There’s a reason Colombia’s Eje Cafetero — or Coffee Axis — has become one of my favorite regions on the planet. It’s the perfect mix of cool mountain towns, hot springs, colorful colonial streets, and some of the best coffee you’ll ever drink. But what surprised me the most wasn’t the scenery — it was the cost.

Ten days, nine destinations, three modes of transport, and one luxury eco-hotel — all for $1,098.

That includes food, drinks (yes, plenty of wine and cocktails), lodging, activities, and even a volcano tour that took me above 14,000 feet. I didn’t skip meals or sleep in hostels. I traveled comfortably. I ate well. And I ended the trip soaking in an infinity pool surrounded by hummingbirds and mist-covered forests.

Here’s exactly how it all came together — and why Colombia continues to prove it’s not just a cheap destination, it’s an affordable upgrade in lifestyle.

This trip started in Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, before winding through the heart of the Coffee Axis: Líbano, Murillo, Manizales, Santa Rosa de Cabal, Pereira, Montenegro, Salento, Filandia, and finally Armenia — home to one of the region’s best eco-luxury hotels.

The first leg — a 5-hour bus ride from Bogotá to Líbano — cost just 60,000 pesos ($15 USD). From there, I hopped into a Jeep to Murillo, a colorful mountain town sitting at 9,680 feet above sea level. Population? Just under 5,000. This was long-sleeve weather, surrounded by clouds and cool air.

I came here for one thing: the volcano tour. It took me to 4,400 meters (14,500 feet) — higher than most peaks in the U.S. Rockies.

From Murillo, I made my way south to Manizales, a city of 400,000 people that blends mountain life with modern living. Cable cars glide over steep hillsides, connecting neighborhoods while offering views that rival Medellín’s skyline.

Then came Santa Rosa de Cabal, famous for its natural hot springs, where an all-day pass cost me just $12.50 USD. Surrounded by lush jungle, warm mineral pools, and waterfalls, it was one of the most relaxing spots of the trip.

From Santa Rosa, I headed to Pereira, a city that caught me completely off guard. It’s modern, walkable, and bursting with great restaurants. One viewer, Daniel, recommended a Peruvian restaurant that ended up being one of my best meals in Colombia.

This is what I love about Colombian travel — you can eat like royalty for the price of a fast-food combo back home. My average meal (with wine) ran about $10–15 USD — and that’s dining in real restaurants, not living on empanadas.

Then it was on to Montenegro to spend a full day at Parque del Café, Colombia’s coffee-themed amusement park — an absolute must-see for anyone visiting the region. A full-day pass was just $23, with rides, live shows, and plenty of coffee tastings in between.

If you’ve seen photos of colorful Colombian balconies or streets lined with rainbow doors — that’s probably Salento. This little town of fewer than 10,000 people sits at 6,200 feet, surrounded by coffee farms and misty mountain ridges.

I joined a coffee tour at the Buenos Aires Coffee Farm, where I learned just how much work goes into producing a single cup of coffee — and how much better it tastes when it’s fresh off the tree.

Then came Filandia — Salento’s quieter, slightly more local sister. I didn’t expect to like it more… but I did. Artisan shops, friendly locals, and a skyline that glows golden at sunset.

What’s funny is that I met far more Europeans, Australians, and Canadians than Americans in both towns. Maybe 1% of the tourists were from the U.S.
It’s something I’ve noticed across Colombia — Americans love Cartagena and Medellín, but they rarely make it to small towns like these. And honestly, they’re missing out.

After nine days of mid-range hotels, buses, and local dining, I decided to end the trip with something special — a stay at Bio Habitat Hotel just outside Armenia.

This place is eco-luxury done right: glass walls overlooking the forest, gourmet dining, infinity pools, and even massages under the canopy.

My one-night splurge came to $382, but that included:

The room alone was $184, and honestly, worth every peso. In the U.S. or Europe, that same experience would have easily been over $1,000 a night.

Let’s break down what 10 days of travel really cost:

That’s $80 a day, including alcohol, activities, and comfort.

And it’s not just about saving money — it’s about value. You don’t have to choose between traveling cheap or traveling well. Colombia gives you both.

If I can live comfortably and explore like this for under $1,100 in ten days, imagine what a month — or six — could look like.

A modern furnished apartment might run you $700/month, meals are half the cost of what they’d be in North America or Europe, and luxury experiences are affordable enough to actually enjoy.

This is why Colombia is one of the world’s best snowbird or Plan B destinations: not just because it’s cheaper, but because it offers a better quality of life for less.

This wasn’t a backpacker’s trip or a luxury-only getaway. It was a mix of both — the real Colombia.

Affordable adventures, incredible food, and genuine hospitality that make every stop feel personal. And that’s what makes travel here special — you’re not just sightseeing, you’re connecting.

So if you’ve been thinking about Colombia — whether for a short trip or something longer — take this as your sign.
You can travel well, live well, and spend less — all in the same place.