7 Places to Visit in the Coffee Region of Colombia

May 17, 2021
4 min read

During an internship in Colombia, I traveled to the Eje Cafetero, the coffee region in Colombia. Most likely your morning cup of coffee is grown there. During this trip, I was surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, learned about the origin and production of the famous Colombian coffee as well horse packed through one of Colombia’s national treasures. Here are 7 places you have to visit when you go to the coffee region.

1. Recuca

Recuca is a tour that takes you back in time to learn about the history of the coffee region, the lifestyle of the coffee farmers, and explains everything about coffee in an informative yet entertaining way. You get to wear traditional outfits worn (and sometimes still worn today) by the coffee farmers. They have display of the famous Willys Jeeps loaded with everything you can find inside a regular house and it makes you wonder how they never topple over. And like almost anything Colombian they incorporate music and dance as well as skits into their presentations that anyone of any age can enjoy. The majority of the group I went with did not understand Spanish yet they had a fun experience as the presenters were dedicated to making sure no one felt left out. I highly recommend getting the package that comes with lunch because you will get hungry and this is a great opportunity to have an authentic Colombian meal. The area where we had our lunch had traditional decorations that made you feel as if your meal was cooked by your Colombian great-grandmother. You will be entertained, more knowledgeable about coffee, and with plenty of energy from all the caffeine you will drink.

2. Valle de Cocora

I was most looking forward to the day we would go to la Valle de Cocora. In a nature documentary I watched (Colombia Magia Salvaje) there was a segment about la Palma de Cera or the palm wax trees and I was in awe of how beautiful and giant these thin trees were. La Palma de Cera is Colombia’s national tree but sadly it is also on the verge of extinction. Those who work and live around them take great pride and also work hard to preserve the national tree. You can read more about it here. In efforts to bring more ecotourism to the area, they allow visitors to horseback through the mountainous region and be surrounded by these giants. You go through an hour-long horseback ride through the mountain crossing creeks and breathing in the fresh air. The horses go at their own pace no matter how hard you try (at least mine did) and you are far apart from one another making it difficult to hold a conversation. You are left surrounded by the sounds of your horse’s hoofs crunching on leaves, water running down the hills, and the distinct murmurs of the river. It was such a peaceful and calming experience and was the highlight of the trip for me.

3. Balcones de ayer

This family-run lodging/restaurant is located in Salento another town in the coffee region and we ate here after visiting Valle de Cocora. I heard many recommendations from my family in Bogotá that I must try the typical dish of Salento which is trucha gratinada. This dish is simple but delicious. It is trout cover completely with a layer of cheese and a special sauce served with the largest patacones (fried green plantains) I have ever seen. It is not unusual for a trovador to come in and start singing. They usually ask you a few questions and make up a song on the spot about what you answered such as where you are from, what you are wearing, your expressions, etc. It’s another great place to eat and experience traditional Colombian food.

4. Los termales de santa rosa de cabal

Up hidden in the coffee-growing mountains is a large natural hot spring. You are surrounded by nature and get to dip into hot thermal baths while enjoying the sound of water rushing down the mountain. It is a great place to stop at the end of the day to unwind and re-energize. They offer lockers, showers, restaurants, and spa massages. For more information click here.

5. Restaurante Marisalos

Our tour guide recommended this restaurant. The food was delicious and we had a great view of the plaza on the second floor in a private room for our group. While you are eating you can hear the vendors advertising their fresh produce and the church bells. The restaurant was also flexible as they do not have any vegetarian options but I was able to customize an order for a friend who did not eat meat. It does not have to be this restaurant but I recommend eating at the plaza!

6. Cafe la Floresta

This is not your typical cafe. The Cafe la Floresta is run by a coffee-growing family and here you will hear their stories, learn their daily routines, and taste test various coffees. The owner runs this cafe with his wife and has everyone sit around while he explains how he grows the coffee and offers the best tips on how to prepare your coffee. They also have a gift shop where you can buy fresh local coffee for your friends and family back how while supporting their farm.

7. If you are looking for lodging: Calarcá finca cafetera el descanso

I stayed here for three nights and four days and it was overall an enjoyable experience. The family that runs this place is attentive and makes sure you have a good and comfortable stay. As we were leaving Medellín on our way to our lodging, there was a rock slide in the mountains and we were stuck in traffic without moving for almost four hours. We arrived exhausted at 3am to the finca and of course, we missed dinner. However, when we arrived to our rooms they had our trays of the dinner we missed. A small detail yet one we were very grateful for after a tiring trip. In our package, breakfast and dinner were provided and they had pool tables, pools, plenty of land to walk around, hammocks, bbq picnic tables, etc. It had everything we needed and it's in a great location so I recommend this place to anyone visiting for the first time and want no surprises with their lodging.