Coffee farms and coffee experiences in Colombia's Coffee Region
Colombian coffee has a protected designation of origin, and the Coffee Cultural Landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visiting a coffee farm is the essential Coffee Region experience: you see the work behind every cup and learn how to enjoy it.
Updated: · Espontáneos Travel
Visiting a coffee farm
On a traditional farm, led by your hosts, you follow coffee from seed to cup and finish with a cupping and different brewing methods.
It takes about 4 hours, with departures at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and includes transport from your hotel. It suits all ages, from 4 to 80.
Learning to taste specialty coffee
In a guided cupping you learn to recognise the citrus, chocolate or spicy notes of specialty coffee, the product that made the region famous worldwide. It takes about 2 hours and can be done at your hotel.
A tip: taste it without sugar, avoid strong perfumes and don't brush your teeth just before; you will pick up the aromas better.
Living coffee like a grower: RECUCA
On the Coffee Culture Tour (RECUCA) you dress as a coffee picker and go through the whole cycle: you pick, pulp, dry, hull, roast and grind. Tours leave every half hour from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Parque del Café, for families
The Coffee Region's best-known theme park tells the story of coffee culture with shows, the coffee trail, a funicular, a cable car and rides. It is a full-day outing, ideal for families and groups.
Coffee in the city
In Armenia, the cuyabro art city tour takes in murals, graffiti and barranquismo, a sculpting technique born in the region, and ends with a tasting of single-origin coffees.
When to go
Coffee farms can be visited all year. The main harvest runs roughly from October to December, and there is a smaller harvest, the mitaca, between April and June, depending on the farm and altitude: during those weeks you will see the pickers in the coffee fields.
FAQ
How long does a coffee farm visit take?
About 4 hours, with departures at 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. It includes transport from your hotel, the cupping and a coffee tasting.
Can children come?
Yes. The farm visit suits ages 4 to 80, and RECUCA and Parque del Café are designed for families. The specialty coffee cupping is for adults aged 18 and over.
When is the coffee harvest?
The main harvest runs roughly from October to December and the mitaca, a smaller one, between April and June, depending on the farm and altitude.
What should I wear for the visit?
Comfortable closed-toe shoes, a hat or cap, sunscreen and insect repellent. Avoid perfume and scented creams, as they affect the cupping.
