Getting There: It was a pivotal moment for the coffee region when low-cost airline Spirit (www.spirit.com) launched three non-stop services weekly (Tues, Thurs, and Sun) from Fort Lauderdale to Armenia’s Aeropuerto Internacional El Edén (AXM), 17km (11 miles) southwest of the city. A great deal, you can book one-way prices (base fares) from as little as US$150. There are seven daily flights with Avianca (www.avianca.com) from Bogotá (around COP$372,000, one-way) and with ADA (www.ada-aero.com) from Medellín (around COP$225,000, one-way). A taxi to downtown will set you back around COP$35,000.

Armenia’s Terminal de Transportes is located 2km (1 1/4 miles) southwest of the center (Calle 35 no. 20–68). Buses ply the route from downtown to the station along Carrera 19 (COP$1,600), or a taxi will cost around COP$4,000. There are frequent services to: Bogotá (7 hr.), Medellín (5 1/2 hr.), Cali (3 1/2 hr.), Pereira (1 hr.), Manizales (2 1/2 hr.), Filandia (45 min.), and Salento (50 min.).

Getting Around: While it’s not a pretty city made for walking, Armenia’s main sights are best reached either on foot or by taxi (always take a taxi late at night). Taxis are plentiful and cheap, and most fares within the city limits will cost less than COP$6,000. Always confirm a rate with the driver before you get in. Busetas (mini-buses) cost COP$1,600 (COP$1,700 Sun/holidays) and run from the bus terminal (marked “TERMINAL”) to downtown (marked “CENTRO”) and covers the city’s main arteries.

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