Last updated on December 20, 2023.
Mistrató is a very small town located in the department of Risaralda. It’s situated in a river valley and surrounded by green mountains. The town is part of Colombia’s coffee growing region and near to a large population of indigenous people.
There’s not much to do in Mistrató, but it’s well known for its beauty. It’s also known throughout the Coffee Region for its colorful Christmas lights during December.
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Plaza
The very colorful plaza is decorated with trees, flowers, and benches, and features colors that are significant to the indigenous population. There are a few restaurants, cafés, and bars on the plaza, as well as a coffee kiosk and juice bar in the middle. A small canal also runs next to the plaza.
On a visit in April 2023, a mural on one corner of the plaza paid homage to indigenous women as well as local football player Ana María Guzmán, who plays for the Colombian women’s national team.
Church of San José
The Church of San José (Iglesia de San José) is the focal point of the plaza and is very beautiful. The interior is made of wooden arched columns and pews.
Along the Canal
Following the canal downstream is a small plaza with a hotel, café, and a couple restaurants. Some murals decorate the walls of some of the buildings along it. If you plan to wander around the rest of the town, it’s relatively flat from the plaza down to the river.
Tierra Fría
The best coffee in town is at Tierra Fría, which is on the small plaza along the canal. They serve a few sweets and fast food dishes as well.
Parque del Amor
Parque del Amor is a park that runs along the Río Risaralda. It’s a pleasant space with a playground, gazebo, and benches.
There’s also a section of the park with murals. Some of them highlight the community working together, the importance of family, the town’s agricultural roots, and resistance to armed conflict.
Getting There
Getting to Mistrató can be done from Pereira or Belén de Umbría. Buses with Cootransbel and Flota Occidental make trips to and from the town. From Pereira’s bus terminal, the journey lasts over two hours. From Belén, it’s about a half hour.