If you haven’t planned to include this pueblo on your itinerary, you aren’t doing it right. For a pueblo that has a strong sense of identity, amazing views and the best coffee shop scene in the entire Axis – come to Apia!

Apia Travel Guide

We found a special vibe in Apia that we want to share with you.

This article is sponsored by Specialty Colombian Coffees, certified coffees of origin since 1933. Be sure to follow them on their Facebook page at facebook.com/Specialty Colombian Coffees for more information on how you can try a cup of this fresh brewed Specialty Colombian Coffee!

Coffee

Over the years we have heard rumors about Apia coffee, nothing definite that we can pin down. It was a name we knew and associated with our favorite thunder bean, fresh brew Colombian coffee. This pueblo is on the outer reaches of the coffee axis, on a mountainside, facing a legendary mountain range called “Altos de Tatama.” Their main product is coffee.

There are four coffee shops in the main square that each feature “Cafe de Origen” of Apia. Not only that, but the locals are very proud of their local products and are making a big effort to sell as many locally grown products as possible. You might come back a bit charged from all the caffeine, but it will be well worth it. Their coffee is incredible!

For travel and tour assistance CLICK HERE to learn about our Unique Coffee Axis Tours which include our exclusive Apia Coffee Pueblo Tour Experience!

Birds

Imagine a pueblo full of people who feed and provide happy spaces for a vast variety of tropical and migratory bird species. Apia is a place like this. The locals have even built several large birdhouse complexes in the main square and you won’t have to go far to find some fine feathered friends.

Up at Agualinda Eco Park (we are going to explain more about it below), there’s a special birdwatching area where locals say visitors can find a plethora of species. You can plan to go up and do some great birdwatching, with or without local guides.

Hiking

Agualinda Eco-Park, is a forested green space with a maintained hiking trail which turns into a garden path about halfway down. Visitors can take a jeep up there for about 10,000 pesos and walk back because the hill is quite steep – bring a walking stick. Bring a camera and sturdy shoes because there are parts which can be slippery and/or muddy depending on recent weather.

We recommend the guided hike because there are many interesting stories and legends involving this hiking area. To reserve your tour, talk to Julian Mauricio: +57 312 257 6381

Parapente – or Paragliding

One of the biggest attractions for many outsiders is the paragliding. As you walk through the town, you will begin to notice giant pinwheels everywhere. Wind is a frequent companion, especially in the late afternoon so be sure to bring a scarf and coat for the cold. This same breeze is perfect for paragliding.

The same 10,000 peso jeep trip will also take you to the jumping off point for a beautiful flight over the Coffee Axis. Cost is 130,000 cop per person and all outbound flights are guided by trained professionals. Contact Alejandro one day before you intend to fly for scheduling and reservations +57 314 714 4333.

facebook.com/apiaparagliding/

 

Jeep and Bicycle Tours

The Colombian Andes can be a bit daunting even for pro cyclists who try their hand at these rugged terrains. This is a special tour type that tailors itself to the personal needs of the visitor. The tour starts in a jeep and the visitor decides when and where to ride a bike. Glide down a mountain, wind through a forest glade, climb a hill or go off road through a coffee plantation. Your options are limitless.

The tour is further customized by telling the story of Apia through the participation of local farms and businesses who contribute their stories and workplaces to visitors who want a hands on experience. Visitors can choose to learn about coffee, opt for adrenaline inducing adventures, or even pueblo history and architecture. To book your tour contact Julian Mauricio at Rutas del Viento Bike Tours. +57 312 257 6381

www.bicitoursdelviento.com 

Music

The traveler who has a deep seated love for acoustic instrumental music needs to pay attention to this next attraction, the musical talent. Visitors who are lucky enough to encounter local music performances will be in for a special treat.

Comarca – Corporacion Musical para el Arte y la Cultura de Apia

Founded over 20 years ago, is a music school that works to bring music and song into the lives of local children. The fruits of this labor are an entire generation of talented and accomplished musicians who are now pursuing their own music dreams at the university level.

Free classes are provided for local campesino children, on Saturdays, when many families who live in far off rural areas are able to come into the pueblo to shop and sell products.

facebook.com/COMARCAPIA/

eldiario.com.co/seccion/PERSONAJE/carlos-fernando-l-pez-naranjo-la-m-sica-es-su-mundo1404.html

Be sure to contact El Lugar Nordico for exclusive VIP day tour pricing and reservations! Transport included! facebook.com/ellugarhotel/   WhatsApp or phone: +57  321 5584848

Pereira City Guide now offers personalized tours where we can arrange a small musical presentation for visitors to feel the magic of local music. Come lend your energy and support to a program that is giving new opportunities and empowerment to hundreds of local children. #SupportLocal Email us for more information at openmindedtravel@gmail.com.

For travel and tour assistance CLICK HERE to learn about our Unique Coffee Axis Tours which include our exclusive Apia Coffee Pueblo Tour Experience!

Conclusion

For a pueblo that is alive with the sound of music, the singing of bird and fresh brewed Colombian coffee – it can’t get any better than this. The scenery going there is beautiful, the houses are bright and colorful, and it is similar to many other coffee pueblos, yet very original in that it has pinwheels everywhere, flowers everywhere and a plethora of birds and friendly people.

This article is sponsored by Specialty Colombian Coffees, certified coffees of origin since 1933. Be sure to follow them on their Facebook page at facebook.com/Specialty Colombian Coffees for more information on how you can try a cup of this fresh brewed Specialty Colombian Coffee!