Quick Summary: Tourism in Colombia’s Coffee Region continues after the August 10, 2026 earthquake. Pereira, Salento, and other destinations are receiving visitors while recovery efforts continue. Pereira’s Matecaña International Airport has resumed commercial flights, and tourism businesses are working to restore normal activity. Travelers should still confirm flights, hotels, roads, and individual attractions before their trip.
Tourism in Colombia’s Coffee Region After the Earthquake
The August 10, 2026 earthquake significantly affected communities across western Colombia and naturally raised concerns among travelers planning vacations in the Coffee Region.
Can you still visit Pereira, Salento, and other destinations after the earthquake?
Yes. Tourism in Colombia’s Coffee Region is active and the region is gradually recovering, although some infrastructure remains affected and temporary measures continue in certain locations.
According to the Colombian Geological Service, the August 10 earthquake reached a magnitude of 7.4, occurred at a depth of 103 kilometers, and was centered in San José del Palmar, Chocó. Aftershocks followed the main earthquake and may continue afterward.
For travelers, this means a trip to the Coffee Region remains possible, but checking current conditions is more important than usual.
Is Colombia’s Coffee Region Open to Tourists?
There is no general closure preventing tourists from visiting the Coffee Region.
Hotels, restaurants, coffee farms, tourism operators, and other businesses are operating throughout different areas of Risaralda and Quindío.
The Colombian Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism has specifically described the reopening of Pereira’s airport as an important step toward restoring tourism and economic activity in the Coffee Region.
However, travelers should not assume every business or attraction is operating exactly as it did before the earthquake.
Verify the individual services included in your itinerary before arriving.
Pereira Is Welcoming Travelers Again
Pereira is one of the main gateways to Colombia’s Coffee Region and was significantly affected by the earthquake.
One of the largest disruptions for tourism involved Matecaña International Airport, which temporarily suspended commercial passenger operations.
Flights resumed gradually on August 25, 2026.
By August 29, the Ministry of Commerce reported that Matecaña was handling an average of 18 daily flights with four active airlines, while repairs continued toward restoring the terminal’s full capacity.
For travelers, this reopening significantly improves access to Risaralda, Quindío, and other areas of the Coffee Region.
If your itinerary includes a flight to Pereira, confirm the exact schedule directly with your airline before departing.
Stay Outside the Busy City Center
Travelers visiting Pereira don’t necessarily need to base their entire vacation in the city’s busiest urban areas.
Cerritos offers countryside surroundings, nature, restaurants, and boutique accommodation while remaining conveniently located for exploring Pereira and nearby destinations.
If you’re looking for a Luxury Hotel in Cerritos Pereira, KAWA Bamboo Retreat offers a boutique experience focused on nature, relaxation, gastronomy, and wellness.
During the current recovery period, contact your chosen property directly before traveling if you have questions regarding access, services, or current operating conditions.
What Is Tourism Like in Salento After the Earthquake?
Salento was also affected by the earthquake, although damage there was more limited than in some other locations.
EFE reported that local authorities recorded 166 affected homes, three injured people, and no deaths in Salento. The town’s tourism economy, however, experienced a sharp drop in visitor numbers following the earthquake.
Businesses remained open, and residents and local tourism operators encouraged travelers to return.
This matters because Salento’s economy depends heavily on tourism.
Hotels, restaurants, coffee shops, artisans, guides, transportation providers, and other small businesses rely on visitors throughout the year.
Can You Visit Salento Now?
Travelers can continue planning trips to Salento, provided they verify the specific conditions affecting their itinerary.
As with Pereira, choose established accommodation and communicate directly with the property before arriving.
Travelers looking for a Hotel in Salento, Quindío can explore KAWA Salento, a boutique accommodation option surrounded by the mountain landscapes that make this part of Colombia so distinctive.
Responsible travel also means avoiding damaged or restricted areas and following instructions from local authorities.
Can You Still Visit Cocora Valley?
Cocora Valley remains one of the main reasons travelers visit Salento and Quindío.
Tourism businesses in Salento continued operating after the earthquake while working to encourage visitors to return to the destination.
Because Cocora Valley is an outdoor mountain destination, travelers should always verify conditions on the day of their visit.
Weather, trail conditions, transportation, or temporary closures can change independently of earthquake recovery.
Is It Safe to Travel to the Coffee Region?
No destination can be described as completely risk-free after a significant natural disaster.
What can be said is that tourism has resumed in the Coffee Region and critical transportation infrastructure such as Pereira’s airport is operating again.
At the same time, aftershocks remain possible.
The Colombian Geological Service has explained that aftershocks may continue for days, weeks, or even months and that earthquakes cannot currently be predicted with precision.
Travelers should therefore follow basic preparedness measures.
When checking into your hotel, identify emergency exits and meeting points. Follow instructions from hotel staff and emergency authorities if another earthquake occurs.
What Should You Check Before Your Trip?
Before traveling to the Coffee Region, confirm:
- Your flight status.
- Hotel operations.
- Current road conditions.
- Tours and activities.
- Attraction opening conditions.
- Restaurant reservations.
- Weather forecasts.
- Local government updates.
A flexible itinerary can also make the trip easier.
Instead of scheduling every hour, leave enough time to adjust an activity if conditions change.
Should You Cancel a Trip to the Coffee Region?
Not automatically.
If you already have reservations, evaluate each part of your itinerary individually.
A confirmed flight, operating hotel, accessible roads, and available attractions may mean that your vacation can continue as planned.
If an official restriction directly affects a location or activity, modify that part of your itinerary.
Current information should always guide your decision.
Responsible Tourism Can Support Recovery
Tourism is a major source of income across Colombia’s Coffee Region.
Hotels, restaurants, guides, drivers, coffee producers, artisans, and many small businesses depend on visitor spending.
In Salento, businesses remained open after the earthquake but experienced a dramatic reduction in travelers.
The Colombian government has also highlighted the reopening of Matecaña International Airport as a key measure for restoring tourism and accelerating the region’s economic recovery.
Responsible travelers can therefore play a positive role.
Stay in local hotels, eat at local restaurants, hire established guides, purchase locally produced goods, and respect communities that are still recovering.
Avoid visiting damaged neighborhoods simply to photograph destruction.
Experience Pereira and Salento in One Trip
The Coffee Region’s diversity remains one of its greatest advantages.
Pereira offers convenient transportation, restaurants, wellness, and countryside areas such as Cerritos.
Salento provides mountain landscapes, coffee culture, colorful traditional architecture, and access to Cocora Valley.
Combining both destinations allows travelers to experience two different sides of the Coffee Region without making every day about transportation.
It also creates more opportunities to slow down and make the hotel itself part of the vacation.
The Coffee Region Is Moving Forward
The August earthquake had serious consequences, and recovery will take time.
But travelers should also understand that Colombia’s Coffee Region is not closed to tourism.
Pereira has restored commercial air connections, Salento continues welcoming visitors, and tourism businesses are working to recover after a difficult month.
For travelers who want to experience different parts of the destination, Luxury Hotels in the Coffee Triangle by KAWA offer opportunities to stay in both Cerritos Pereira and Salento.
The most responsible approach is simple: verify current conditions before traveling, follow official guidance, respect ongoing recovery efforts, and support local businesses.
A thoughtful trip can still offer the landscapes, coffee culture, gastronomy, nature, and hospitality that make this region one of Colombia’s most memorable destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tourists visit Colombia’s Coffee Region after the earthquake?
Yes. Tourism continues in the Coffee Region, and important transportation services have resumed operations. Travelers should still verify conditions for their specific itinerary before arriving.
Is Pereira’s airport open?
Yes. Matecaña International Airport resumed commercial flights on August 25, 2026, with operations initially returning gradually.
Is Salento open to tourists?
Salento continues welcoming travelers, while local tourism businesses work to recover visitor activity after the earthquake. Some buildings were affected, so travelers should follow local guidance.
Are aftershocks still possible?
Yes. The Colombian Geological Service states that aftershocks may continue for days, weeks, or months after a significant earthquake and cannot be precisely predicted.
Where should I stay in Colombia’s Coffee Region?
Travelers can combine KAWA Bamboo Retreat in Cerritos Pereira with KAWA Salento to experience two different parts of the region. Contact each property before traveling if you need confirmation about current access or specific services.
