Things to Do in Pereira

By Brenda Yun

When this review was written in 2008, several locals (including residents, taxi drivers, bus drivers, and security guards) were asked whether they knew of Ucumarí Park. Surprisingly, while it rang a bell to some, no one knew what it was nor did they know where it was or how to get there. This is a fairly accurate illustration of the tourist sights in Pereira as well. There is nothing for foreigners to see or do in the city other than walk around the city center, but if you find yourself passing through, stop by the obscure “Fomento de Turismo” or the Banco de Republica to stock up on current events or local activities. Pereira is mainly a commercial center and a transportation hub between Manizales and Armenia and northern and southern Colombia. There are some nice thermal springs worth visiting about 20 minutes from Pereira in Santa Rosa de Cabal. And Ucumari does in fact exist, but it is 30 minutes away in the direction of La Florida.