Pereira

By Brenda Yun

Before it became “Pereira,” the capital of the Risaralda region, it was first the town of Cartago, which was moved to the place it is today in 1691. The Cartago-Pereira area was culturally influenced by the fierce Quimbaya tribes. The Quimbaya people are famous for their gold work, which is considered among the best representations of pre-Colombian culture. Similar to its metropolitan neighbor Manizales, settlers from Antioquia occupied the area during expansion efforts that developed much of Colombia. Because of its economically strategic location, fertile soil, and good weather, Pereira experienced significant growth during the time of colonization and settlers grew large quantities of coffee, which is still the most important crop produced in the area.

Unlike Manizales, Pereira had may settlers from Valle del Cauca, Bogotá, and other major Colombian cities, and even today the city boasts a diverse population coupled with commercial activity. In 1921, with the arrival of the locomotive train, Pereira quickly became known as “The Prodigious City” as experienced quick economic growth. Fifty years later, the city had doubled in population and now records has 450,000 residents. Today, it continues to buzz with agroindustrial, manufacturing, and financial activity. It’s an urban place and a city still in need of infrastructure for foreign travelers. The two tourists offices in town are more like bookshelves with flyers and business cards, and the hotels cater to business travelers rather than backpacking tourists. Still, if you set aside a day in Pereira, chances are you will find a suitable place to sleep and decent city-based activities.

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