This region is the ideal place to enjoy the gorgeous Colombian countryside and, to do so fully will certainly require a guide of some sort. Los Nevados Park, in fact, requires visitors be accompanied by a park ranger or guide. This is not only for your safety, but also to help navigate you through the high altitude, winding roads of the park. Cocora Valley near Salento is also a place where you might benefit from touring the countryside with a guide. While trails into the valley are well-marked, guides can show you around in an efficient and informative manner. Finally, if you’re coming to this region you should not miss stopping by a coffee farm. You are, after all, in Colombia, where the highest grade and richest coffee is farmed and exported to Italy and beyond. There is a great deal of history and information to be acquired from a tour through a coffee farm, and it is well worth the extra money to hire a local farmer to show you around and teach you the tricks of the trade. Many tours and guides can be acquired upon arrival in your destination of choice. In the case of Los Nevados it may be wise to arrange your tour in Manizales and have it include transportation to and from the park. Also, horseback riding is a very popular activity in this region. It costs about $20 for a day (4-6 hours) in the country, including the guide.