Salamina

Salamina was founded in 1825 and was one of the bases from which the Antioquian colonisation spread south, which means it predates most of the coffee region towns. Its distinguishing feature is woodwork: much of the carving on the doors, window frames, balconies and interior ceilings was done by Eliseo Tangarife and his family over the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and the density and quality of it across one town is unusual - carved ceilings survive in a number of houses and public buildings. The town was declared a national monument. It sits within the UNESCO Coffee Cultural Landscape. It is quieter and far less visited than Salento, partly because the road in is long and winding. San Felix nearby holds a wax palm valley.

What you actually see

• Carved doors, balconies and ceilings - largely by one family of woodworkers.
• A town founded in 1825 - predating most of the coffee region.
• A national monument designation - covering the town centre.
• Far fewer visitors than Salento - the road in is long.

When to go

Year round. A full day.

Honest expectations

The road from Manizales is winding and slow. Carved interiors are in private houses - seeing them may need asking or a local guide. Accommodation is limited. Rain is frequent.

Nearby

San Felix and its wax palms are east; Manizales is south.