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Risaralda is a small town that sits at the top of a mountain ridge on the southwestern edge of the Caldas department of Colombia.
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.
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.
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.
Across the street from the plaza is a small alley, which at the end has a balcony with a spectacular view.
Not too far away is a mirador (lookout) with more amazing views of the valley and town.
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?”
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.
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.
