How to get from Pereira airport to Salento and Filandia
Pereira is the other gateway to the Quindío, and the closest one to Filandia. Since the August 2026 earthquake, its airport has reopened, with slightly fewer flights than before. Here is how to reach Salento or Filandia, what each option costs and what we recommend depending on when you land.
Pereira, the other gateway to the Quindío
Pereira is the capital of the neighbouring department, Risaralda. Its airport, Matecaña (code PEI), is right by the city: about 5 to 7 km from the centre, or about 15 minutes by road. To reach Salento or Filandia, you then head down into the Quindío along the mountain road.
The drive is often your first real look at the coffee region: hills covered in coffee bushes, giant bamboo, small colourful farms along the roadside. The trip has already begun.
The airport since the earthquake
The earthquake of 10 August 2026 hit Pereira, and Matecaña airport had to close. It reopened in late August 2026 but is still running at reduced capacity: in mid-September it was handling about 70% of its flights, that is 43 flights a day compared with about 60 before the earthquake. Only the ground floor of the terminal was open, and in September the airport operated from 5:00 am to 11:45 pm.
In practice, this means two things:
- Check your flight with your airline before you leave, and again the day before: times can change.
- Allow some extra time on arrival and departure, as only part of the terminal is open.
Good news for the rest of the journey: the Pereira bus terminal is operating normally. And if your flight is moved, Armenia airport is a good fallback: we explain how in our guide from Armenia airport to Salento.
Filandia or Salento: your destination changes the route
Filandia and Salento are neighbouring villages, but they are not the same distance from Pereira.
- Filandia is the closer one: about 30 to 35 km from the airport, or about 35 to 45 minutes by car.
- Salento takes a little longer: about 40 to 45 km, or about 45 minutes to 1 hour, with the last few kilometres climbing towards the Cocora Valley.
If you have not yet chosen where to stay, keep this in mind: Filandia is quieter in the evening, while Salento is livelier and very close to Cocora. Both make excellent bases for our tours, which leave from Quimbaya or Filandia.
Option 1: a taxi
Taxis wait for travellers outside the airport. This is the most direct option: you give the address of your accommodation in Salento or Filandia and you are dropped at the door.
Prices to keep in mind (2026 prices checked in October 2026), to be agreed before you set off:
- Airport to Filandia: about 120,000 to 150,000 COP.
- Airport to Salento: about 150,000 to 200,000 COP.
- Airport exit surcharge: about 5,000 COP, added to the fare.
A few tips:
- Agree on the total price before loading your bags, surcharge included.
- Carry pesos in cash: cards are not always accepted.
- If you arrive at night, choose a taxi over the bus: the mountain road is more pleasant with a driver who knows it.
Option 2: the bus from the Pereira terminal
To travel on a budget, first get to the Pereira bus terminal, then take an Expreso Alcalá bus to Filandia or Salento (2026 prices checked in October 2026):
- To Filandia: about one departure an hour, from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm, with a journey of about 50 minutes to 1 hour and a fare of about 8,000 to 10,000 COP.
- To Salento: about one departure an hour, from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, with a journey of about 1 hour and a fare of about 10,500 to 14,000 COP.
Timetables can change: ask at the terminal ticket office when you arrive, the staff know the routes and connections well. With departures roughly every hour, it is best not to aim for the last bus if your flight lands in the late afternoon.
The bus is a lovely experience, but it takes patience and a bit of flexibility, especially with bulky luggage.
Option 3: a private transfer by Willys
We pick you up at Pereira airport, with the price on request. Your willysero waits for you outside with a Tinto Tours sign and a welcome tinto, then drives you straight to your accommodation.
To get a price, message us on WhatsApp with the date and time of your flight, the number of people and the address of your accommodation. If your flight changes, let us know as soon as possible.
It is the most comfortable option for families, groups and late arrivals. And it is a lovely way to discover the Willys, the region’s iconic jeep, from your very first ride.
Staying in Pereira?
If you prefer to spend a few nights in Pereira, our tours are still within reach: we offer an optional pick-up in Armenia or Pereira for the start of a tour, at 150,000 COP per group. You have nothing to organise: we come and get you, and bring you back in the evening.
For a first day out, we often suggest Salento, Filandia and Cocora by Willys: it lets you discover both villages and the wax palm valley in a single outing. If walking among the palms is your priority, choose Cocora + Salento instead.
Arriving in Pereira at night
Evening flights are convenient, but the mountain road is best done with a driver who knows it. If you land late, there are two simple options: spend your first night in Pereira and head up to Salento or Filandia the next morning, or book a transfer in advance so someone is waiting for you at the exit.
Sleeping in Pereira on the first night has one advantage: you arrive in the Quindío rested, in daylight, and you get to enjoy the drive.
Filandia or Salento for your stay?
If you are arriving via Pereira and are still unsure where to stay, here are our pointers:
- Filandia: a quieter village with colourful streets and basket weaving workshops. Note that since the earthquake, its viewpoint and the Casa del Artesano are closed, and part of the main square is still off limits. The village remains a pleasant place to rest between outings.
- Salento: livelier, with plenty of cafés and restaurants, and very close to the Cocora Valley. Ideal if you want to walk in the valley early in the morning.
Both villages are excellent starting points: our tours leave from Quimbaya or Filandia, and we can meet you to fit your plans.
In short
- Travelling light on a tight budget: the bus from the Pereira terminal.
- Late arrival, tired: a direct taxi.
- Family, group, luggage: the private transfer by Willys.
Whatever you choose, check your flight with your airline before you leave and keep a jacket handy: the mountains are often cooler than Pereira, especially later in the day. And if you are unsure, message us: we will help you choose based on your flight time.
Frequently asked questions
Should I fly into Pereira or Armenia to get to Salento?
Both work: from either airport, allow about 45 minutes to 1 hour by road to Salento. Pereira is the closer one to Filandia. Choose mainly on flights and times, and check your flight with your airline.
How long does it take from Pereira airport to Filandia?
About 35 to 45 minutes by car, for about 30 to 35 km. By bus from the Pereira terminal, allow about 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Is Pereira airport operating since the earthquake?
Yes, Matecaña airport reopened in late August 2026. In mid-September it was running about 70% of its usual flights: check your flight with your airline before you travel.
Does Tinto Tours offer transfers from Pereira airport?
Yes, priced on request. Message us on WhatsApp with your flight, the number of people and where you are staying, and we will reply with a price.
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