Colombia is known for being one of the world's leading producers of coffee. In Colombia, the coffee harvest has two seasons: the principal crop is harvested between April and June, and the second crop is harvested between October and January.
When we talk about Colombia and coffee, we are referring to a very specific area of the country known as the Coffee Axis or Triangle. This region covers the three departments of Quindío, Caldas, and Risaralda along with their respective cities, Armenia, Manizales, and Pereira. The hilly area of the three departments lies 1000 to 2000 meters above sea level and is characterized by a tropical, slightly humid highland climate.
This hilly region is incredibly beautiful and is inhabited by warm, friendly people who are passionate about coffee. The small and large coffee farmers of the area produce one of the most renowned Arabica coffees in the world, thanks to the region’s privileged location in terms of sun, orientation, and altitude. The combination of these factors gives the coffee its unique, essential acidity.
The coffee harvests in the Coffee Axis are very difficult to carry out because the coffee plantations are located on steep hills and mountains, many of them accessible only by foot.
The National Federation of Coffee Growers currently exports most Colombian coffee, but private exports have also grown. Curiously, Colombian coffee is known internationally by the name corresponding to the province in which it was produced. Thus, you can find coffee with the names Quindio or Risaralda, two of the Colombian varieties most famous for their superior quality.
Traveling to the Coffee Triangle of Colombia means taking a trip to the heartland of some of the best coffees in the world. The Coffee Triangle is part of our "Coffee & Rum by Rail in Colombia and Panama Tour."
The Don Manolo Coffee Farm cultivates, selects, and roasts Arabica coffee grown between 1500-1600 meters above sea level in the Risaralda department. Don Manolo seeks to perennially conserve the coffee cultural landscape and its biodiversity.
Don Manolo is the best coffee grower one can visit in the region of Pereira. A variety of tours of their farms are offered, giving you a perfect introduction to Colombian coffee.
Café San Alberto is a superior quality coffee grown in Buenavista, in the department of Quindío. The farm produces a unique, highly selective boutique coffee grown on steep hills. There is no mass production here.
Café San Alberto is a family business that has been dedicated to the culture of coffee for more than 40 years.
They offer visitors a variety of tours to experience the truly exquisite coffee culture found there. It is recommended that you call before you arrive if you are interested in an extended visit that includes a professional coffee tasting.
Salento is located in the department of Quindío and is the typical Colombian coffee town with colorful streets and friendly people. Salento is the gateway to Cocora Valley and the Los Nevados National Natural Park.
At 1,917 meters above sea level, this beautiful village is the gateway to native humid forests. The same as Salento, Filandia has a rich history and architecture typical of the Antioquia colonization. Its kind, honest, and hard-working residents are always happy to welcome tourists.
Quimbaya is a municipality of the Quindio department. Banana and coffee crops characterize the landscape, situated just above 1000 meters above sea level. Typical of towns in the coffee zone, Quimbaya consists of old colonial houses with balconies built around a central park.
To experience Colombia’s coffee region authentically, rent an old “Willy’s Jeep” with a driver and visit all three villages in a single day. You’ll experience the region up close, on remote roads driving from village to village.
Hacienda Hotel Bambusa is a boutique hotel with just eight rooms, surrounded by nature and a fantastic view of the Cordillera. The hotel is located 25 minutes from the Armenia airport and is immersed in a 180-hectare farm, mainly cultivated with cocoa. Hacienda Bambusa is an ideal place to enjoy nature.
The Kawa Mountain Retreat is located only a 5-minute walk from the Salento. This rustic but elegant hotel has all the facilities to offer guests truly luxury service, but with an intimate connection to the natural environment.
Armenia, Pereira, and Manizales can be reached by air daily from Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena.
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