This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Buenavista.
Buenavista is a town in the south-central part of the Quindio department of Colombia. Quindio is on the central eastern side of the country. Buenavista is in the heart of Colombian coffee territory and is characterised by its steep hills and fertile soil. Nearby towns include Cordoba, Pijao, and Calarca, all coffee-growing towns.
The easiest way to get to Buenavista is by bus from Armenia. This will take you about an hour. Armenia itself is an eight-hour bus trip from Bogota. The land around Buenavista was first settled by the Spanish farmers in the early 20th century. Among the first buildings was a shop that bought coffee from local fincas and resold it to the farmers nearby. A town grew up around this when farmers built town homes.
Much of the economy in Buenavista today centres on the coffee industry. Most of the accommodation in town, including the hostels, also run coffee plantation tours (some are affiliated). Hostels in Buenavista are newer, spacious, and clean. They are run by friendly locals who have travelled and understand what backpackers need and want. Colombia’s coffee heritage is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, and by staying in Buenavista, you are staying in the heart of it. Your hostel can help you arrange tours of the nearby plantations or tell you how to get to Pijao, a nearby town with a lot of character.
Because Buenavista is in the mountains, the views from town are stunning and there is no shortage of hiking. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the cafe at the top of the mountain. You may need some direction to get you there, but any local is happy to help you out. Buenavista and its “tranquilo” hostels are the perfect place to sit back, relax, and sip some local coffee next to the people that make it.
Written by local enthusiast for Buenavista hostels
Jakob Lombardi