Coffee in the taste buds… and the planet ?

Colombia: a journey into the heart of coffee country

Colombia is not just a South American country with spectacular landscapes. It is also the world’s third-largest coffee producer, and a destination where this culture is everywhere: in villages, plantations, markets, and conversations. It is an ideal trip for those who want to combine human discovery with immersion in unique craftsmanship.

The coffee region: Colombia’s green heart

In the center-west of the country, the coffee region brings together three neighboring departments: Quindío, Caldas, and Risaralda. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 for its lush landscapes and traditional coffee, banana, and sugarcane plantations, this is where most of Colombia’s production is concentrated. And above all, this is where the journey truly comes into its own.

Quindío: welcoming villages and dramatic valleys

Filandia, Salento, the Cocora Valley with its wax palms reaching up to the sky... Quindío is a succession of charming small villages and breathtaking landscapes. Visit family-run plantations, talk with producers who grow their coffee with respect for the environment, and discover the El Jardín Botánico del Quindío botanical garden in Armenia, for a deep dive into the region's origins and biodiversity.

Caldas: Manizales and its fincas

Manizales is one of Colombia’s most dynamic cities, driven by a vibrant cultural and artistic life. In the surrounding area, the fincas, the region’s typical plantations, welcome visitors for guided tours and tastings. Hacienda Guayabal is one of the best known: follow the coffee bean from harvest to cup, with all the care local producers put into every stage of the process.

Risaralda: the ideal gateway

Located in the heart of Colombia’s Golden Triangle, Risaralda is an excellent starting point or ending point for this itinerary. The village of Marsella is well worth a stop: its Alejandro Humboldt botanical garden and house of culture offer one last gentle immersion before hitting the road again.