The day will begin in the center of Salento, where we will meet around 8:45 a.m. to experience a day full of natural landscapes, coffee culture, and Colombian tradition. Minutes later, we will board the iconic Willys Jeeps, symbolic vehicles of the Coffee Axis, which for decades have transported coffee, stories and travelers along the mountain roads. The journey will be quite an experience: as we advance between mist-covered mountains and intense greens, you will feel how the adventure in the Cocora Valley begins even before you arrive.
Upon arriving at the Cocora Valley, our local guide will welcome us and introduce us to the history and environmental value of this unique place, home to the Quindío wax palm, the tallest in the world and national symbol of Colombia. We will embark on a guided walk along the valley`s trails, surrounded by mountains, streams, and a dreamlike landscape. At every step, the wax palms rise majestically above the Andean forest, and the morning mist creates a perfect setting for unforgettable photographs.
During the tour you will learn about the biodiversity of the Cocora, the native flora, the ecological importance of the valley and its fundamental role in the conservation of the Andean ecosystem. This will be an ideal time to connect with nature, breathe fresh air and let yourself be enveloped by the magic of the Colombian Coffee Region.
After the hike, we will enjoy a typical lunch included at a local restaurant near the valley, where you can savor traditional dishes such as garlic trout, sancocho or mountain rice, accompanied by a spectacular view of the coffee plantation. data-start="2061" data-end="2084">Cocora Mountains.
Then, we will return in the Willys Jeeps towards Salento and continue our tour to a traditional coffee farm, where we will live an authentic Colombian coffee experience. There you will learn everything about the coffee process, from the manual planting and harvesting of the beans, to the drying, roasting and artisanal grinding.
We will tour the coffee crops while learning about the sustainable techniques that keep the coffee tradition alive. You will be able to interact with local coffee growers, discover interesting facts about Colombia`s coffee culture, and understand why this region was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit will culminate with a snack and coffee tasting, where you will be able to experience the aromas, textures, and nuances and discover how the coffee is produced. data-end="2960">Soil, altitude, and climate influence the flavor of each cup, which represents the soul of Colombian coffee.
At dusk, we`ll return to Salento. A perfect experience for those seeking the best of the Coffee Axis: nature, adventure, and flavor in a single day.