Quindío after the earthquake: what was suspended, what remains open and how tourism can help

• 23 Aug 2026
• César Camelo
• Posted in Travel Tips

Quindío after the earthquake: what was suspended, what remains open and how tourism can help

The earthquake that struck on August 10, 2026 changed everyday life across Quindío in a matter of seconds and left behind an emergency that still requires structural assessments, institutional response and support for many affected families.

It also raised an important question for travellers who had plans to visit the region: is it still possible to travel to Quindío?

The answer is not simply yes or no. Some activities have been suspended for safety reasons, especially those involving large crowds, while many hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops and tourism businesses continue operating or have begun reopening.

At this stage, travelling in an informed and responsible way can also become a meaningful way to support the region’s recovery.

Festivals that had to wait

Following the earthquake, the local governments of La Tebaida, Circasia and Filandia announced the indefinite suspension of their anniversary celebrations, which were either underway or about to begin.

• La Tebaida: Fiestas del Retorno.
• Circasia: Fiestas de la Libertad.
• Filandia: Fiestas del Canasto.

The decision allowed police, firefighters, Civil Defence and risk-management teams to focus their resources on damage assessment, emergency response and public safety.

These measures have mainly been announced as postponements rather than permanent cancellations. No new official dates have yet been confirmed.

Large public events are also suspended in Armenia

The Mayor’s Office of Armenia established a temporary suspension of large public gatherings until September 27, 2026.

The measure applies to cultural, sporting, recreational, commercial, religious and entertainment events involving significant crowds.

This does not mean that all activity in Armenia has stopped. The restriction is specifically aimed at large gatherings while post-earthquake assessments continue and part of the city’s institutional capacity remains focused on the emergency.

Quindío is not closed

This is perhaps the most important point for anyone considering a trip to the region.

There is no general tourism shutdown in Quindío. The impact has not been the same across the entire department, and many businesses and tourism providers continue to operate, while others are carrying out safety inspections before reopening.

The Armenia and Quindío Chamber of Commerce has reflected this reality through a local campaign with a simple message: “Reopening is also resisting.”

Hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, artisans, tour operators and small businesses provide thousands of jobs, and for many families every day of activity represents their main source of income.

Instead of automatically cancelling a trip, travellers are encouraged to contact their accommodation, restaurant, tour operator or attraction directly and confirm whether it is currently operating normally.

Some attractions continue welcoming visitors

Tourism activity is gradually recovering in different parts of the Coffee Region. Some major attractions have resumed operations, while other establishments continue to welcome visitors where facilities have been assessed and considered safe.

Parque del Café, located in Montenegro, continues to provide official visitor information and ticket sales through its authorised channels.

After the earthquake, however, checking the official information for each attraction before travelling is especially important, as schedules and operating conditions may change while inspections continue.

Travelling can also be a way to help

Recovery after an emergency is not only about repairing buildings. It is also about protecting jobs and helping families maintain their livelihoods.

The Armenia and Quindío Chamber of Commerce has encouraged people to support businesses that are already able to reopen. Similar messages have also emerged across the tourism sector: when a destination is officially accessible and safe to receive visitors, maintaining travel plans can contribute directly to its economic recovery.

Something as simple as having coffee at a local café, eating at a family-run restaurant, buying a handmade product, hiring a local guide or staying at an accommodation that has reopened can directly support families in the region.

How to visit Quindío responsibly right now

• Confirm before travelling. Contact hotels, restaurants and attractions directly.
• Respect closures. Do not enter buildings, trails or areas restricted by local authorities.
• Avoid structures under assessment. Keep your distance from buildings that have been cordoned off or marked for inspection.
• Support local businesses. Choose local cafés, restaurants, shops, artisans and tourism operators whenever possible.
• Avoid disaster tourism. Respect affected families and do not enter damaged neighbourhoods simply to take photographs.
• Do not interfere with emergency operations. Keep access routes clear for authorities and rescue services.
• Use official sources. Conditions may vary significantly between municipalities and individual establishments.

A recovery that also needs visitors

Quindío is going through difficult days. Some families have lost their homes, some businesses are still unable to reopen, and many buildings remain under assessment.

But another reality is also emerging: cafés are setting their tables again, restaurants are reopening their kitchens, accommodation providers are welcoming guests and entrepreneurs are finding ways to start again.

The celebrations can wait. Safety must remain the priority.

But wherever conditions allow, visiting, supporting local businesses and continuing to discover Quindío can also become a form of solidarity.

It is not about ignoring what happened. It is about responsibly supporting a region that is beginning to stand up again.

Before travelling, check the current conditions at the destination you plan to visit. From Pasaporte Quindiano by Quindío es Mío, we will continue updating information about open attractions, postponed events and important developments for travellers across the region.

Information updated on August 23, 2026.