Day 1 – Arrival in Armenia and Coffee Premium Tour at Finca La Morelia
Your trip to the Colombian Coffee Axis begins with your arrival at the airport in Armenia, the capital of Quindío and gateway to one of the most beautiful landscapes in Colombia. A private transfer will take you directly to your hotel to drop off your luggage and get ready for the first great experience of the itinerary: the Coffee Premium Tour at Finca La Morelia, one of the coffee jewels of the region.
Located on the outskirts of the city, surrounded by green mountains and seemingly endless crops, Finca La Morelia is recognized for producing one of the most awarded coffees in Colombia, awarded four Monde Selection gold medals for its exceptional quality. The experience begins with a warm welcome and a complimentary drink made with gourmet coffee, before embarking on an expert-guided tour that will take you to learn about the history, cultural value, and production process of coffee.
You`ll walk among coffee plantations, visit the seedbed to learn about the varieties and germination processes, and discover the secrets of harvesting, processing, and threshing. You`ll learn about green selection, perfect roasting, and participate in a comprehensive cupping session to identify unique notes, aromas, and profiles. The tour also includes an introduction to barista work, where you`ll be able to prepare your own cup like a pro, and ends with a coffee souvenir so you can take a little piece of this land home with you. This first day will allow you to experience, from the very beginning, the essence of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Day 2 – Filandia, Salento and Cocora Valley
After a typical breakfast at your hotel, a day dedicated to discovering three of the most emblematic destinations in the Coffee Axis. The first stop will be the Cocora Valley, a natural paradise of intense greens and soft mist, home to the tallest wax palms in the world, which reach up to 60 meters and stand as guardians of the landscape. Accompanied by an expert guide, you will walk trails that cross meadows and cloud forests, while learning about the biodiversity of the area and the importance of the wax palm as a national symbol and protected species. From several panoramic viewpoints you will have the opportunity to capture unforgettable photographs and contemplate a landscape that has captivated travelers from all over the world.
The route continues towards Salento, one of the most representative towns in Quindío. Here you`ll enjoy a typical lunch, featuring local trout, accompanied by crispy patacón (a plantain) and other regional flavors. Then, you`ll walk down the famous Calle Real (Royal Street), with its brightly colored houses, craft shops, and cozy cafes, and climb to the Alto de la Cruz viewpoint for a panoramic view of the town and valley.
The last stop will be at Filandia, a treasure that preserves the architecture of the Antioquian colonization intact. You`ll stroll through its main square, walk down the Street of Frozen Time, and learn local stories and curiosities, such as the names it had before its founding and the traditions that have made it a key point in Quindio culture. Filandia is also ideal for tasting typical desserts, having a good coffee or purchasing unique handicrafts before returning to Armenia.
Day 3 – Farewell to Quindío
On your last morning in the Coffee Axis, you can enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel while you say goodbye to the warmth and tranquility that characterize this region of Colombia. If your flight schedule allows, you can take one last stroll through the city, visit a local coffee shop to try a last cup of freshly roasted coffee, or buy souvenirs such as coffee beans, handicrafts, and traditional sweets.
At the agreed time, a private transfer will take you to the Armenia airport for your return flight. This will conclude three intense days in which you will have experienced coffee culture up close, explored picture-postcard landscapes, and toured towns full of color, history, and tradition. You will take home not only photographs, but also the experience of having discovered the heart of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, a unique jewel of Colombia that leaves its mark on all its visitors.