There’s not much to see in San Antonio de Pereira, a town about an hours drive away from Medellin, but there is a lot to taste – it is a heaven for those who love Colombia’s traditional sweets, or “dulces.”
Although the town’s square was named Antioquia’s most beautiful plaza in 1985, it does not offer much in the way of tourist attractions. The dulces more than make up for this, however, and the drive through the mountains to San Antonio is very pleasant.
According to local legend, the local sweet obsession began when one family started producing dulces to sell, and the business was so successful that others followed them and made their own treats. The town is now filled with many dulce shops and stands, with flavors ranging from blackberry, passion fruit, apple and coco to arequipe (dulce de leche), amaretto and coffee.
Those who just can’t decide are allowed to taste the cakes before buying, and can of course buy extra to take home.
A piece of cake costs around COP4,000 ($2.00). On the streets one can buy even more sweets, such as strawberries freshly covered with chocolate, or enjoy a coffee.
After eating it is definitely worth browsing through the vendors who sell souvenirs in the square.