When I stepped off the bus, in the late afternoon I felt simultaneously drenched in sweat and fried like a bug as the sun hit me. This humid paradise of lazy afternoons and late nights - while often not considered coffee axis, actually is still in strong coffee production territory, even though the main crop in this low altitude valley, is caña de azucar, or sugar cane.
Like a carefully hidden jewel, Cartago is a very unexpectedly unique place. It has a serenity during the day which turns into a slightly savage yet brightly insistent hum of nightlife on the weekends.
Founded in 1540, Cartago is one of the oldest pueblos in the Coffee Region of Colombia. Built to accommodate river shipping, it remains an important arrival point for inhabitants and products coming from the westernmost corridor of the Andes mountains in the nearby Department of Chocó.
It is a bastion of old-world Spanish charm only 20 minutes outside of Pereira by car. In el Centro, you can enjoy hot afternoons in outdoor cafes.
It even features a museum called Casa Virrey - about the Spanish royalty who once lived there along with local history. In the afternoons you will hear music played at the conservatory also located in part of this 500 year old house. Be sure to visit the coffee shop outside for a iced coffee or cold beer.
Wander the Ruta de Bordado in the same downtown/el centro district to learn about the hand embroidery traditions of Cartago. These light colored shirts are elegant yet functional for hot muggy climates like this one.
Near the bordado shops are several churches - each with an otherworldly antique feel to them.
Yet each one is very unique...
For morning hikes or evening strolls, I recommend Eco-parque Saman, or as locals call it Parque de Salud, where you will feel like you are in a garden out of nature. Enjoy the fresh air, but don't forget mosquito spray.
Cartago is old and sprawling - with much of the old architecture still intact. This is the old train station.
I almost forgot to mention - it has the BEST, MOST DELICIOUS STEAK in the Coffee Axis.
For expats it represents one of the most interesting investment opportunities in the region because it is near to Pereira, yet almost half the cost for what you get. With tons of parks and recreation, new - well maintained roads, and a climate that is also usually a bit drier too.
For more information, here is a travel guide I wrote about it on one of my websites: https://www.pereiracityguide.com/cartago-travel-guide/
To ask me more about life in Colombia feel free to write me at [email protected] - be sure to mention that you found my email here on Steemit!
