First time to Colombia - Pereira

juanalejo says on Mar 8, 2005, 06:54:

Cheapest-Safe Cheapest would be by bus and travelling to Pereira is safe. You will have no problems as long as you can cope with curvy roads, it should take around 7 hours. The scenery is fantastic and well worth the trip. Safest obviously by plane but it is far more expensive.

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poco says on Mar 8, 2005, 07:58:

See the Zoo Assume you are flying into Bogotá and that your boyfriend or family member or ??? is meeting you.

Bus travel is inexpensive and safe. The bus terminal can be very confusing. Different bus lines will be in operation going to the same city. There will be windows where you purchase the ticket. You will be shown the bus departure area. Make sure you show the driver the ticket to assure you are on the right bus.

A tip for potentially saving a LOT of money in Cali, Take the airport shuttle to the bus terminal. I never arrive early enough to make this direct connect. Handy to know because the person meeting you can save a lot of pesos. Ie: 60,000 + pesos for round trip via: Taxi, 10,000 for shuttle (maybe 15,000, forgot).

Go to the zoo in Pereira. Elephants, Rhinos, monkeys not many Parrots. The landscape with spectacular views is worth the trip. The zoo is short walk directly behind the Pereira airport. My opinion is that it rains a lot so take an umbrella.

Pereira has an airport serviced from all the major cities.



Amost forgot,, the bathroom entrance fee is 500 +/- pesos. Suggest a pit stop and limit the intake of liquids for long trips. Sit towards the front and avoid the back,, better ride. Sit on the side away from the sun. Suggest front seating with the driver (if available) but avoid the center front seat if a floor shift.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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CLALORENA says on Mar 8, 2005, 11:29:

Hola Renita, I think you can get a very cheap flights for $300 pesos return, otherwise you can take a coach from the bus station in Botoga to Pereira, i might take about 9 hours and you will be arriving to LA terminal. I recomend you if you go by bus to try no to flush out with your stuff or your money just in case, dont wear any gold jewellery. But I think the trip is safe. I am going to pereira too, at the end of April but i am flying London-Madrid-Bogota and then Pereira, I'll be staying for one month. How long are you gonna be there for??? maybe we can meet there. Take Care. Lorena

Lorenita

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Renita says on Mar 8, 2005, 12:14:

Gracias Lorena Thanks Lorena, I will be in Colombia April 1-April 11. So I won't be there in time to meet you. Do you happen to know the exchange rate from US dollars to Colombian pesos?
Where in Colombia are you from?

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Renita says on Mar 9, 2005, 12:10:

Renita not Reinita That's an understandable question. My handle is meant to be Renita since that's my name. My parents got it out of a baby book, I'm Indian not Colombian so Reinita wasn't an option. But thanks for your help. I think I will take a bus from Bogota to Pereira. Take Care, Renita

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litost says on Mar 9, 2005, 13:03:

Use the "Expreso Bolivariano" company, they are the best and ask for the bus that goes "directo", if not it will make stops in cities like Ibague and Armenia and you'll take longer to arrive.

In Pereira... go to the zoo, go shopping in Pereira Plaza or the new Ciudad Victoria (make sure to go have a meal or a dessert in the Crepes and Waffles), go to the bars and cafes along the Avenida Circunvalar, go see good movies in the Camara de Comercio or in the Museo de Arte Moderno, walk around the bustling downtown, admire the Bolivar sculpture, go have a coffee in the afternoon in the pedestrian street "Paseo Simon Bolivar" behind the sculpture, spend a few days in a coffee farm in the surroundings, go driving on a Sunday towards Cerritos, go party in the discotecas around the Badea or the road going to Armenia, etc., etc.

Not to mention visiting other places in the region, like Santa Rosa de Cabal famous for its chorizos and thermal baths... and there´s Salento with its typical architecture and beautiful Valle del Cocora... and the city of Manizales less than 2 hours away with all its culture and the nearby Nevado del Ruiz... I love this region!!!

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