Colombia Coffee Adventure with RoasterKat

Let's raise a glass together to an exciting trip ahead during your welcome dinner! Tonight's gathering will take place in the Hotel Restaurant. The evening promises a delightful 3-course set menu, offering a taste of the most authentic Colombian flavors. Please note that one soft drink is included. Additional beverages and food can be purchased at the venue.

Overnight in Armenia.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, you'll board the vehicle for a 60-minute private transfer to Salento Town. Upon arrival, you'll switch to a Jeep Willys for an additional 15-minute journey. Please keep in mind that each Jeep can accommodate a maximum of 8 travelers. The Jeep transfer will take you through rocky paths, promising a thrilling and enjoyable ride.

Upon arrival at Cocora Valley, you will leave the Jeep behind and be greeted by the breathtaking expanse of verdant landscapes and towering wax palm trees. A brief stop at the park entrance allows for a visit to the restrooms, ensuring comfort for the journey ahead. Embarking on the soft hiking activity, the path meanders gently through the valley, offering a tranquil and immersive experience amidst nature's splendor. Lush greenery envelops the trail, while the majestic wax palm trees stand tall, casting their elongated shadows across the verdant terrain. Along the way, multiple viewpoints emerge, each offering panoramic vistas of the valley's undulating hills and mist-covered mountains in the distance. The hike itself is easy-going, allowing travelers to leisurely explore the wonders of Cocora Valley. With approximately 2 hours allotted for the excursion, there's ample time to wander at a comfortable pace, soak in the serenity of the surroundings, and revel in the natural beauty that Cocora Valley so generously bestows. Once the hike concludes, you will hop back into the Jeeps to return to Salento town in a brief 20-minute transfer. Duration: 2 hours | Difficulty: Easy | Length: 6 miles | Elevation change: 2700 ft

After your exploration of Cocora Valley, you will return to Salento by Jeeps and relax in a cozy restaurant located near the main square. Here, you will indulge in the traditional flavors of Colombia, with the highlight being the delectable trout dish. Lunch will consist of a main dish and a soft drink; any additional food or beverages should be purchased at your own expense. Following lunch, the adventure continues with a visit to a Tejo game.

After lunch, accompany your expert guide on a walking tour of Salento town. Starting directly from the restaurant, you'll stroll through the heart of Salento, covering approximately 0.5 miles on foot. The highlight of the tour will be a visit to a Tejo Game, a favorite gathering spot for locals to engage in this traditional Colombian pastime. Playing a tejo match is an immersive experience, steeped in Colombian culture, amidst a humble yet lively atmosphere filled with traditional music and the enjoyment of local beers. Your local guide will provide a brief tutorial on how to play the game, and you'll be divided into teams to compete. The activity lasts about an hour, during which you'll also receive one complimentary local beer. After the tejo game concludes, you'll have the opportunity to visit a local coffee shop to round off the day with a delicious cup of coffee. During your time at the coffee shop, your guide will provide insights into the various coffee varieties typical to the region, offering the chance to taste a selection of these brews. Please note that the visit includes one coffee cup, and any additional beverages can be purchased separately.

After concluding the exploration of Salento Town, you will board a private transfer back to your hotel, enjoying a brief 60-minute journey and arriving in the late afternoon.

Overnight in Armenia.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Your adventure begins with a scenic 45-minute ride from your hotel, bringing you to the welcoming embrace of the coffee farm owners. Begin your journey by learning a bit about the history of the municipality of Calarcá, known as "The Chief's Village & Cradle of Poets," highlighting its architecture with grand typical houses, a market square, and paintings by local artists on its main streets. The tour will continue from this point in a Jeep Willys, appreciating the coffee landscape, fruit trees, birds, and flowers that inhabit our land, as well as the way in which the residents of the area live their day-to-day lives. Learn firsthand about a family that, after being victims of the armed conflict in Colombia, found a second chance at life through coffee. You will be welcomed with the warmth and kindness of this family, who will share their knowledge about the coffee production process, from seed selection, through harvesting, pulping, washing, drying, a nose workshop, culminating in roasting the beans. But you won't leave without first savoring the delicious typical lunch prepared by "Mom" and a cup of their coffee. You will return to the town in a Jeep Willys to take the vehicle that will bring you back to your accommodation. Led by a knowledgeable coffee expert, you'll stroll through the lush coffee fields, learning all about Colombian coffee along the way. Then, it's time to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at picking coffee beans. Afterward, you'll witness the process of drying, roasting, and grinding the beans. Once you've explored the farm, enjoy a delightful tasting session with at least three different coffee varieties. Following the tasting, savor a hearty homemade lunch at the farm's restaurant. Before heading back to the hotel, take a moment to visit the farm shop for some freshly roasted coffee and souvenirs. Remember to bring cash! Restrooms are available at the restaurant, ensuring your comfort throughout the visit. Your return transfer is scheduled for the early afternoon, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the rest of your day.

During your visit to the coffee farm, you'll enjoy a lunch at the farm restaurant. The lunch consists of one main dish and a soft drink. Any extra food or beverages can be purchased separately at your own expense.

Overnight in Armenia.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors of Colombia with a Colombian cooking class, conveniently hosted right at your hotel, just steps away from your room. The cooking class offers a cozy setup with a dedicated table and station for each traveler. And if it's a sunny day, we'll move our class to the peaceful garden for an extra relaxing experience. Guided by a professional chef, you'll roll up your sleeves and dive into the heart of Colombian cuisine as you learn to prepare a traditional Colombian dish. From the aromatic Chicken Sudado to the hearty Sancocho or the flavorful Ajiaco, our chef will lead you through every step with expert guidance and enthusiasm. Once your culinary masterpiece is complete, it's time to savor the fruits of your labor. Sit down to enjoy your creations accompanied by rice, salad, a delectable dessert, and a glass of wine, all while basking in the satisfaction of a truly authentic Colombian dining experience. The final menu will be determined 30 days before the trip starts according to the food restrictions of the group.

The cooking class includes lunch, where you'll get to savor your own creations. Lunch consists of one main dish, served with rice, salad, a dessert, and a glass of wine.

Each coffee region of Colombia is different, and every coffee farm has its own charm. Today you'll get to experience another specialty coffee farm further south. A short 45-minute transfer will bring you to a local coffee farm nestled amidst lush vegetation and coffee plants. Led by a member of the family at Café de Altura, you will tour the entire process of the coffee production chain. Starting with the seed, you will observe different types of varietals, learn about the history of the bean, walk through a coffee farm, go through the “beneficio” of coffee to finish roasting the beans that will be prepared for you to enjoy. During our excursion you will get to know the biodiversity of the area, since the crop is surrounded by different types of trees, fruit trees, plants and flowers.

Overnight in Armenia.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

After breakfast, check out of the hotel and pack your luggage. Then, hop into the vehicle for a 5 to 6-hour private transfer to the vibrant city of Medellin. Please be aware that we've planned a halfway stop for restroom breaks and shopping. You'll reach your hotel around noon, with some free time for lunch at your leisure.

Embark on an immersive walking tour of Commune 13, a vibrant neighborhood nestled in the hills of Medellin. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, you will experience the transformation of this area firsthand, traversing the city like true locals. You'll depart on foot from your hotel and walk for 0.3 miles to reach the metro station. From there, you'll take a 25-minute metro ride. Upon exiting the metro, you'll promptly board a public bus for a 20-minute journey to Comuna 13. Don't worry, your guide will assist you every step of the way to ensure you feel comfortable during the public transfers. As you step into Commune 13, you'll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors splashed across the walls, immersing in the neighborhood's rich artistic culture. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Commune 13 was infamous for its reputation as one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Colombia. However, in recent years, it has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis. Today, Commune 13 is renowned for its vibrant street art, bustling marketplaces, and welcoming community spirit. Your journey through Commune 13 will last approximately two hours, during which you'll have the opportunity to explore the neighborhood on foot, soaking in the striking murals and graffiti that adorn the walls. Your guide will provide fascinating insights into the significance of these artworks, shedding light on the stories and messages they convey. As you meander through the narrow alleys and staircases of Commune 13, you'll have the chance to interact with locals, gaining a deeper understanding of their daily lives and the challenges they've overcome. The resilience and creativity of the community are palpable, serving as a testament to the transformative power of art and unity. While Commune 13's past may be intertwined with the legacy of Pablo Escobar and the violence that plagued Medellin during his reign, today, the neighborhood is focused on a brighter future. The emergence of new infrastructure, including a cable car system and outdoor escalators, has facilitated greater accessibility and improved quality of life for residents. As the tour concludes, you'll depart Commune 13 with a newfound appreciation for its rich cultural heritage and the remarkable journey of transformation it has undergone. The return journey follows the same route in reverse, starting with the bus and concluding with the metro ride.

Overnight in Medellin.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Viaggio Hotel provides a buffet breakfast featuring a diverse selection, including hot dishes, freshly baked bread, a selection of cold cuts, delightful pastries, and fresh fruits. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.

Let's explore the specialty coffee culture in Medellín! Colombia has long been a major coffee producing country, but specialty consumption has really taken off in the last few years. We will experience Colombian specialty coffee culture in-country by visiting a few of the top spots in the city.

Later in the afternoon, a quick 10-minute transfer will take you to a local restaurant for your final dinner with fellow travelers. Enjoy a delightful 3-course set menu featuring traditional Colombian cuisine. Please note that a soft drink is included. Additional beverages can be purchased at the venue. Keep in mind that the menu is subject to change based on the confirmed restaurant.

Overnight in Medellin.

Breakfast is included at the hotel. Viaggio Hotel provides a buffet breakfast featuring a diverse selection, including hot dishes, freshly baked bread, a selection of cold cuts, delightful pastries, and fresh fruits. The exact breakfast offered will be determined by your finalized hotel.