Looking for something off-the-beaten-path? Try Colombia's coffee region. No jet lag, easy access, and filled with hidden treasures.

Last month I jetted down to Colombia's coffee triangle on Spirit Airlines' new service into the city of Armenia, the only international airline to service this city.

Check out my journey by clicking on the link below:


As excited as I was at the prospect of exploring coffee fields and the cities comprising the triangle (Armenia, Manizales and Pereira), my friends and family were equally concerned about Colombia and my safety. But let me assure you -- I never felt unsafe or threatened in this country and cannot say enough about the friendliness of the Colombian people.

To date there's very little tourism in the area from outside Colombia, making for a delightfully authentic experience.

As I traveled through the region, I was amazed at the variety of accommodations available. Try one of these boutique hotels, Sazagua, Bambusa, and Hacienda Combia, for a comfortable stay.

For a custom itinerary, several tour operators offer services into the region. I recommend Colombia57, a British-owned company, who will set you up with everything from zip lining to horseback riding and coffee plantation visits.

And there's much more to this destination than just delicious coffee. The food and nightlife are both fun. From one feeding frenzy to another, I indulged on fresh fish, arepas, tostones and chicharrones until my stomach screamed "no mas!" Then danced the night away at one of the many little clubs in the city of Pereira (perhaps my favorite city of all).

At the end of it all, not only did I fall in love with the country but brought home fresh coffee and whimsical anecdotes, making my family and friends begin to wonder about this country called Colombia.

Hopefully you too will be curious enough to visit.

Safe Travels,
Lisa

Lisa Loverro is an independent travel journalist exploring the world for new and exciting adventures. She shares her experiences with us every Thursday through her column, Boarding Pass. Have a comment or question? Email her at Lisa@area-daily.com.