Marsella is known as the “Green Village” of Colombia, referring to its geographical location between the Andean forest and the tropical rainforest. It is known for a variety of flora and fauna.
This itineary is part of a 10-Day Scootering Colombia’s Coffee Region trip. With a scooter, we get to explore the surroundings of Marsella and take a day trip to Chinchina. Marsella is on the other side of Pereira. It is 61 KM from Filandia, takes about 2 hours with pit stops. We have to route back to Pereira and take the Pereira-Marsella Highway. It is 30 KM from Pereira. Marsella is a quaint small town with bold shade buildings. Although it is a 30-minute drive from Pereira, it does not enjoy the tourist crowd like other coffee towns, Filandia and Salento.
April is the first Rainy Season. What do you need?
I bought an $8 set of scooter ponchos in the small town of Quimbaya. It came with a shoe cover, pants, and a poncho. It lasted till the end of my trip. I definitely recommend a whole set, unless you drive in sandals. Clothing and shoes don’t dry fast in the rainy season. Backpack covers are essentials. Rains just pour from the sky at 4 PM while driving on a highway. Sometimes it is lucky to find shelters.
April is the rainy season!
April to November are the rainy months! It usually rains in the afternoon. Sometimes it starts pouring, and sometimes it just drizzles. Don’t forget to bring a pair of hiking/waterproof shoes, a rain jacket, extra shoes/ socks, and quick-dry clothing. During the rainy season, it is humid, and clothes don’t dry fast.
Carry Cash!
Most places take credit cards in Colombia, but I would still carry some cash. Exchanging currencies in the airport is the easiest, unless you find a better deal on the streets. ATMs are available in Salento and Filandia, and in big cities, but not in villages. Some individual farm lodges prefer cash. They charge 3% service fee for credit card transactions.
Itinerary
Filandia to Marsella 61 KM
Pereira to Marsella 30 KM
Where to stay?: Eco hotel Los Lagos
Located only 1.8 km from the town of Marsella, Los Lagos is a convenient place to stay. Los Lagos is a family-owned ecolodge that has been operating for more than three decades. The main house is where the kitchen, restaurant, and family living quarters are. Dinner is offered before 5 PM. After that, food delivery is available. It is said that they serve delicious food. I stayed in the upper quarter, about a 3-minute walk from the lake. It is clean and simple, with a TV and wifi. However, the hot shower does not work properly during my stay. It does not provide simple amenities such as shampoo, a wash, and a hair dryer. They have four dogs in the house as guards. They cannot recognize you at nighttime, and barking as a pack can be intimidating.
Andean Motmot !!
Having breakfast in the main house while watching colorful birds is a feast for the eyes and a wonderful way to start the morning. Feeder stations are commonly found in Colombia. The station is located near Los Lagos’ kitchen, which attracts a variety of colorful birds. Spotting the Andean motmot is exciting. It is identified with a distinctive and beautiful blue racket tail. It’s striking to spot two Andean motmots quietly perched on branches, their vibrant colors standing out against the forest but somehow blending with many shades of green.
Short Trail with Dogs
Short trails are created around the ecolodge. The owner’s restoration of former farmland appears to be contributing to an increase in biodiversity around the lodge. When we arrived, the rain finally stopped. The closest trail is a 2-minute walk from the main house. The dogs from the guesthouse are happy to guide you to short trails. They know their ways, but you should stay on your path :). It is a 30-minute easy trail for all ages. What you see in this trail is some common flora found in Colombia, such as Musa Velutina and the Colombian paradise plant. April marks the guava season; light-green, ripe guava hanging on the branch.
Baby Humming Birds
The staff showed us a hummingbird nest. It is just two rooms down from our room.
Marsella Town
Built on a hill, Marsella reveals itself as you climb the stairs, appreciating the art along the way, until the church in the main square appears on the horizon. It turns a quaint town into a space of creativity. As stroll uphill to the square, you see buildings in Marsella are painted in vibrant colors. April is the month of holy week. The student band rehearses for the holy week parade. Another group carries the processional platform around the square. When it reaches 6 p.m., the square is slowly occupied with people. When you are in the square, enjoy a cup of coffee at Artesanias Marsella.
Casa de la Cultura
Casa de la Cultura is worth visiting as it is a symbol of Risaralda’s cultural and architectural identity, and is open to everyone at no cost. It was built in the 20th century, with a large central open space courtyard that brought light into the rectangular-shaped hallway. This building hosted the Municipal Public Library and the exhibition halls. Cultural activities are in the courtyard. Walking from room to room, century-old artifacts can be seen displayed in the hallway or inside the room. At the time of visiting, students attend musical instrument classes and have fun in the courtyard.
Artesanias Colibrí
Artesanias Colibrí is the surprise gem. It is located in the corner of the plaza. An ocean-blue and yellow door frame, reminiscent of the Colombian flag, draws the eye, as does a vibrant hummingbird painted on the wall. It carries a variety of Colombian craft products: hats, straw-made handbags, cooking utensils, and baskets. The owner is friendly and patient in answering questions.
Day Trip to Chinchina
Marsella to Chinchia: 29 KM
The ride from Marsella to Chinchina is scenic, as Marsella’s surroundings are coffee farms and farmhouses. Chinchina is home to Buendía coffee factory and Cenicafé, a coffee research center. A large coffee mug is in the square. It signifies the importance of coffee culture in this town. Many interesting coffee shops around this town, and a collection of Chinchina coffee. Café Al Parque is in the square, carries a variety of coffee beans from the surrounding “finca” coffee farms. I bought two with a fruity flavor. Café Tales and Coffee Roasting are also worthwhile to visit.
