Top 5 Colombian Coffee Farms That You Can Actually Visit
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Time to read 9 min
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Time to read 9 min
This journey isn't just about the destinations; it's about the stories they tell and the awe they inspire.
Colombia is often associated with Coffee and thousands of coffee farms in the middle of the mountains. But not everybody knows that hundreds of these can be visited. While it’s hard to calculate an exact number, it is estimated that over 500 coffee farms in Colombia are open for tourism, offering various experiences such as guided tours, coffee tastings, eco-friendly stays, and adventure activities like hiking or even horseback riding.
Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a coffee lover, or a cultural explorer, these farms provide a perfect balance of education, relaxation, and outdoor activities. Here are the Top 5 Colombian coffee farms you should visit this year, with insights into the region and the town, what makes each coffee farm special, and an extra pro tip to make your visit even more amazing.
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Located in the well-renowned Coffee Triangle, Finca El Ocaso is set just outside the tourists' beloved town of Salento, known for its colorful building architecture and amazing surroundings. This area is perfect for travelers seeking a traditional Colombian town experience in the heart of one of the world’s most famous coffee-growing regions. The climate in this region is mild all year round, so this option is the best for those who value good weather and authentic coffee farm tour.
Salento is a small town that represents a paisa culture. Paisa refers to the Colombian people living in the Coffee Triangle region also known as Eje Cafetero in Colombia. The town itself is quite small, providing an even more authentic feel. As a paisa town, Salento offers visitors a taste of traditional Colombian life, with small and cute streets, artisan coffee shops, and a laid-back atmosphere.
Coffee farm offers an authentic, hands-on tour of the entire coffee-making process, from planting beans to brewing a fresh cup of coffee. This coffee farm has a natural landscape with rolling hills and green coffee fields, giving a breathtaking retreat. Explorers value this finca for its location, in one of the most beautiful places in the hall of Colombia.
After your coffee tour, take a hike through the nearby Cocora Valley to see Colombia’s national tree, the towering wax palm. The hike offers spectacular views and is a perfect way to enjoy Colombia‘s natural beauty which Coffee Triangle‘s region is known for.
This Colombian coffee farm is established in the Sierra Nevada mountains, Finca La Victoria is just outside the small, eco-friendly town of Minca. The cool mountain climate and proximity to the Caribbean coast make this area one of Colombia’s most biodiverse regions.
This small town called Minca, has a population of only 800 people, and is known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and cooler mountain climate. It‘s established in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, near Colombia’s Caribbean coast. As Santa Marta is a popular beach city, visiting Minca is a great day trip option for beach lovers.
Coffee farm La Victoria, is one of Colombia’s oldest, uses original 19th-century hydro-powered machinery to process coffee. It combines old-world charm with a commitment to sustainability and organic farming. The nature around it has dense forests and rivers, making the farm feel like a remote gem for nature lovers.
Combine your visit with a hike to nearby waterfalls or a birdwatching tour. Minca is known for its rich wildlife, and Finca La Victoria is an ideal spot for blending coffee farm education with nature exploration.
Finca Santa Isabel is located in the hills near Medellín, making it an easy day trip from the vibrant city. The Antioquia region is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from urban centers to more rural, coffee-growing areas, full of unique coffee farms.
Medellin is known as the “City of Eternal Spring” due to its pleasant year-round climate and is one of Colombia’s most vibrant and innovative cities. The city is known to be Paisa‘s cultural capital. Once it was the hometown of Pablo Escobar and the most dangerous city in the world, and now the city has reinvented itself and people are flocking to it from all around Colombia and the world. Due to local innovations, in 2013, Medellin was named the “Innovative City of the Year” by the Wall Street Journal and the Urban Land Institute.
This family-run coffee farm provides an intimate look at how coffee is grown, harvested, and processed. Its proximity to Medellin allows visitors to experience coffee culture without straying too far from city comforts, making it an accessible option for urban travelers.
Plan a visit to Comuna 13, once Medellin’s most dangerous neighborhood, now transformed into a vibrant hub of street art and culture. Once plagued by violence, it’s now a symbol of innovation, known for its colorful murals and community projects. The installation of outdoor escalators helped revitalize the area, making it easier to explore its steep hills. Visitors flock to Comuna 13 to experience its powerful art, learn its history, and witness the neighborhood’s inspiring transformation.
Just an hour from Bogotá, the coffee farm Finca La Palma y El Tucán is located in the highlands of Cundinamarca. This coffee farm’s proximity to the capital makes it a great option for travelers who want to experience coffee culture without venturing too far from its conveniences.
The highlands of Cundinamarca, located near Bogotá, are known for their rich terrains, cooler climate, and fertile volcanic soil. The Andean mountain range, this region provides ideal conditions for growing specialty coffee, with altitudes ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 meters above sea level. From the high points you can see dynamic hills dotted with vibrant green coffee farms, and the area is also rich in biodiversity.
Bogotá is a vibrant capital of Colombia and sits high in the Andes mountains at an altitude of 2,640 meters (8,660 feet). The city is Colombia‘s economic hub but still has a rich history to offer. Bogota has a cool climate and bustling energy making it a dynamic hub for travelers seeking culture, gastronomy tours, or even business opportunities.
This coffee farm is famous for its innovative approach to coffee production, using unique fermentation techniques and sustainable farming practices. Their specialty coffees have won international recognition, and the tours of the coffee farm focus on these experimental processes, making it a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts.
La Palma y El Tucán coffee farm produces coffee Heroes Series Gesha which is Colombia's rarest and most recognized specialty coffee. This micro-lot coffee farm yields only 700 to 1,400 kilograms (1,543 to 3,086 pounds) annually. Known for its refined floral aromas, vibrant acidity, and complex fruit flavors, the Heroes Series Geisha showcases detailed craftsmanship and innovative processing techniques of the coffee farmers, making it a unique awards-winning coffee.
Stay overnight in their eco-friendly accommodations to enjoy a more immersive experience. The peaceful surroundings are perfect for resting after a day of exploring the coffee fields. Within the coffee farm's territory, there are many houses built for accommodation and it almost seems that a hall community lives surrounded by impressive nature. Tourism and guided tours are an integral part of the coffee farm's daily life.
Manizales is a vibrant city located in the Andean mountains of Colombia, known for its rich coffee culture and stunning natural beauty, so no wonder there are so many great coffee farms near the city. Manizales is well-loved for its warm, welcoming paisa atmosphere, with attractions such as the Nevado del Ruiz volcano and the Manizales Cathedral, one of the tallest churches in Latin America. The city also boasts a lively cultural scene, with numerous festivals, theaters, and universities, making it a dynamic destination for travelers exploring more than Colombia’s coffee farm culture.
Coffee farm Hacienda Venecia offers a variety of tours and activities for every type of traveler. Starting from learning about the technical aspects of coffee processing to enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains, this finca has something for everyone. In addition to coffee tours, the coffee farm offers activities like hiking and horseback riding, making it a great option for the adventure-seeking type of tourists.
It's recommended to spend a day or two here to take full advantage of all the activities on offer. At coffee farm Hacienda Venecia, visitors can explore the stunning coffee landscapes on horseback, making it a perfect option for those looking to combine outdoor adventure with a coffee farm experience. The guided horseback riding tours take you through the coffee farm's fields, forests, and surrounding countryside, offering beautiful views of the Andean mountains and a better look at the coffee farm's cultural experience.
Knowing the best time to visit Colombia's coffee farms might make or break your experience. The country’s diverse climates mean that regions like the cool Andean highlands and the warm coastlines have different weather patterns. Making a plan ensures that you avoid extreme weather, access coffee farm attractions easily, and experience local festivals.
Since, Colombia has a lot of different microclimates within different regions, valleys, and even Colombian coffee farms, the best advice depends on individual cases. For our top picks, please check our customized graphic chart:
Each of these farms offers a unique peek into Colombia’s regional coffee culture, from traditional methods and historical machinery to innovative, organic practices. Whether you’re looking for a quick coffee tour or exploring nature on a deeper level, our 5 coffee farms will provide you a unique experience. Colombia offers far more than the typical tourist experiences we’re all used to!
A finca is a rural property or estate in Spanish-speaking countries, often used for agricultural purposes like farming or ranching. The term typically refers to a plot of land, which may include a farmhouse or other buildings, and is commonly associated with crops such as coffee, olives, or grapes. In countries like Spain and Colombia, fincas are highly valued for both farming and eco-tourism.
One of the most famous coffee farms in Colombia is Finca La Palma y El Tucán . Renowned for its innovative practices and high-quality coffee, it has gained international acclaim for its unique processing methods and exceptional coffee flavors.
For a unique coffee culture experience in a smaller town, Salento stands out. Located in the Quindío department, Salento is a picturesque village known for its charming streets and vibrant coffee culture. It's a gateway to the Coffee Triangle and Paisa culture, the home to many authentic coffee farms.