If you are a lover of coffee, you definitely know that Colombia is one of the largest producers with 500,000-plus growers and the unique benefit of two (main and fly) harvests per year. There are lots of coffee farms which provide intresting tours like Valle De Cocora, Salento, Pereira, Jardin, Quindio, Santa Rosa de Caba, Calarca, and more. During a tour, you can see coffee plants and smell different types of coffee samples. Also, you can see how the harvest of coffee beans takes place.
Valle De Cocora tours are great and very educational, even if you aren't a coffee snob. It is famous for its views and the national Colombian wax palm tree. While exploring coffee farms, you can enjoy the beauty of nature and try traditional dishes like bandeja paisa and mazamorra. You can also go horseback riding or hiking to enjoy the surrounding flora and fauna.
Practical info
What is the best time of year to visit Colombia for coffee tours?
Colombia offers coffee tours all year round, but the best times to visit are from March to June and from September to October when the two peak harvest seasons occur. However, non-peak months can be visited to avoid crowds; however, some farms may not be producing coffee during this season. It's worth noting that the weather in Colombia can be unpredictable, and it's best to check before deciding to take a coffee tour. Show more
Which are the best coffee farms for educational tours in Colombia?
Various Colombian coffee farms offer educational tours, and some of the best-known ones include Valle De Cocora, Salento, Pereira, Jardin, Quindio, Santa Rosa de Caba, and Calarca. Valle de Cocora is famous for its view, while Jardin is recommended for its unique, pink-colored architecture. Meanwhile, Salento and Pereira offer comprehensive coffee tours, which include a demonstration of how coffee beans are roasted and ground. Show more
What is unique about the coffee growing in Colombia?
Colombian coffee is known for its pleasing flavor profile that boasts balanced acidity, fruity notes, and caramel tones. To retain such profiles, coffee farmers use the thermal shock technique to preserve the coffee's aroma and quality. Furthermore, coffee crops are grown on steep slopes necessitating the beans to be handpicked, a selective and slow harvesting process that results in higher-quality coffee beans. This unique flavor profile and the regional differences make Colombian coffee comparable to wine. Show more
What other activities can I enjoy in addition to the coffee tours?
While coffee farms exist throughout Colombia and offer numerous tours, visitors can complement their experience with outdoor activities such as hiking and horseback riding. Based on your location, you could also catch a glimpse of the national Colombian wax palm tree, which is the country's national tree and grows as high as 60 meters. If you're a foodie, tasting native dishes like bandeja paisa and mazamorra to savor the local flavor is strongly recommended. Also, you can visit historic towns like Salento and Pereira. Show more
What traditional dishes should I try while exploring coffee farms in Colombia?
While in Colombia's coffee-farming region, various traditional dishes, including Bandeja paisa, mazamorra, and empanadas, are worth eating. Bandeja paisa is a classic Colombian breakfast that is bursting with flavors and has rice, beans, fried eggs, and sausage. Mazamorra is a maize pudding that typically has fruit and milk as its ingredients. Empanadas are fried dough pockets stuffed with anything from meats to cheese or vegetables. Among the beverages that one must try while on the tour is tinto, a black coffee that's served without milk or cream. Show more
