Pijao sits on a mountainside at around 1,600-1,700 metres (about 5,250-5,600 ft) above sea level. Buenavista perches on a ridge at around 1,400 metres (about 4,600 ft).
In general, Pijao is cooler, while Buenavista is warmer because the sun shines directly on the town.
There are two alternating seasons: a rainy one, which locals call invierno (winter), and a sunny one, verano (summer). It's a perfect climate for growing coffee: mild, and tempered by the altitude and the dense forests.
Here are our tips on weather and transport, everything you need to plan your trip.
Weather
June to August are the warmest months. There's another warm stretch from December to February, although you can expect the odd shower.
The main rainy season runs from September to November, and the first half of the year has a rainy stretch too, roughly from February or March to May.
Don't let that put you off. There are always beautiful days in between, and thunderstorms usually come in the afternoon, so plan your tours for the morning, just in case.
Come prepared. Temperatures generally stay within about 5 °C of 20 °C (68 °F) all year, so roughly 15-25 °C (59-77 °F): jeans-and-T-shirt weather.
Our advice
Bring a rain jacket or an umbrella, and dress in layers. Pack a light jacket and wear closed-toe shoes.
Water
Tap water in Buenavista is treated. In Pijao it is not drinkable, so play it safe: drink water you buy in local shops, or bring your own way to purify it.
What to pack
- A rain jacket or umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent (optional, but a very good idea)
- A light jacket
- Water
- Extra room in your bag to take coffee home!
Getting there
By bus
Buses to Armenia, the capital of Quindío, leave frequently from Bogotá, Cali and Medellín. At Armenia's bus terminal you'll find intercity buses to Buenavista and Pijao.
Buses to Pijao leave every 25 minutes, and buses to Buenavista every hour (check times at the terminal). The ride takes about an hour.
Don't worry about missing your stop: you'll know you've arrived when you reach the main square, the last stop for both buses.
By plane
Domestic flights land at El Edén airport in Armenia. From the airport, it's best to take a taxi to the bus terminal.
By car
Unfortunately, the road to Buenavista and Pijao is not well signposted. From Armenia, follow the signs for Caicedonia and Barcelona. The first town you'll pass through is Barcelona. Carry on until you reach Río Verde, a roadside stop by a river with several restaurants.
To get to Pijao, take the road that branches off to the left. After about 500 metres you'll see a sign pointing to Córdoba. Turn right and head up the hill until the road brings you to Pijao.
To get to Buenavista, carry straight on at Río Verde. About 4 km after Río Verde there's a turning on the left that takes you to Buenavista. Drive slowly, because it's easy to miss. Once you've turned left, keep going straight until you reach Buenavista.
Private transport
Nervous about driving or taking the bus? No problem. Experiencia Cafetera can pick you up wherever you are in Armenia. Write to us on WhatsApp and we'll arrange it.
Once you're here, have a look at where to stay in the coffee region and at our coffee region tours.
Written by Julia Leitner.