A lush and fertile region of rolling hillsides, plunging valleys and high mountain peaks. Rural life continues here as it has for centuries, based around the harvesting of coffee, plantains and other fruits. Staying in one of the local fincas or haciendas is the ideal way to get a feel for this tranquil area.

Tours of coffee plantations are widely available; knowledgeable guides explain the whole process from planting to picking, from toasting to tasting. Los Nevados Mountains offer spectacular views on a clear day, whilst rafting down one of the many rivers offers a chance to see wildlife up close. An incredibly biodiverse region, the Rio Blanco Reserve is as one of the best bird-watching sites in the country.