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.

Mistrató, Risaralda, Colombia
Mistrató
Plaza and church in Mistrató, Risaralda, Colombia
Plaza and church

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.

 

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.

Plaza
Plaza
Plaza in Mistrató, Risaralda, Colombia
Plaza
Canal in Mistrató, Risaralda, Colombia
Canal

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.

Mural featuring Ana María Guzmán

 

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.

Church of San José in Mistrató, Risaralda, Colombia
Church of San José
Church of San José in Mistrató, Risaralda, Colombia
Church of San José

 

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.

Small plaza
Canal
Canal looking towards town
Mural in Mistrató, Risaralda, Colombia
Mural
Mural in Mistrató, Risaralda, Colombia
Mural

 

 

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.

Tierra Fría

 

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.

Parque del Amor
Parque del Amor
Parque del Amor
Parque del Amor
Playground at Parque del Amor
Playground
Río Risaralda in Mistrató, Risaralda, Colombia
Río Risaralda

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.

Mural
Mural
Mural

 

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.

Author

Owner of Paisadventure. World traveler. Chicago sports lover. Living in Colombia.

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