Experiencing Colombia’s Coffee Regions With the Family

Whether you’re a certified coffee-loving family or a group of rookies looking for a better understanding and appreciation of the craft, Colombia should be on your family bucket list. What your brood of java-drinkers may or may not know: Coffee can be as complex and studied as wine.

While wine tourism is constantly trending, True Colombia Travel hopes to do the same for the coffee-growing industry, specifically in Colombia, with the new tour, True Aroma. The coffee-lovers tour showcases the country’s wild landscape, undiscovered rainforests and foodie side, all in one.

The trip highlights some of the finest, active coffee-growing regions, artisans and small business partnerships in Colombia, while peppering in some interesting, lesser-known facts about coffee. Did you know toxins in bad coffee can actually kill you, or coffee growers actually drink the worst grounds?

Caldas, Colombia. Photo: Pixattitude | Dreamstime.com

Another misconception: Most travelers believe the Coffee Axis, or El Eje Cafetero, is the greatest coffee-producing region in Colombia. While this region is active, it’s not actually the be-all-end-all of Colombian coffee. The axis is made of three regions, Caldas, Risaralda and Quindío, which combined produce as much coffee as Antioquia alone, commonly known as Colombia’s second-greatest producing region.

In reality, the actual star in the coffee-growing industry is Huila, where most of the best coffee growth and production actually occurs. While Huila is one of the true homes of Colombian coffee, it’s too difficult for tourists to visit. Antioquia is far more accessible and boasts all the same coffee-growing capabilities, but with some luxury twists for tourists.

During the trip, expert guides take guests through Colombia’s Rainforest Alliance regions, the first commercially produced coffee farm in the region and to a slew of local artisans working with the Rainforest Alliance. These rainforests are home to certified coffee, growing in the local villages and along the slopes, or fincas, of the Antioquia Andes. The alliance connects local growers and roasters, while giving travelers the unique opportunity to get an inside look at the process and a deeper understanding of the craft.

Local town of Guatape in Antioquia, Colombia. Photo: Rechitan Sorin | Dreamstime.com

While tourists and families gain an appreciation for the artisan coffee-making lifestyle, they also enjoy the high life with a private villa right on the edge of the fincas. Make time to visit the nearby volcano cliffs and take note of all the subtle flavors of your coffee, like chocolate, mandarin and tamarind, while seeing exactly where they come from.

Take advantage of the expert guides, luxury amenities and cultural immersion of a well-planned tour. Venture through Colombia’s coffee regions and learn about your new favorite brews, meet the people who create them and see the land where it all happens — all without handling the logistics yourself.