If you adore horses as much as I do, then you are going to LOVE Aranzazu, Caldas! A pueblo famous for cabuya (a rope-making fiber), locally made blackberry wine, and breathtaking waterfalls.
On a typical Saturday, Aranzazu is alive with visits from the city and local farmers who come to do their shopping. The streets are a colorful clash of old and new Colombia. During the day and night, the finest horses are paraded through the streets.
At the food storage warehouse, or La Galeria, locals can bring their crops in for shipping to Manizales, or to sell locally. Artisans buy Cabuya fiber to make their own artisan crafts which include earrings, woven bags, bracelets and more.
Due to the steep and mountainous terrain, the Jeep Willy - an icon of the Coffee Axis of Colombia, is a necessary form of transport. Even today, newer cars just don't have the charm and pulling capacity of these old Willys.
The most beautiful feature of this pueblo isn't even in the cradle of its human gathering point - but in the majestic beauty of the flowing water only a few miles out into the rural areas. Tourists can go on trail rides which will take them to this incredible waterfall. Plan ahead as it is an all day adventure.
Present in the bright green countryside, are the most important members of Colombian society - the simple country farmer. Here visitors can experience an organic farm with fruit trees, kitchen gardens and coffee fields in every direction.
Adventures in Aranzazu are based on country traditions and the simplicity of nature. The people are warm and friendly, even to outsiders.
There is also a surrealistic quality in Aranzazu, Colombia which drew me in with its incredible beauty. From inside the pueblo looking out, all you can see are green mountains in every direction. Below, is the pueblo school - which was once an old house.
Religious tradition is valued by the residents of Aranzazu. Famous as a Catholic pueblo with the most monks/nuns in the region - here resides a convent and local tradition aspires to the priesthood. They even have a small museum of religious artifacts.
As the day comes to an end, locals park their horses and head to the nearest watering hole to catch a cold beer or a shot of aguardiente. Evening amusements includes drinking and visiting with neighbors - especially during the once a month remate or animal sale, which also doubles as a pueblo reunion with many locals returning from other places to celebrate.
To learn more about the adventures of Aranzazu, Colombia - check out our complete Aranzazu Destination Guide including local recommendations on where to eat and stay: https://coffeeaxistravel.com/aranzazu-caldas-destination-guide/
If you haven't read our previous pueblo guides, click here to read Photo Tour #3: https://steemit.com/colombia/@openmindedtravel/coffee-axis-pueblo-photo-3-or-apia-risaralda
