Travel to Armenia

Desideria (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on May 29, 2004, 09:25:

listen to your wife She knows you, we don't. :)
Anyway, I'm pretty sure you can go out dining and dancing (just as long as you don't open your mouth). Going to the countryside is a bit trickier, since it's alive with farcenos and elenos and you name it, however, there you could open your mouth, and that'd be a relief.

Ok. I'll be serious. It doesn't get much better, though. Listen to your wife and her family and friends while in Armenia. They know the local circumstances and are aware of the places you shouldn't visit. (Are there any such places in Armenia?) It's not that big a city, but there's beautiful rolling coffee growing hills around, if I remember right. I'd think a trip to El Parque del Café shouldn't be out of question for safety reasons and is a local MUST.
Cheers,
Dd

"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning, or in rain?"(First Witch in Macbeth)

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pascualbobo says on May 29, 2004, 09:43:

Thanks for the tip I just wanted to hear from folks who know Armenia. It sounds like a small city in the mountains.

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bjorn says on May 29, 2004, 16:35:

Armenia is safe Armenia and other cities(Manizales and Pereira) in Zona cafetera, is one of the safest part in central Colombia. There are some guerilla hanging around in the Los Nevados (the mountains east of Armenia) but
as far as I have heard, it's very little problems with guerilla (mainly the FARC) in this part of the country. Armenia is a town of around 250-300 000 people and it's considered a relatively safe city when it comes to crime. The city is not really much to see (Manizales is far more beautiful), but the surrondings is spectaculary beautiful. Don't miss the Cocora valley, where the wax palm grows

In fact, the state of Quindio (where Armenia is the capital)is perhaps of of the most attractive area in colombia in my opinion

The bus trip from Bogota to Armenia is also considered quite safe and it takes only 6 hours.


Bjorn (travelling around in this area about 6 months ago)

Bjorn

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Terry D. Crowson says on May 29, 2004, 17:43:

Armenia Hello,
I want to talk to you about Armenia. Can you please write me at TDCrowson at yahoo.com
Thanks, Terry

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Sam Salmon says on May 29, 2004, 18:25:

Your family's advice is the kind if hyper-paranoid reaction we hear about from Colombians all the time-they are terrified that 'something will happen' and so if they keep you in a closed dark room you'll be safe.
It's a fine line for you to both respect their wishes and live a normal life.




' a la orden!'

' a la orden!'

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ShazCas says on May 30, 2004, 02:32:

I agree with all that's been said, especially sam, it's true that Colombians can be totally paranoid, and whereas it's true you have to listen to them, you also muct take some of what they say with a pinch of salt. I had female friends who weren't allowed out alone EVER in Bogota, even thought they were in their early twenties. So what were the millions of other people doing walking around?! I opened my mouth a hell of a lot over the four years I was there, and although I spoke good Spanish, it was obvious I was foreign! You'll have to respect your wife's wishes somewhat, but gently reassure her too. I don't know Armenia, but I know Pereira and Manizales, and would agree with all that's been said above re safety. It would be a shame to waste such a womderful experience!!

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litost says on May 30, 2004, 16:50:

I am from that region and know it very well, and I agree with most of what has been said... they sound too paranoid, even though I am sure they mean well. It is a pretty safe region, even the road from Bogota to Armenia is considered safe and also very beautiful. As has been said, the city is no big deal, but the surrounding areas are wonderful. You have very close by the Parque Nacional del Cafe and the town of Salento which you really should visit, and just a few minutes away places such as Pereira, Santa Rosa de Cabal (hot water springs) and the great city of Manizales. And of course you can go out to eat and have fun, that point really sounds ridiculous to me, you should AT LEAST be able to do that while you are there!

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lozza says on May 31, 2004, 11:18:

You would be crazy to come to Colombia and NOT go out for the Rumba!!! It is true, many Colombians have a very paranoid view of what can/can't, should/shouldn't be done - especially when they are advising foriegners. This on the whole is purely protectiveness and trying to take care of visitors, but it seems many people here think that just because you are a Gringo/European then something bad WILL happen to you. NOT TRUE. I have found, after a few years of living and working here, and frequently travelling round the country by bus that,OK, people may try and stitch you up from time to time in terms of 'A gringo price', but that actually 'opening your mouth' can lead to a an increased warmth and friendliness from people. I´m English and am an obvious non-Colombian, even more obviously non-Vallenato (I live in Valledupar), and find that when people overcome the fear of not being able to understand me and realise i speak Spanish, they become more friendly, open and helpful, sparking up greater conversations and frequenlty leading to invitations to lunches, parties, fincas etc. I have read so many comments on this site about visitors not wanting to speak when here, and i think it's a shame as you will have a much better time here if you DO speak, open-up and go out. Especially in the Zona Cafetera, which is stunning phisically, friendly personally, safe and a bloody good night out. Please, please, please don't stay locked up in doors all the time or you will miss out on some fantastic opportunities and experiences that can only be found in Colombia.
Obviously still listen to your wife, coz she's, well, your wife and it would be more dangerous than any paramilitary, guerilla or bandit group not to!!!

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poco says on May 31, 2004, 18:34:

Armenia - not little Armenia population is about 600,000 or so people. Asked a Taxi driver last week. Suppose his guess is as good as any. Not a little "sleepy" village.

Bought some immunized guadua from the local guadua sales store. Went downtown, didn't spend the night,,, Armenia is known for its wood furniture products. Excellent workmanship and very inexpensive. Colombias travel to look at and buy furniture in the town.

Also lots of Guadua "stuff",,, bought some beaded curtains,, 3 foot,, cost about $20 USD,, couple of planters,, $2.00 USD each and a Guadua "boxed" wood bic type pen.. Also look for stores that sell clothing,, lots of fabric in the area.

Armenia is NOT cheap,, about the same price as Cali,, probably a little more expensive. I saw no "bargins" in comparison to other towns.

Some of the nicest farms, homes I've seen are on the out skirts or Armenia.

I didn't think the town was any less "safe" than anywhere else. Took a trip (30 minutes by Taxi) to a Guadua "Farm" in the hills outside Armenia a few months ago,, saw nothing special,, but then again,, it would not be wise to travel at night.

"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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haji says on Jun 4, 2005, 19:45:

dont believe all you hear Hello , I live in Armenia,my wife and i own a buisness and have been here 6 months (she is Colombian) We also have a home in Bogota.In total I have been in Colombia for 8 months ,and have drove all over since we have showrooms in diffrent cities I have never been afraid. However there are some places to avoid .I go out by myself alot with no problems, and believe me when you see me you know im from the USA. Dont get me wrong you must be aware of your surroundings , plus the people are nice.All and all this is a safe place and very beautiful if you need help or if anyone does with any questions just email me at taurus45b at yahoo.com my wife and i would be happy to help

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quindioman says on Jun 5, 2005, 12:41:

pacual bobo I was born in Armenia and everytime I go back home to Colombia, Armenia is always my first point of call.
I think your in laws are being a tad bit overprotective (and there is no need to fly from Bogota to Armenia-unless you are strapped for time....the views are very nice along the 8 hour journey).
There is much to see and do in and around Armenia.
The city itself is not very big but is continuously expanding.....there are newer barrios everytime I go back.
I'm sure you are very much aware that a big earthquake struck 6 years ago in Armenia....since then much building has taken place and when I went back for the first time since the earthquake I saw a prettier, cleaner Armenia.
Armenia is famous for being at the heart of the coffee growing region in Colombia (el eje cafetero). The climate is just about right and the area is very green.
Calarca is 5 minutes from Armenia and is overlooked by Penyas Blancas...a nice mount you could climb (it's well worth it for the view you are rewarded with having climbed to the top).
Most town centres in the cities in Colombia tend to be a bit dangerous, this is not the case in Armenia....there are very few places where you will actually feel threatened (you will have to go out of your way to look for some crime spots)
La 14 is the trendiest road in Armenia, just a block up from La Plaza Bolivar is a nice centro comercial which serves some nice beer from the barrel on the top floor.
If you are into sports comfenalco is 20 minutes south of Armenia and has pools, football pitches, tennis courts, table tennis tables..etc.
Even if it's just a case of walking the premises i'd reccomend it.
There are chalets that litter the perimeters of Armenia from all sides...these are like nice villas/ranches that are very spacious and can include swimming pools and other amenities....they are affordable if you hire a chalet between let's say 5 to 10 people.

Hope you enjoy my city....the air is clean and the people are smiling!

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carldecolorado says on Jun 5, 2005, 16:38:

I was recently in Armenia Armenia is a pretty safe city, just like any other city. I really do not think you will have to many problems while there. You can take the local bus over to Salento and visit the little artesian shops. You can also spend the afternoon at Cafe Parque (sort of an amusement park and history of coffee all rolled into one package), and there are also the balsa rides down the river, there are really fun and relaxing.

There is a fun night club called guitar & rumba or something like that, it is also alot of fun and you should have no problems there either.

Actually the biggest problem with Armenia is not the rebels, but the earthquakes.

If you have any other questions, feel free to message me.

Carl

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Phil Sparrow says on Jun 6, 2005, 01:57:

Visiting Armenia Dont worry! I come from the Scottish borders (on the English side!) and visited Armenia last year. I loved it. It didnt stop me going out. Incidentally, I also drove from Bogota to Cali...and back!! I have blue eyes, fair hair and am 6 foot. Just dont act like an arsehole...be humble and demonstrate kindness and humility....enjoy!

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Chantal says on Jul 31, 2005, 18:28:

Armenia is great! Hi, just so you know, I signed up for this board specifically to respond to your post.

My Spanish teacher during high school is from Armenia. We became friends, so this summer after I graduated, she took me to Colombia with her to stay with her family for 3 weeks.

Armenia is, in my opinion, a wonderful city. I think the people on a whole are very friendly and it's NOT a guerilla nest or anything. It is just like any other city, it's got its bad parts and it has its good parts.

If you can talk your wife into going anywhere... see if she'll take you to El Museo de Oro de Quindio (that may not be the exact name), it's small but very interesting. And it has a library. Go to Parque de la Vida!!!!! It is so gorgeous, but go on the weekends when they have the waterfalls running. What else... Oh! There is a small town a bit up int the mountains called Salento... go there, it's gorgeous, too. Make sure you climb up to the viewing pavillion and eat some of the trucha there. Parque Nacional del Cafe is awesome as well, but I think it's close to Montenegro or something... no sure, I was asleep on the ride up there.

But yeah, just be smart, try to blend in and you'll be fine. I had NO problems and trust me, I do not look Colombian... I'm tall-ish, big, WHITE as hell with green eyes. I had no problems. Even though my Spanish is not perfect and I was forever asking "Puedes repetir, por favor?". My speaking is sufficient, mas o menos, but my comprehension with people that don't speak clearly is bad.

If you have anymore questions, just ask. I know your wife will know more about Armenia than me, but it IS an awesome place. And remember, cabs are your friends, but if you are in one by yourself, do NOT sit shotgun. If you get a corrupt cabbie, this could be bad. (I know this because my teacher's brother is and awesome cab driver.)

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Peter Miami says on Aug 1, 2005, 18:51:

Chantal I am with you I love Armenia. I went there for the first time almost three years ago and I love it. Almost every time I go to Colombia I always stop in Armenia for a couple of days at least. And I have been to all the places you named plus some more but I do not remember their names.

Peter Miami

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Chantal says on Aug 2, 2005, 03:42:

Peter Miami... Awesome, I love it when I find people that like Armenia... or Colombia for that matter.

You wouldn't happen to live in Miami, would you? If you do, any chance you could give me directions to the Colombian neighborhood down there? I'm starting at the University of Miami this year, so I'd like to go there.

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Peter Miami says on Aug 2, 2005, 19:20:

Chantal Of course I can. I live in Coral Gables 5 minutes from UM. Coral Gable is a very nice neighborhood in Miami. I got my Master’s Degree from UM, I am a C.P.A. (Certified Public Accountant). I leave to Colombia August 12 to the 29. I rented a chalet with; 8 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms 2 kitchens, pool, Jacuzzi, Turkish bath, mini-soccer field, volleyball, billiards, table tennis and all kinds of other amenities. It is in La Tabiada do you know anything about this area? It is about 10 to 12 minutes south of Armenia on the road to Cali. I have a lot of friends in Armenia from going over there a lot.

Now instead of hanging out in the “Mirador” after the clubs we can go to the chalet. I am so happy 9 ½ more days and I will be there. I am also going December 16 to January 3, I went last year and I saw the fair in Cali it was excellent. In Armenia I did that thing that everyone dives around on the 31 of December and throws maicena (spelling), eggs, chichi (spelling), etc. What a blast that was. At midnight we burned some straw dummy. I have gone dancing to all the clubs. Armenia is the best!

Anything you need in Miami let me know. PM and I will give you my e-mail. There are Colombians in different areas but there is a big percentage in Kendall. I will give you all the information you want just let me know.

Peter Miami

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2retirensa says on Aug 2, 2005, 19:43:

20 min. towards Cali? I am thinking you are near the small town of Cercasia. Small town, most living quarters are above stores. Bigger, nicer homes on outskirts. There is a park in the center of town lined with little huts selling everything you can think of. Colonial church is there also. Very low key from what I saw. Everyone very nice, curious about us when we were there.
Maureen

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platano says on Aug 2, 2005, 20:06:

Hey, I'm going to join the chorus of Armenia lovers... I recently went to a conference in Armenia and I loved it. I agree with the opinion expressed here that your Colombian family is being overly protective of you. It would be a shame to miss sights like Salento for fear to travel around freely. Just plan day trips. Don't overdress. Stay low key (don't flaunt wealth if you have it) and be respectful of everyone (smiles are international) and you'll be fine.

Plátano, el banano verde
Oxigeno Verde ¡Libertad por Ingrid y los demás!

plátano

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Peter Miami says on Aug 2, 2005, 20:16:

2retirensa Yes I have been to the little town by the day and also by night. They have a dance club there that I have gone too.

Thanks,

Peter Miami

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Chantal says on Aug 4, 2005, 20:56:

Awesome! Hmm... I think the chalet we rented was to the North somewhere... I'll have to ask what area exactly...

You're so lucky, I can't wait to go back. I remember my teacher telling me about the straw dummy thing... sounds like major fun.

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Peter Miami says on Aug 5, 2005, 10:31:

Happy as can be..... Less than a week before I am in Colombia. I am ecstatic.

Peter Miami

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Oscar Armenia says on Aug 5, 2005, 13:44:

Armenia is my city we welcome you Peter and have fun. Send me an pm and maybe we can meet up.

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Peter Miami says on Aug 6, 2005, 16:52:

Thank you Oscar I will send you a pm so we can met and go out something. I will treat you to lunch, dinner, drinks.

Peter Miami

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steve mezner says on Oct 3, 2005, 11:56:

travel to armenia i just got back from armenia don't worry the guy that said don't open your mouth is dead wrong that city is as safe as any in usa i went up in the mountains north of armenia had no trouble went horse back riding went by bus to a small town didn't have a guide went by car to armenia from cali return to cali by autobus i know little spanish i have gray hair and blue eyes almost 60 yrs old but i'am a cowboy from colorado hell we don't fear what man can do to us our bigest emeny is self and fear itself so go and have a good time trust in god but if you are a wimp and worry all the time stay at home

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orestesdd says on Jul 21, 2007, 20:47:

I am glad I found all this info about Armenia since I may go to Armenia next August. I am actually going to Bogota first, and I wonder if it is easy to buy a round trip plane ticket one day in advance, for I am not sure if I really want to visit Armenia yet. As of now, I give myself a 90% chance that I will be heading there if only for a few days. I'd appreciate any suggestions about buy the plane ticket a day or so after I get to Bogota to travel a day later. Thanks.

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chester says on Jul 22, 2007, 05:06:

the ticket will cost about 70 dollars one way, and yes, you can probably walk into the airport and buy it the day of departure. check out the avianca website.

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orestesdd says on Jul 23, 2007, 07:06:

Thanks, chester.

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