Pereira travel guide in Risaralda, Colombia
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Quick Facts:
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.
Population: | 590,554 (as of 2019) |
State/Province: | Risaralda |
Country: | Colombia |
Elevation: | 1411.0 m |
Area: | 702.0 km² |
Complete Travel Guide to Pereira, Colombia
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. Positioned at coordinates 4.76896°N, -75.72222°E, Pereira occupies a geographically significant location that has influenced its historical development and contemporary importance. The precise geographic coordinates of Pereira place it within a region characterized by diverse landscapes and strategic transportation routes that have shaped settlement patterns for centuries. At an elevation of 1411.0 meters above sea level, Pereira benefits from unique topographic advantages that influence local climate, agriculture, and scenic beauty. The elevation of Pereira creates distinctive environmental conditions that support specific ecosystems and agricultural practices while providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Home to 590554 residents, Pereira maintains a community scale that balances urban amenities with traditional social structures and cultural continuity. The population of Pereira represents a diverse community that has adapted to changing circumstances while preserving essential cultural traditions and local knowledge. Community life in Pereira reflects the resilience and adaptability that characterize populations throughout Colombia, demonstrating successful integration of traditional values with contemporary opportunities. Within the broader context of Risaralda province, Pereira contributes to the cultural and economic diversity that defines Colombia’s regional character. The role of Pereira in regional development extends beyond its municipal boundaries, encompassing influences on transportation networks, economic activities, and cultural preservation efforts. Visitors to Pereira discover a destination that embodies the authentic character of Colombia while offering unique local perspectives and experiences unavailable in more commercialized locations.
Historical Heritage of Pereira
History The history of the city goes back to the pre-Columbian era, in which the current city area was inhabited by the Quimbaya and Pijao cultures, widely recognized for their goldsmiths In this region, Marshal Jorge Robledo founded the city of Cartago (Carthage) on August 9, 1540, but due to the siege of the pijaos or reasons of economic expediency this city was moved in 1691 to the site that currently occupies the north end of the Valley of the Cauca, towards the banks of the La Vieja river.
The original site became jungle again and buried the remains of civilization On the few ruins of the Spanish population, crossed by the route that led from Valle del Cauca to MedellÃn, through Manizales, a group of 20 Antioqueno families had already built their homes when a handful of Vallecaucanos appeared to find the population of Carthage La Vieja, today Pereira.
Although the formal foundation came from the Caucano group, the emergence of Pereira was another chapter of the Antioqueno colonization, and the contribution of other social groups such as the Caucano was in its beginning relatively scarce Later, with the ideal of reviving this city, which until then was a jungle area, on August 24, 1863, the presbyter Remigio Antonio Cañarte and Jesús MarÃa Ormaza Niño, among others, returned to the ruins of ancient Carthage, where they established a few huts that were blessed on August 30 of the same year.
For 6 years the settlement was called Carthage, but in 1869 it was renamed Villa de Pereira, in honor of the doctor Francisco Pereira MartÃnez, who in 1816 took refuge in the area, along with his brother Manuel Pereira, after the defeat of the Patriotic forces in the Battle of Cachirà during the Spanish reconquest of New Granada.
From 1870 and especially as a result of the civil wars of 1876 and 1885, the region received a new wave of immigrants from Antioquia The settler group of 1863 and following years had been formed by forest reclaimers who only aspired to have a single plot of land, while the second group was made up of men of greater ambition and greater entrepreneurial capacity.
Some of them were linked to Antioquian capitalists who financed their activities, which involved leveling mountains and starting cattle ranches using peonadas and heavy capital investments The arrival in the city of a group of merchants and professionals at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th introduced education as a new reason for social differentiation.
A new elite group emerged that became a leader of the economic, civic, and political activities of the city Pereira was the city where the last execution in Colombia took place David López, 19, was indicted for the murder of Ricardo Torres on November 30, 1888.
Lopez unsuccessfully exhausted all appeals to spare his life; he was executed in Pereira on July 26, 1890, after telling the firing squad to shoot directly at his heart In the 1920s, settlers from Antioquia moved to Pereira for it.
The historical trajectory of Pereira demonstrates the complex interplay between local agency and external influences that has characterized regional development throughout successive historical periods. Understanding this historical context provides essential background for appreciating the depth and authenticity of contemporary cultural expressions.
Historical preservation efforts in Pereira reflect community commitment to maintaining connections with ancestral heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. These preservation activities create opportunities for visitors to experience authentic historical environments and traditional practices.
The legacy of historical development in Pereira remains visible in architectural styles, urban planning patterns, cultural traditions, and social organizations that provide continuity between past and present while supporting future community development.
Geographic Environment and Natural Setting
Geography Pereira is located within the Golden Triangle of Colombia, a broad zone informally delimited by tracing this figure over the map of Bogotá, MedellÃn and Cali. More narrowly defined, Pereira lies in the Central _Cordillera_ (mountain range) of Colombia in the Otún and Cauca river valleys. The mountainous terrain surrounding Pereira creates unique microclimates and provides natural resources that have sustained local communities throughout history. The municipal area is 702 km2 It shares boundaries with the municipalities of La Virginia, Marsella and Dosquebradas to the north, Santa Rosa de Cabal the northeast, Tolima to the east, QuindÃo and Valle del Cauca to the south and Balboa and Valle del Cauca to the west. Pereira, like many Colombian cities, has high-elevation areas with difficult access or flat or steep parts. The streets are laid out according to the elevation of the respective zones. The greater part of the municipal territory corresponds to the sheer elevations of the Central Mountain range. The mountainous terrain surrounding Pereira creates unique microclimates and provides natural resources that have sustained local communities throughout history. Among the orographic accidents are the snowcapped Quindio, Ruiz, and Santa Isabel, located in the limits with the departments of QuindÃo, Caldas and Tolima respectively. It also has other accidents like Santa Barbara, also known as the Alto del Nudo. The hydrographic system of the municipality includes the rivers Cauca, Barbas, La Vieja, Otún and Consota, with its many tributaries. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Pereira, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. The area enjoy a variety of climates, with the following thermal floors: warm, 60 km ²; Medium, 367 km2; Cold, 70 km ² and páramo, with 107 km ². #Climate The climate of Pereira oscillates between warm climate 9. 9%, moderate climate 60. 7%, cold climate 11. Its annual average rainfall is 2,750 mm. The Pereirano territory, which extends mainly from east to west, gives the city different climates within its boundaries. For example, the areas of Caimalito and Cerritos to the west of the city, near the river Cauca, have temperatures up to 27°C, since the height in this zone is from 950 to 1250 m. Water resources have been fundamental to the development of Pereira, supporting agriculture, transportation, and industrial activities. At the other end is the Julita area, where the Technological University of Pereira is located. Due to the territory occupied by large forests, it is one of the coldest areas of the city, with high humidity. The temperature in this zone ranges around 17°C, with an average height of about 1550 msnm. This diversity of climates and terrain offers a rich range of vegetation and landscape coverage, providing Pereira with one of the richest biodiversities of the nation. However, the city is also an area of high seismic vulnerability due to the type of soils that make up it and the geological faults that cross it. Pereira’s climate is subtropical highland. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 17°C (63°F ) to 26°C (79°F) and is rarely below 16°C (61°F) or above 29°C (83°F). The average temperature of Pereira is 21°C (69°F). Climate data for Pereira (Matecaña International Airport), elevation 1,342 m (4,403 ft), (1991–2020) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 27.
The topographic characteristics of Pereira result from complex geological processes that have created distinctive landscape features supporting diverse ecosystems and human activities. These natural features provide both opportunities and constraints that have influenced settlement patterns and economic development throughout history.
Hydrological systems in the Pereira region play crucial roles in supporting natural ecosystems and human communities through provision of water resources, transportation routes, and agricultural irrigation. Understanding these water systems helps explain historical settlement patterns and contemporary development opportunities.
Soil composition and agricultural potential in the Pereira area reflect the interaction of geological substrate, climatic conditions, and human management practices that have created productive agricultural systems supporting local food security and economic development.
Natural resource availability in Pereira has historically influenced economic activities and settlement patterns while continuing to provide opportunities for sustainable development that balances economic needs with environmental conservation.
The relationship between geographic features and human settlement in Pereira demonstrates sophisticated adaptation strategies that maximize advantages while minimizing risks associated with natural hazards and environmental constraints.
Seasonal variations in the geographic character of Pereira create changing opportunities for agricultural production, outdoor recreation, and transportation that influence the rhythm of community life and economic activities throughout the year.
Climate Patterns and Environmental Conditions
#Climate The climate of Pereira oscillates between warm climate 9. 9%, moderate climate 60. 7%, cold climate 11. Its annual average rainfall is 2,750 mm. The Pereirano territory, which extends mainly from east to west, gives the city different climates within its boundaries. For example, the areas of Caimalito and Cerritos to the west of the city, near the river Cauca, have temperatures up to 27°C, since the height in this zone is from 950 to 1250 m. Temperature patterns in Pereira influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. At the other end is the Julita area, where the Technological University of Pereira is located. Due to the territory occupied by large forests, it is one of the coldest areas of the city, with high humidity. The temperature in this zone ranges around 17°C, with an average height of about 1550 msnm. Temperature patterns in Pereira influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. This diversity of climates and terrain offers a rich range of vegetation and landscape coverage, providing Pereira with one of the richest biodiversities of the nation. However, the city is also an area of high seismic vulnerability due to the type of soils that make up it and the geological faults that cross it. Pereira’s climate is subtropical highland. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 17°C (63°F ) to 26°C (79°F) and is rarely below 16°C (61°F) or above 29°C (83°F). Temperature patterns in Pereira influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. The average temperature of Pereira is 21°C (69°F). Temperature patterns in Pereira influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. Climate data for Pereira (Matecaña International Airport), elevation 1,342 m (4,403 ft), (1991–2020) Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 27. 1) Daily mean °C (°F) 21. 7) Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 17. 9) Average precipitation mm (inches) 127. Rainfall patterns in Pereira determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 87) Average precipitation days (≥ 1 mm) 11. Rainfall patterns in Pereira determine water availability and agricultural productivity, shaping economic activities and settlement patterns. 4 Average relative humidity (%) 75 74 76 79 79 78 75 74 76 79 79 77 77 Mean monthly sunshine hours 186. 2 Mean daily sunshine hours 6. 2 Source: Instituto de Hidrologia Meteorologia y Estudios Ambientales (mean temperature, humidity, sun 1981-2010) 1. Temperature patterns in Pereira influence agricultural cycles, tourism seasons, and daily life rhythms throughout the year. “Pereira Climate, Weather By Mont.
The climatic regime of Pereira reflects the complex interaction of geographic location, topographic features, and regional weather patterns that create distinctive seasonal characteristics influencing both natural ecosystems and human activities throughout the year.
Temperature variations in Pereira create distinct seasonal periods that influence agricultural cycles, energy consumption patterns, and outdoor activity opportunities while requiring adaptive strategies for housing, clothing, and food preservation.
Precipitation patterns in Pereira determine water availability for agricultural production, urban consumption, and natural ecosystem maintenance while influencing the timing of traditional festivals and seasonal economic activities.
Seasonal weather patterns in Pereira create varying opportunities for different types of economic activities, recreational pursuits, and cultural celebrations that contribute to the distinctive rhythm of community life throughout the year.
The interaction between climate and human adaptation in Pereira demonstrates sophisticated traditional knowledge systems for managing seasonal variations while taking advantage of favorable conditions for agriculture, construction, and outdoor activities.
Climate considerations for visitors to Pereira include understanding seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours that influence the availability of different activities and the appropriate preparation for outdoor exploration and cultural participation.
Cultural Heritage and Community Traditions
Demographics In 2023, Pereira had about 481,768 residents, the fourteenth largest city of Colombia. Pereira has a twin city, Dosquebradas (about five minutes drive from the Plaza de Bolivar), which has about 225,540 residents. With a total population of about 735,796, the Pereira conurbation also includes La Virginia. The demographic composition of Pereira reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchanges that continue to enrich community life. Pereira, Dosquebradas and La Virginia comprise the Pereira metropolitan area. As a result of urbanisation, Pereira has one of the most equitable distributions of wealth in Colombia. Telefónicas, Telencuestas-Encuestas. “Cuántos habitantes tiene Pereira, Risaralda en 2023”. _Telencuestas_ (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-09-28. Telefónicas, Telencuestas-Encuestas. “Cuántos habitantes tiene Dosquebradas, Risaralda en 2023”. _Telencuestas_ (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-09-28. Telefónicas, Telencuestas-Encuestas. “Cuántos habitantes tiene La Virginia, Risaralda en 2023”. _Telencuestas_ (in Spanish). Retrieved 2023-09-28. Cite error: The named reference `Largest cities or towns` was invoked but never defined (see the help page). “Colombia, a country study. ” Government Printing Office, Library of Congress, USA. p95 ISBN 016088277X, 9780160882777.
#Agriculture In the region of Pereira, agricultural employment is 70 percent based in permanent cropping, 8 percent in annual crops and 22 percent engaging transient workers. Agricultural products include a variety of crops such as coffee, pineapple, sugarcane, cacao, cereals, rubber, and livestock. Pereira is part of the Colombian coffee growing axis. “Coffee in Colombia, 1850-1970: an economic, social and political history. ” Cambridge University Press, 25 July 2002. ISBN 0521528593, 9780521528597. Accessed at Google Books 29 December 2013.
The cultural landscape of Pereira represents a living repository of traditions, customs, and social practices that have evolved over centuries while maintaining essential characteristics that define community identity and provide continuity between generations.
Social organization in Pereira reflects sophisticated systems for maintaining community cohesion and mutual support that have enabled the population to preserve cultural traditions while adapting to changing economic and political circumstances.
Traditional arts and crafts in Pereira continue to flourish as expressions of cultural identity and sources of economic opportunity, providing visitors with authentic opportunities to observe skilled artisans practicing techniques transmitted through family and community networks.
Religious and spiritual practices in Pereira provide insights into the values and beliefs that guide community decision-making and social interaction while creating frameworks for cultural continuity and adaptation to contemporary circumstances.
Language use and cultural expression in Pereira demonstrate the dynamic relationship between tradition and innovation as communities maintain linguistic heritage while adapting to contemporary communication needs and educational opportunities.
Cultural festivals and community celebrations in Pereira provide opportunities for visitors to experience authentic traditional practices while participating in community life and supporting local cultural preservation efforts.
Economic Activities and Development Patterns
Economy A panorama of Pereira The municipality of Pereira has a diversified economy in its economic structure, with the primary sector accounting for 5. 7% of the GDP, the secondary sector 26. 2%, and the tertiary sector 68. Pereira’s economy grew 3. 7% in 2004, due to the flagship program of the national government, greater fluidity in the financial system, contributions from overseas residents who have an important impact on consumption, and improved prices for oil, coal, nickel, and coffee. These developments were reflected in the increase in both the supply and demand for goods and services. Trade is the second-most significant generating employment activity. An important part of the city’s trade is already in shopping centers (Alcides Arevalo, Bolivar Plaza, Lake Plaza, Novacentro, Parque Arboleda, Pereira Plaza, Victoria, Unicentro, etc. ) where there is a wide variety of products and services. Hotels and resorts have been constructed in recent years, with several establishments located in downtown Pereira and in the outskirts such as Sonesta Cerritos in response to an increase of visitors to the city for various reasons, creating added value in different sectors. #Agriculture In the region of Pereira, agricultural employment is 70 percent based in permanent cropping, 8 percent in annual crops and 22 percent engaging transient workers. Agricultural products include a variety of crops such as coffee, pineapple, sugarcane, cacao, cereals, rubber, and livestock. Pereira is part of the Colombian coffee growing axis. #Manufacturing Pereira’s main manufacturing product is apparel. Other products include aluminium goods, motorcycles, and telecommunications technology. Pereira also hosts multinational corporations such as Avesco, Nestle, and Coats. In the future, ethanol may be produced in Pereira, as sugarcane, an essential raw material for ethanol production, is farmed in the nearby Cauca valley. #Logistics Pereira is a centre for transport logistics. Logistics companies include Servientrega International Logistics, FedEx, DHL, Central, and TCC. There are logistics centers in Dosquebradas and Alpina. In 2016, two major companies opened logistical centers in Pereira. The first was Deprisa, the subsidiary company of Avianca for correspondence and mail; it opened in Pereira as a logistical center for the entire Coffee Axis region. The second was for the national supermarket chain Exito, serving the cities of Manizales, Pereira, Armenia and Cartago. Pereira is also in the process of building two logistical parks, which already house important national companies such as a D1 Supermarkets distribution center, as well as an Alberto VO5 national distribution center. Pereira also houses the Zona Franca, or Free Zone which is becoming increasingly important on a national level. #Trade and commerce Trade and commerce is the second biggest employment sector in Pereira and in 2010. Commercial enterprises includ.
The economic structure of Pereira reflects a complex balance between traditional livelihoods and contemporary opportunities that enables the community to maintain economic stability while preserving cultural values and environmental sustainability.
Traditional economic activities in Pereira often center around sustainable resource management practices that have been refined over generations to maximize productivity while maintaining environmental balance and community welfare.
Local markets and commercial activities in Pereira serve as important centers of community life where economic transactions intersect with social interaction and cultural exchange, providing visitors with opportunities to observe traditional trading practices.
Agricultural production in Pereira demonstrates sophisticated adaptation to local environmental conditions while maintaining traditional crop varieties and farming techniques that support both food security and cultural continuity.
Service sector development in Pereira has evolved to accommodate external economic connections while maintaining authentic community character and traditional approaches to hospitality and customer service.
Economic development opportunities in Pereira focus on sustainable approaches that build upon existing community strengths while creating new opportunities for education, employment, and cultural preservation.
Transportation and Regional Connectivity
Transportation Matecaña International Airport #Airport Main article: Matecaña International Airport Pereira’s airport is the Matecaña International Airport. It was built between 1944 and 1946 and opened in August 1947. It operates both nationally and internationally. It is currently undergoing an expansion which will include a new control tower, a longer runway, new access roads, and new destinations such as New York, which will make Matecaña International Airport one of the most important in the country. In 2016, the airport launched the tendering process for the construction of the new terminal building. Both runway expansions and the new control tower were completed. With the city zoo moving out of Matecaña to the new Biopark Ukumari, these lands have been given to the airport to use for expansion of its access roads and an office and hotel complex. #Road Pereira is at the center of the transport hub for Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindio. Autopista del Café are the highways which connect Armenia, Manizales, Pereira and Cartago. Other main urban highways include 30 August Avenue, Circunvalar Avenue, The Americas Avenue, Railway Avenue, Belalcazár Avenue, River Avenue, and Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Streets. Pereira’s street system is aligned on a grid, with numbers for carreras going up from the River Otun, and street numbers going up from the neighbourhood of Alfonso Lopez. Beyond Alfonso Lopez, the streets become affixed with a letter E to denote East; for example, the Kennedy neighbourhood is completely composed of streets like Street 7E, Street 10E and so on. #SITM or Mass Public Transport Pereira is currently undergoing a transitional phase, in which the traditional bus networks of the city are replaced completely by a mass public transportation system including a cable car system. ##Urban Bus A bus system which has almost 50 routes in the city is soon to be replaced. It has a cost of $3. 250 which is paid directly to the driver in cash. ##Cable Car Part of the new transit development plan is to build 3 new cable car lines across the city. Currently the Mexican transportation consultants Transconsult are investigating the most viable routes and locations for the network. It was announced that final routes would be from Industrial Park (Parque industrial) to the airport, Villa Santana to the UTP University, and Villa Verde to the city center. Construction on the first line was scheduled to commence at the end 2017 or the beginning of 2018. It was announced that the first line to be built will be between the Olaya Park and Villa Santana, connecting with the Transport Terminal and the university. It will be the longest cable car in Colombia upon its completion. In March 2017, the local government began the design studies and construction was planned to begin in October 2017. Megabus in the city center ##Megabus Megabús is the mass transport system, which was founded in 2006.
Transportation infrastructure serving Pereira reflects the balance between accessibility and preservation of community character that characterizes regional development throughout Colombia. Road networks, public transportation options, and traditional travel methods create multiple approaches for reaching and exploring Pereira.
Regional connectivity from Pereira provides access to broader transportation networks while maintaining the authentic character that distinguishes this destination from more commercialized locations. Understanding transportation options helps visitors plan efficient and respectful approaches to exploration.
Educational Institutions and Learning Opportunities
Education Educational computer resource center (CRIE) in the Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira. Places of learning in Pereira include: * Technological University of Pereira * Universidad Católica de Pereira * Free University of Colombia * Andina University * Cooperative University of Colombia * National University of Colombia distance learning campus * Saint Thomas Aquinas University campus * CEIPA University, * Antonio Nariño University * Autonomous University of the Americas. Pereira also has a number of training institutions associated with the National Learning Service (SENA).
Educational institutions in Pereira serve as important centers of learning and cultural preservation that contribute to community development while maintaining connections to traditional knowledge systems and contemporary educational standards.
Visitor Attractions and Cultural Experiences
Tourism Pereira is known nationally for being an important city for tourism, attracting visitors as it is the center of the Coffee Cultural Landscape as named by UNESCO. Pereira has several landmarks which attract tourists, such as the Bolivar Statue, the Viaduct, and its many open-air swimming pools and recreational parks. Lake Otún and Santa Isabel provide destinations for sports adventure tourism. Pereira also has a night life scene with bars and nightclubs, located mostly on Circunvalar Avenue. Pereira is also a health destination, with many clinics housing health care specialists, as well as esthetic clinics. The city is also the most common setting for two Colombian soap operas on Netflix: Sin senos no hay paraÃso, and the sequel Sin senos sà hay paraÃso. It is also very close to Cocora Valley (Valle de Cocora in Spanish) which is around 45 minutes drive from Pereira and famous for its giant palm trees visited by all types of domestic and international tourists every year. Logo of Ukumari Biopark #Ukumari Biopark The Flora and Fauna Theme Park or “Bioparque” Ukumari is located in the sector of Galicia, 14 kilometers from the city. It is known as the most ambitious tourist project of the Coffee Axis and the largest theme park in Latin America with an area of 820,000 m2. Animals will be in natural environments that represent the continents of Africa, America, Eurasia, Australia, and Colombia’s Eastern Plains, Amazon, Atlantic Coast, and Coffee Axis regions. This biopark will feature 3D attractions, interactive games, and adrenaline- related biodiversity scenarios.11 Ukumari Biopark The biopark is an educational and conservation proposal for Colombia and the world, created with the idea of “the animal and its surroundings”, with the intention of breaking the stereotypes of Victorian zoos with prisonlike animal enclosures. The Ukumari Bioparc opened its doors on June 30, 2015, the last day of June began the official transfer of animals from the Matecaña zoo (recently closed) to the forests of UkumarÃ. It initially offered only an Andean forest bioregion exhibit, representing home to 69% of Colombia’s birds. Additionally, there would be six other bioregions, three with exotic animals from Africa and Asia, and four other bio-regions of the Colombian territory. For the beginning phase of the transfer of animals to the biopark, and the inauguration of the Andean Forest bioregion, 80 billion pesos were invested, divided between the national government, the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Tourism, and the INFIPEREIRA. Purchase of the biopark land and construction cost 30 billion pesos. Ukumarà is expected to become a development engine for Pereira and a new opportunity to elevate tourism in the region. As previous administrations of Pereira have pointed out for over a decade, this project will complement the Coffee Axis and, along with Matecaña International Airport, be a new pride of ‘the querendona, trasnochadora and morena’
Tourism opportunities in Pereira emphasize authentic cultural experiences and meaningful interaction with local communities rather than commercialized attractions, providing visitors with genuine insights into traditional ways of life.
Planning Your Visit to Pereira
Successful visits to Pereira require preparation that extends beyond typical travel planning, as this destination rewards visitors who approach it with cultural sensitivity, environmental awareness, and genuine interest in learning from local communities and traditions.
The most meaningful experiences in Pereira often emerge from patient observation, respectful participation in community activities, and willingness to adapt expectations to local customs and environmental conditions rather than imposing external standards or expectations.
Practical considerations for visiting Pereira include understanding seasonal variations in weather and activity availability, respecting local customs and social protocols, and supporting community-based economic activities that contribute to cultural preservation and sustainable development.
The rewards of visiting Pereira extend far beyond the duration of your stay, as the insights gained from experiencing authentic traditional culture often influence perspectives and values long after returning home, providing new understanding of human potential and community cooperation.
Source: This article incorporates material from the Wikipedia article “Pereira, Colombia”.
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