Journey Through Colombian Coffee Culture

Start your Colombian adventure in Bogotá, a bustling capital nestled high in the Andes. After checking into your boutique hotel in La Candelaria or the stylish Zona G, dive into the city’s historic heart. Explore cobblestone streets, vibrant street art, and colonial architecture. Visit the Gold Museum, showcasing pre-Columbian treasures, and the Botero Museum, filled with whimsical, oversized art. Grab a local coffee and people-watch in Plaza Bolívar. In the evening, enjoy contemporary Colombian cuisine at a top-rated restaurant. Bogotá's rich culture, altitude, and cosmopolitan energy set the perfect tone for your journey.

This morning, take a short flight into Colombia’s lush Coffee Triangle—either Pereira or Armenia. Settle into a charming hacienda-style hotel or coffee finca nestled among rolling green hills. After lunch, take a guided tour of a working coffee plantation. Learn about the journey from seed to cup as you walk through rows of coffee plants, see beans being dried and roasted, and savor fresh brews. This immersive experience introduces you to Colombia’s coffee soul. Unwind in a hammock as the sun sets, with the scent of roasted beans and mountain air all around you.

Today you’ll head to Salento, a postcard-perfect town full of color, crafts, and colonial charm. After exploring artisan markets and grabbing a local lunch (try trout with plantains), embark on an unforgettable hike or horseback ride into Valle de Cocora. Here, Colombia’s national tree, the wax palm, towers up to 200 feet into the sky. Wander through misty trails and cloud forests, crossing wooden bridges and spotting hummingbirds. Return to Salento in the late afternoon for a coffee tasting at a specialty café, then head back to your finca for a quiet night under the stars.

Ease into your day with a visit to the Santa Rosa de Cabal hot springs, where cascading waterfalls and steamy pools offer ultimate relaxation in a lush canyon setting. After a rejuvenating soak, return to your lodge for a hands-on coffee workshop. Learn the art of cupping, brewing, and identifying flavor notes like a true barista. Dive deeper into how terrain, altitude, and tradition shape Colombian coffee. In the evening, opt for a traditional cooking class where you can prepare arepas or ajiaco. Savor local wine or craft beer as your time in the coffee region winds down beautifully.

This morning, fly north to the Caribbean jewel of Cartagena. Upon arrival, check into a hotel within the historic walled city or the artistic Getsemaní neighborhood. Cartagena’s colonial charm is immediate—colorful facades, balconies bursting with bougainvillea, and horse-drawn carriages clattering down narrow streets. In the afternoon, explore plazas, churches, and hidden alleys. As sunset paints the sky, sip a cocktail at Café del Mar, perched on the old city walls. For dinner, indulge in fresh seafood or modern Colombian fusion cuisine at Carmen or Celele. The city’s sultry rhythm and tropical breeze offer a new, captivating pace.

Choose your adventure: Take a boat trip to the Rosario Islands for a day of turquoise water, coral reefs, and grilled fish on the beach. Snorkel, nap in a hammock, or sip a coconut cocktail by the sea. Alternatively, stay on land to dive deeper into Cartagena’s history—tour the Castillo San Felipe, visit the Palace of the Inquisition, and soak up Afro-Caribbean culture in Bazurto Market. In the evening, explore Cartagena’s vibrant nightlife: rooftop bars, salsa clubs, or candlelit courtyards. Whether it's an island breeze or city beat, your senses will be fully awakened.

Savor your last morning in Cartagena with a slow coffee at Epoca Café or Abaco Libros y Café, where you can reflect on your journey with a final taste of Colombia’s finest beans. Take one last stroll through the old city’s pastel streets, stopping for souvenirs—local chocolate, handwoven mochilas, or a bag of artisan coffee. Depending on your flight time, squeeze in a quick museum visit or seaside walk. Then, head to the airport with your heart (and luggage) full, already dreaming of your next trip back to Colombia.