolve around the cultivation of coffee.
It is one of the most exclusive and safest areas of the metropolitan area of Pereira.
Cerritos is one of the best areas to stay in Pereira for those looking for a quiet stay, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This area is accessible mainly by private or rental car.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Pereira:
- Peaceful area
- Coffee plantations
- Boutique-type hotels
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