Join us on this exploratory tour to Colombia's coffee region. Visit local coffee plantations, wander through the streets of beautiful colonial towns, and photograph stunning landscapes
This trip is available for just 2 guests. The main, longer tour, based on the results of this exploratory tour will happen in 2025/2026
Our journey to Colombia’s Coffee Region takes us through lush, verdant hills where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. As we explore the landscapes, we’re surrounded by endless rows of coffee plants, their bright red cherries ripening under the warm Andean sun. The region, known as the “Eje Cafetero,” stretches across the departments of Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda, each offering its own unique charm.
We visit traditional fincas, where generations of coffee farmers share their deep knowledge and passion for cultivating some of the world’s finest beans. Walking through these plantations, we learn about the meticulous process from seed to cup, appreciating the hard work behind every sip of coffee we enjoy.
Beyond the coffee fields, we discover quaint towns with colorful colonial architecture, like Jardín and Manizales, where life moves at a slower pace. We find ourselves drawn to the warmth and hospitality of the locals, who welcome us with open arms and a steaming cup of tinto. As we take in the stunning vistas of rolling hills and cloud-covered mountains, we feel connected to this land, where coffee is more than a crop—it’s a way of life.
Day 1: September 17, 2024—Arrival in Medellín
Check-in and unwind after your flight.
O/N Medellín
Day 2: September 18, 2024—Cultural Exploration in Medellín
We start the morning by exploring Comuna 13. Once notorious for violence, Comuna 13 has been transformed into a symbol of resilience and community. Known for its vibrant street art and social initiatives, it offers guided tours showcasing its cultural rebirth. The neighborhood now promotes hope, art, and a spirit of renewal, attracting visitors worldwide.
This afternoon we will visit 2 neighborhoods (time permitting), Manrique and Constelaciones.
Manrique, a vibrant neighborhood in Medellín, is known for its rich cultural heritage and lively atmosphere. Located in the northeastern part of the city, it blends historical charm with modern urban life. Manrique is famous for its bustling markets, where locals gather to sell fresh produce, crafts, and street food, creating a sensory delight for us as visitors. The neighborhood is also home to several iconic landmarks, such as the Parque de Manrique and the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, which showcase colonial architecture.
Constelaciones, a unique cultural space in Medellín, Colombia, dedicated to fostering creativity and community engagement. Located in the Comuna 1 area, it serves as a hub for artistic expression, offering workshops, exhibitions, and performances that celebrate local talent and heritage. The center hosts a diverse range of events, from music concerts to visual arts showcases, promoting cultural exchange and dialogue. Constelaciones is renowned for its inclusive approach, welcoming artists and audiences from all backgrounds to participate in its vibrant cultural scene. It plays a vital role in Medellín's cultural renaissance, embodying the city's transformation into a dynamic cultural capital.
O/N Medellin
Day 3: September 19, 2024—Medellín | Jardín
Depart by car to Jardín. Renowned for its picturesque landscapes and fertile soils, plays a crucial role in coffee production. Situated in the coffee-growing region of Antioquia, Jardín's coffee farms benefit from ideal climate conditions and high altitudes, yielding high-quality Arabica beans. Local farmers employ traditional methods, hand-picking ripe coffee cherries and processing them meticulously. The town's coffee culture is rich, with many farms offering tours where visitors can learn about cultivation, harvesting, and the intricate art of coffee roasting. Jardín's commitment to sustainable farming practices ensures that its coffee continues to be celebrated globally for its exceptional flavor and quality.
This afternoon, we tour a local coffee farm to learn about the intricate process of coffee production.
O/N Jardín
Day 4: September 20, 2024—Jardín
After breakfast we visit the Esplendor Cave. The cave features a breathtaking waterfall cascading into a limestone cavern. Accessible via scenic trails, it offers visitors a natural oasis for swimming and exploration amidst lush surroundings, making it a must-see for adventurers and nature lovers in Colombia.
In the afternoon we visit a second coffee farm to further explore the region's coffee heritage.
O/N Jardín
Day 5: September 21, 2024—Jardín | Salamina
We journey to Salamina to explore this historically rich town. Nestled in the mountains, Salamina is a beautifully preserved colonial gem with traditional architecture and a rich coffee heritage. As a UNESCO World Heritage candidate, Salamina is a dream for photographers, with its vibrant houses, cobblestone streets, and historic churches. The town's economy flourishes through coffee production, with local farms cultivating high-quality beans in the lush landscape. Salamina also boasts a lively cultural scene, where festivals celebrate music, dance, and traditional crafts.
O/N Salamina
Day 6: September 22, 2024—Salamina | San Felix Valley & La Samaria
The San Félix Valley is a scenic area located near the town of Salamina. This valley is particularly famous for its towering wax palms (Ceroxylon quindiuense), which are the national tree of Colombia and the tallest palm trees in the world. The valley offers breathtaking landscapes with lush green hillsides dotted with these majestic palms, creating a surreal and beautiful environment.
The San Félix Valley is often compared to the more famous Cocora Valley, but it is less touristy and more remote, providing a quieter and more serene experience. The area is popular among nature lovers, hikers, and photographers who are drawn to its dramatic scenery and unique flora.
In addition to its natural beauty, the region is known for its coffee plantations and traditional rural lifestyle.
La Samaria is our coffee farm and ecotourism destination near the town of Salamina. They are known for their sustainable farming practices and commitment to preserving the environment while producing high-quality coffee. When we visit La Samaria, we will experience the coffee cultivation process firsthand, from planting and harvesting to processing and roasting. The farm offers a tour where we will learn about traditional coffee production methods and enjoy the picturesque surroundings of the Colombian countryside.
O/N Salamina
Day 7: September 23, 2024—Salamina | Manizales
We embark on a scenic drive to Manizales, making stops at charming small towns en-route. Manizales, Colombia, situated in the heart of the coffee region, is renowned for its stunning mountainous landscapes, vibrant cultural scene, and rich coffee heritage. The city's architecture reflects its seismic history, with many buildings designed to withstand earthquakes. Manizales hosts numerous festivals celebrating music, dance, and traditional crafts, attracting visitors from around the world.
Hacienda Venecia is a renowned coffee farm and factory located near Manizales, Colombia. It is celebrated for its picturesque setting amidst the lush coffee-growing region of Caldas. The hacienda offers tours where we will explore the entire coffee production process, from planting and harvesting to processing and roasting.
O/N Hacienda Venecia
Day 8: September 24, 2024—Manizales | Pereira
Visit La Romelia orchid garden in the morning. The garden, located near Pereira in Colombia’s coffee region, is a private nature reserve renowned for its extensive collection of native orchids. Home to hundreds of species, including rare and endangered varieties, the garden is dedicated to conservation and the study of orchids. We will take a guided tours through the lush Andean landscapes, learning about the diverse flora and fauna while immersing ourselves in the tranquil beauty of the area.
La Romelia is a prime destination for botanists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts exploring Colombia's rich biodiversity in the heart of the Eje Cafetero.
O/N Pereira
Day 9: September 25, 2024—International Departure
We wrap up our exploratory trip and head to the airport at Pereira for our flight back to Medellín, and then on home. The flight from Pereira to Medellín typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes.
