Armenia, Colombia | Everything You Need To Know
Armenia is known for being a part of the Coffee Triangle (the Colombian coffee-growing axis). And, the historic center is a part of UNESCO’s Coffee Cultural Landscape.
A main center of Colombia’s economy, Armenia is helping produce most of the coffee that comes out of Colombia.
It is the capital of the Quindío department, and there is plenty to do in Armenia, Colombia.
Besides the high levels of coffee production, you can also find a rich history and culture, colorful architecture, great weather, and an abundance of nature.
Here is everything you need to know about Armenia, Colombia.
Cost Of Living In Armenia, Colombia
Living in Armenia, Colombia, is affordable no matter your budget.
The cost of living in Armenia is downright cheap, only costing US$400 per month (including rent) for a single person and US$1,000 per month (including rent) for a family of four.
Daily Expenses
A gallon of milk in Armenia, Colombia, costs about US$2.65. A loaf of bread costs around 82 cents. A dozen eggs comes out to around US$1.18.
You don’t have to worry about it impacting your budget when going out to eat. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant (a food stand, a local eatery, small traditional shops, etc.) can cost about US$2.
For a more upscale dining experience, a three-course meal for two people will run you around US$15.
It is easy to see why living in Armenia, Colombia, on any budget can lead to a comfortable and affordable life. Your base costs are so low that any extra money can be put towards enjoying the lifestyle that Armenia has to offer.
A movie ticket only costs around US$3, a pint of beer is only around US$1, and a mid-priced bottle of wine is around US$7.50.
Health care is cheap in Colombia in general, and a doctor’s visit in Armenia is only about US$20.
Real Estate
The city center has more to do than outside of it, and rent barely puts a dent in your monthly budget if that is where you choose to live in Armenia, Colombia.
For a one-bedroom apartment in the city center, expect to pay US$160 per month. For a three-bedroom apartment in a similar area, the price goes up to US$285 per month.
Looking to live outside of the city center? Prices go down to US$130 per month for a one-bedroom apartment. For a three-bedroom apartment, expect to pay US$275 per month.
If you plan to buy a place inside the city center the price per square foot comes out to about US$60. Outside of the city center the price per square foot goes down to about US$55.
The prices are similar between the two areas—it all depends on your tastes and how close you want to be to everything.
For instance, basic utilities (water, electricity, gas, etc.) cost up to $35 per month. A good internet package will only set you back about US$20 to $25 per month.
A food budget for a single person sums up to around US$150 per month. A family of four can expect that budget to increase to around US$400 per month.
Things To Do In Armenia, Colombia
The capital city of the Quindío department is a charming place in western Colombia, surrounded by the Andes mountains.
you’ll find plenty of things to do in Armenia.
Armenia, Colombia, is the place for those looking for a vibrant culture and history, welcoming people, colorful architecture, and to be near nature.
For nature lovers looking for a place to live on a budget, moving to Armenia Colombia, is a great idea.
Coffee Tours
Being a major contributor to coffee production in Colombia, Armenia has plenty of coffee plantations and tours to go on.
The most notable farms and fincas you can visit are in Cocora Valley, Salento, and Finlandia. Plus, you’ll also get plenty of hiking opportunities in and near those areas.
In Armania you will always be able to find a delicious cup of coffee to drink as you stare at the sunrise, read a good book, or just get your day started.
Besides the coffee opportunities, there is also horseback riding nearby, mesmerizing hot springs, and more.
Botanical Garden
If you are looking for other things to do in Armenia, Colombia, there is Quindío’s Botanical Garden and butterfly house. It is a great place to enjoy the mountain rainforest, local flora (palms, heliconias, tree ferns, orchids, carnivore plants, and more), and colorful butterflies.
In to the bird observatory, check out the hummingbird feeders, and stop by the various museums that the garden has to offer.
Experience Local History
There is stunning architecture in town that’s best explored on foot. You must visit Plaza Bolivar, which is in the middle of the city and a great place to play chess, take a break from walking through town, and enjoy your time in Armenia, Colombia.
There is also the Museo del Oro Quimbaya, a fascinating place to learn about local culture, history, and the importance of gold in the area.
Be sure to check out the traditional and neo-churches after studying up on Armenia’s history. Besides Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón and Catedral la Inmaculada Concepción, there are countless parks to relax in.
In short, the charming city of Armenia, Colombia, is an ideal place to live and a perfect home base for traveling around the region and Colombia.
Visiting the tropical region and the nearby mountains is a rewarding experience for anyone looking for a relaxing setting coupled with adventurous outings.
Above all, any time you feel like heading to a national park, you are only an hour or two from the nearest ones, like Los Nevados and Cerro Tamana. You are only about a five-hour drive from the coast near Buenaventura, and all the breathtaking beaches and aquatic diversions you can think of.
Moving To Armenia
Moving And Visas
Moving to Colombia is a simple process. To visit Armenia, Colombia, you will land in El Edén International Airport, which is about a 25-minute taxi ride to the city center.
The nicest place to live is in the city center itself, which is near the most popular streets and squares. Also, it is the busiest zone in the city.
Other notable places to live are north of the city and the Zona Rosa.
You can travel to Armenia, Colombia, on a tourist visa and stay for up to 90 days. It’s plenty of time to get to know the area, enjoy a leisurely vacation, and scout your future home.
Above all, you can travel to Armenia, Colombia, with a reasonable amount of goods and money on hand (up to US$10,000). And, if you want to visit or move to Armenia, Colombia, with your pets, register them before arrival. The registry process is very simple.
For a longer stay, you can get temporary residency under the Migrant Visa.
Most importantly, applicants can qualify through marriage, work, studies, religion, and refugee status.
Temporary residency lasts for three years and is renewable. It also leads to permanent residency and citizenship.
Also, you can get temporary residency through Retirement and Investment Visas.
When you meet the age requirement for retirement and show proof of an income of at least US$800 per month, you are eligible for a Retirement Visa.
The age requirement is 65 or older for men, and 57 or older for women.
And, if you wish to go the Investment Visa route, you can invest a sum equal to 350 times the minimum wage of Colombia (around US$232 per month).
With an investment of more than US$81,200, you may immediately be eligible for a Residency Visa in Colombia.
Weather In Armenia, Colombia
The weather in Armenia, Colombia, is tropical. Temperatures are similar throughout the year due to the altitude and the mountain ranges nearby. Expect lows around 65°F and highs near 85°F on any given day.
Armenia, Colombia, is located at a height of 4,900 feet (1,500 meters) and it can rain year-round. But, it rains the most from March to May and from September to December.
The rainiest months are April, October, and November. Fans of mystical fog should know that Armenia, Colombia, is the place to be. Rolling fog is a common sight throughout the year.
The best time to visit Armenia, Colombia, is when the rainfall is at its lowest: From January to February and from June to August.
Certainly, no matter the time of year, Armenia, Colombia, is an unforgettable place to visit. While it can get wet, it is almost never muggy or humid. Above all, it will always feel like sweater weather.
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