Coffee tasting in Colombia's Coffee Triangle

Colombia’s Coffee Triangle (known locally as Eje Cafetero) is a region of remarkable ecological beauty, renowned for growing some of the world’s sweetest, most aromatic coffee beans. With nearly one third of Colombia’s coffee production happening in this triangle alone, these areas present some of the best coffee farms to visit in the world.

This is nature’s paradise, with all-around avocado-coloured scenery. The alluring national parks, which cover steep valleys at the western edge of the Andes Mountains, offer a multitude of hiking routes. Alongside this, the locals in the Coffee Triangle are some of the pleasantest people you will ever come across, welcoming you into their villages with open arms.

Read on to get to know more about this captivating UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why does Colombian Coffee taste so good?

The Coffee Triangle was established in the Paisa region simply for its ideal growing climate. The combination of consistent, warm temperatures, showers throughout the year, rich, volcanic soil, and dedicated farmers, results in premium coffee from bean to cup. The high altitudes – some farms reach over 1,500 metres above sea level – assist with maintaining a cool enough temperature to keep the plants on a steady course of growth.

The original success of the crops in Caldas, in terms of quantity and quality, led to cultivation spreading to the other two points of the triangle, Risaralda and Quinto. All three departments were producing the best Colombian beans by the early 20th century.

In 2011, UNESCO designated the coffee landscapes of Colombia a World Heritage Site, recognising them as a striking example of constant land use and the efforts of generations of families to farm in demanding geographical conditions. Coffee production remains central to the livelihoods, cultural identity, and legacy of the people who live here.

The people

The local farmers, known as the cafeteros, never fail to make an impression on visitors. Not only are they endlessly passionate about the beans they produce, but they also relish teaching visitors about how they do it.

In the mid-19th century, the Antioquian settlers started the adaptation process in the Caldas district. Since then, they have continued their characteristic way of life based on legacies passed down the generations. Here, small-scale farming and traditional landownership values are imperative to the community. Consequently, the farms are often hugely family orientated, with family members of all ages living on the farm and lending a hand.

The farmer’s primary concern is how their crop is performing, and the difficult, often steep terrain means that most of the farming is manual. This contributes to the success of the coffee beans, as they are often cherry-picked by hand; the farmer will find the ripest coffea plants for harvesting, while protecting the batches that are not yet ready.

The best coffee farms to visit in Colombia’s Coffee Region

Quindío

The most visited small town in Quindío is Salento. It is full of colour, traditional Colombian architecture, and excellent restaurants. It’s also one of the best places to go for a coffee farm tour in Colombia.

Salento is known for retaining much of its Spanish-colonial charm. The tricky access roads slowed the pace of development compared to the rest of the region. Consequently, the people of Salento enjoy a relaxed lifestyle.

The town is also renowned for its Willys Jeeps – known locally as Yipao. These US-army-surplus Jeeps were introduced to Colombia after the second world war. In the Coffee Triangle, they are used to carry large amounts of people, produce or livestock up the mountain roads, often working as a hop-on-hop-off taxi system for visitors.

One of the best times to visit Quindío is during the National Coffee Festival, which is always held in either June or July. You can expect to see a lively Yipao parade, and join the celebrations and coffee-themed pageantry.

The Cocora Valley is among the most beautiful places to visit in Quindío. There is a trail over the mountains, where you’ll pass through the coffee farms and arrive at a valley of the world’s tallest wax-palm trees, some soaring to heights of 60 metres. For a truly serene way to view the valley, consider a horse-riding excursion.

If you’re looking for a smaller, quieter town in Quindío, we recommend staying in Filandia. Here, amidst the village’s painted balconies, wall murals and magnificent church, you’ll feel utterly engrossed in Colombian life. We also suggest visiting the nearby Barbas-Bemen Nature Reserve to spot some howler monkeys or bird watch.

Overall, with its distinctive, biodiverse landscape, Quindío is the perfect base for the eco-mindful traveller. Enjoy coffee tasting with a dramatic backdrop.

Risaralda

Risaralda’s popular capital city of Pereira has one of the best coffee farm tours in the Coffee Triangle: Don Manalo. This farm has been producing premium coffee at high altitudes for over 35 years. Its farmers will show you the various traditional and modern techniques of the production process. Don Manalo is surrounded by incredible views of Pereira’s coffee bushes and forested landscapes. You will leave the farm with extensive knowledge on the entire background of your morning coffee.

Caldas

One of the best coffee farms in Caldas is Hacienda Venecia. A rarity in the Coffee Triangle, it offers you the chance to stay on a working coffee farm, residing in one of the on-site guesthouses. The surrounding landscapes of this farm are truly magnificent, with nearby hot springs and a multitude of Colombia’s native trees. Whilst visiting, you will be immersed in the background of Colombian coffee bean production. You can also go hiking and bird watching in Los Nevados National Natural Park.

When staying in Caldas, it is worth going on a tour of the capital, Manizales, commonly known as ‘The City of Open Doors’. Manizales is blessed with spectacular sunsets as well as a wealth of historical architecture, such as the city’s grand, gothic basilica. End your visit on a high by riding the city’s cable-car system, which delivers breathtaking bird’s-eye views of Manizales and its surrounds.

Interested in exploring Colombia’s Coffee Triangle? Consider our Treasures of Colombia group tour.

Alternatively, if you are interested in private travel, call one of our travel specialists directly, or complete the online enquiry form and we will get back to you.