THE COFFEE AND COCOA REGION

Where to find coffee farms, visit an organic coffee plantation and discover all the processes involved.

Top 7 places to visit to learn more about choosing the best Colombian coffee

Who hasn’t wanted to know more about coffee country, which bean to choose, how to prepare it, what dosage or how to store it? All these questions can be answered after a hands-on workshop at a coffee finca. Located in the heart of Colombia, in the department of Antioquia, where one of Latin America’s most famous cities, Medellin, is located!

The coffee-growing region, or “Eje Cafetero”, is a destination for coffee aficionados. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, this coffee-growing region is famous not only for its coffee plantations, but also for the world’s tallest wax palms. This tour of the coffee-growing region will also delight chocolate lovers.

Explore the Green Hills of the Coffee Triangle

With 22 out of 32 departments devoted to coffee growing, the coffee industry is omnipresent, and it’s fair to say that “brown gold” occupies a significant place in the country, with Colombia being the third-largest producer. For the record, it is said that coffee originated in Ethiopia and arrived in Latin America via Martinique at the end of the 18th century.

The Coffee Triangle, comprising the departments of Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío, offers total immersion in the world of Colombian “little black” coffee. Visitors can discover traditional haciendas, where cultivation processes and coffee-growing techniques have been handed down from generation to generation.

Salento is one of the most beautiful villages in the region, with colorful architecture and a warm atmosphere that characterize this coffee-growing area. Other towns such as Manizales, Peireira and Armenia are just as authentic. Small villages like Fillandia, Aguadas, Salamina and Pijao are less touristy. You’ll see that Colombia’s coffee-growing zone is much more than just a tourist destination, it’s an exceptional experience where every aspect of local culture is linked to coffee-making.

You’ll have the opportunity to taste bewitching aromas and rich flavours. Depending on the coffee-growing region, the aromas may differ; for example, in the Sierra Nevada, not far from Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast, the beverage has a less acidic flavor.

You’ll find that every moment of your coffee-growing adventure will remind you why Colombian coffee is so highly prized.

If time permits, visit the Parque National Del Café near Armenia, a 2-hectare park dedicated to the theme of coffee, with attractions for young and old alike.

For those staying in Bogotá for a short time, we offer visits to coffee fincas near the capital. Few people know this, but there are plantations near the capital.

It’s best to visit the coffee-growing region between December and March, or between July and September, when the climate is most favorable.

The Wax Palms* Guardians of Cocora Valley National Park

Located in the department of Quindío, the Cocora Valley is a natural paradise known for being home to the world’s tallest palm trees: the Quindío wax palms. These majestic trees are also Colombia’s national tree, reaching heights of up to 65 metres. A hike through this valley will allow you to admire these giants, while discovering an impressive biodiversity, with a variety of exotic birds and endemic plants.

Discover Colombian Cocoa: A Gourmet Treasure Hidden in the Andes

Cultivated in the lush Andes and Amazon regions, cocoa farming in Colombia dates back centuries, long before the arrival of Spanish settlers. Today, this tradition continues, with sustainable, artisanal cultivation. The regions renowned for the quality of their cocoa are Arauca, Santander and Antioquia, where the rich climate and soil create the ideal conditions for producing exceptional beans. You’ll take part in high-quality cocoa processing workshops and tastings, from fruit to chocolate bar. This immersion will enable you to learn about the processes involved in producing cocoa.

Colombian cocoa: a product of excellence

It is increasingly recognized internationally for its organoleptic qualities. With complex aromas and floral and fruity notes.

Don’t forget that this tour is an integral part of an itinerary that takes in part of the Caribbean, with a visit to one of the country’s most beautiful heritage villages at the end, and a departure from the capital on the history of Santa Fe de Bogota.

Don’t forget to bring along some chocolate souvenirs to prolong the pleasure once you’re back home!

*Wax palms, or Ceroxylon quindiuense, from the Cocora region of Colombia, take their name from the waxy substance that coats their trunks. It was used to make candles, hence the name “wax palm”.

11 days / 9 nights

Day 1: Bogotá

• Arrival in Bogotá, Colombia.
• Private transfer from the airport to your hotel in “la Candelaria”, the city’s historic center.

Day 2: Bogotá

• Visit to the Gold Museum and Botero Museum, Bogotá’s two most famous museums.
• Visit La Candelaria: explore the historic district with its colorful streets, museums (such as the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum), and ancient churches.
• Climb Montserrate: Take the funicular or cable car to admire a panoramic view of the city from this highest point.

Day 3: Bogotá

• Visit La Candelaria: Explore the historic district with its colorful streets and museums (morning).
• Plaza de Bolívar: Discover the central square surrounded by historic buildings such as the Primada Cathedral and the Palace of Justice (morning).
• Gastronomic tour: discover all the country’s specialties with our gastronomic guide (afternoon).

Day 4: Bogotá to Villa de Leyva

• En route, you’ll stop in Zipaquira to visit the famous Salt Cathedral.
• Once at your destination, check into your charming hotel.

Day 5: Villa de Leyva

• Visit the splendid colonial village of Villa de Leyva and its museums with your English-speaking guide (museums -Acuna, Nariño…).
• Then visit places of interest around Villa de Leyva: the Terracota house (the largest pottery in the world!), paleontological museum (dinosaurs), Santo Ecce Homo convent, Infiernito (pre-Columbian archaeological site).

Day 6: Villa de Leyva to Barichara

• Departure by private transport (4h) for Barichara, considered one of the prettiest villages in the country.
• Overnight in Barichara in your guesthouse.

Day 7: Barichara

• Morning walk along the famous ‘camino real de Guane’ (1h30 walk) with a local English-speaking guide. Arrival in Guane and historical explanation of the village, visit to the museum or church if you wish.
• In the afternoon, with your guide, visit the fique handicraft workshop and the escuela-taller.

Day 8: Barichara to Pereira

• Morning departure from Barichara via the Chicamocha canyon, one of the largest in the world, where you’ll stop to enjoy the view.
• Transport to Bucaramanga airport (2 hrs.) for the coffee region.
• Bucaramanga to Salento via Medellin
• Private transport from Manizales airport to the charming village of Salento. Overnight in Salento or in a traditional finca.

Day 9: Salento

• Morning private tour around the coffee plantations, learning harvesting and production techniques… by the cup.
• In the afternoon, transport to the famous Cocora Valley to see the world’s tallest wax palms.

Day 9: Salento to Filandia

• Filandia, you’ll visit this charming village typical of the more atypical coffee region.
• After lunch, head for Armenia, another town in the coffee triangle.

Day 10: Armenia

• Visit the town of Armenia: Explore this other town in the coffee region, known for its museums like the Museo del Quindío and its parks.
• Coffee Park: Spend the day in this theme park dedicated to coffee culture, with attractions, shows and botanical gardens.

Day 11: Return to Bogotá

• Return flight to Bogotá: A final breakfast before heading to the airport for a flight back to Bogotá to conclude your tour and then return to Paris.

Additional options :

• Visit Pereira: Another town in the coffee region with hot springs and botanical gardens.
• Excursion to Los Nevados National Park: If you have time, explore the snow-capped volcanoes and Andean landscapes of this national park.

This tour will allow you to discover not only the vibrant Colombian capital, but also the rich culture and breathtaking landscapes of the coffee region, famous for its plantations and picturesque villages.

FROM €1,990 INCL. TAX PER PERSON*

What’s included:

• Private transport to visits, hotels and airports
• Domestic flights – English-speaking guides
• Hotel accommodation (with breakfast) in medium category (3*)
• Activities and entrance fees to sites on the program
• 24-hour assistance

Not included :

• International flights
• Transportation not included in the program
• Guides during your free days
• All meals to leave the choice of restaurants up to you
• Souvenirs, tips
• Cancellation/repatriation insurance

*Average price based on a group of 4 people. These prices are indicative only and may vary according to season and demand. Lunches and dinners can be included on request. The exact price of our tours is shown on our quotations. Itineraries and activities are completely modifiable according to your criteria and wishes.