Last updated on December 20, 2023.

Risaralda is a small town that sits at the top of a mountain ridge on the southwestern edge of the Caldas department of Colombia.

Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia
Risaralda

It’s not very interesting or worth a detour, but the town provides some incredible views. Risaralda is part of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia.

Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia
View of the town

 

The Town

Risaralda has one main street running through the town. It’s lined with restaurants and shops and has been lively and full of people every time I’ve passed through.

A street in Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia
A street in Risaralda

The town has a small main plaza. There’s not much to the plaza other than the Church of San Joaquín (Iglesia de San Joaquín), and some colorful buildings.

Plaza in Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia
Plaza
Church in Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia
Church of San Joaquín
Plaza in Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia
Plaza

Across the street from the plaza is a small alley, which at the end has a balcony with a spectacular view.

View from Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia
View from Risaralda

Not too far away is a mirador (lookout) with more amazing views of the valley and town.

Mirador in Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia
Mirador
View of Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia, from the Mirador
View of Risaralda from the mirador
View from the Mirador in Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia
View from the mirador

 

Cemetery

If you have the energy, it’s worth a hike up to the cemetery, which is nice and also has a unique view of the town. I love the sign at the entrance, which translates to “All the world’s vanities end here, and then what?”

Cemetery in Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia
Cemetery
View of Risaralda, Caldas, Colombia, from the cemetery
View of town from the cemetery

 

On the Way to San José

Risaralda is connected to the town of San José by a gravel road. They’re about 30 minutes apart. We took a motorcycle and were in awe of the views we saw along the road. It was possible to see plantain and coffee plantations, oddly placed farm houses, and the entire valley on either side.

Plantains and coffee outside of San José, Caldas, Colombia
Plantains and coffee on the way to San José

 

Getting There

If traveling by bus, there are frequent buses passing through Risaralda from Manizales, about two hours away. There is less frequent service from the bus terminal in Pereira.

Author

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

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