#4 - Why Live in El Eje Cafetero

My amigos, I’m glad to see you again on the day 4 of our series, Retiring in Colombia Like a Millionaire.

Today, we are going to explore a special part of Colombia, the Coffee Growing Region, also known as El Eje Cafetero (El A-he Kha-fe-tear-oh)! And why this particular place is ideal for living, especially for expats.

Craig and I first visited El Eje Cafetero in search of a relaxing getaway and we were so impressed that we returned for a second time to celebrate our honeymoon. Beyond a simple vacation, we were captivated by its natural charm, tranquility, and friendly people, and it was these trips that inspired us to settle and build our lives together here.

El Eje Cafetero is a magical place that blends geographical, cultural, economic, and ecological elements of distinct regions in Colombia; made up of the departamentos (the territorial equivalent of States in the USA) of Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda, and parts of Valle del Cauca, Tolima, and Antioquia. This region is a melting pot of natural and cultural wonders. The landscape is full of mountains, coffee plantations, colorful houses, and cultural treasures, and it was even recognized by UNESCO as a Cultural Heritage Site of Humanity in 2011 (1).

The economy of El Eje Cafetero has historically revolved around coffee production and exportation, and to a lesser extent the production of other agricultural goods. More recently, though, the tourism sector has grown; and theme parks, tourist attractions, and other activities have fueled substantial improvements in this region. Improvements around security, infrastructure, and employment have enhanced the quality of life for many of my fellow Colombians, and this has in turn opened the doors for expats like you, to live and explore this beautiful region of my country!

Amigos, make sure to watch our video in which Craig explores what this region has to offer! El Eje Cafetero is truly a treasure waiting to be discovered!

¡Chao!