Region Cafetera

We recently went away for a long weekend to Region Cafetera, also known as the Coffee Region of Colombia, and opted to drive instead of flying because of the scenic route everyone was talking about. I love drinking coffee and have always wanted to visit the well known area. Without having any sort of expectations except to taste amazing coffee, it actually turned out to be quite a little adventure.

Once we arrived in Pereira, our final destination, I was so struck back by how majestic the landscape was. As if right out of a painting, there they were, rows after rows of sprawling green spaces laid out under bright blue sky. I have traveled to many places in my life but I have never seen anything quite like this. It was just absolutely spectacular and I wished that we could freeze time and admire the magical view forever.

We chose to stay at a boutique hotel and spa resemblance of a country home called Sazagua. Everything was lovely from the spacious two level room, to delicious meals at its international restaurant, and of course, the much needed spa treatment after our long journey from Bogota.

The first thing was to visit a coffee plantation and we decided to go down the traditional path. We wanted to see and taste the freshness of the process without the bells and whistles of today's modernity so the locals recommended a place called Cafe Don Elias in Quindio. After driving up toward the mountain through small, winding yet scenic roads, we arrived at what looks more like a house than a plantation. Then appeared Don Elias himself who greeted us as if we were his relatives visiting from Bogota. After a brief introduction to the place, Don showed us the art of making coffee, the way his father had taught him.

After the beans are collected (photo above and once they turn red), the outer shells are removed by this machine and soak overnight

Once dried in the sun, they are ready to be roasted

Then manually grind to fresh coffee

The entire process was much simpler than I expected. The best part was tasting and while it was fresh and delicious, it was the way that Don made sure the art of making coffee lives on that impressed me most. Don Elias has been living in coffee farms his whole life and the only one amongst his siblings to stay in the business after his father, who was also a farmer, passed away. The rest of his brothers and sisters moved to the big city after they received their inheritance but Don decided to buy a farm. Today, he lives there with his wife while his own children and grandchildren lead a city life somewhere nearby. After the tour and a delicious lunch at a nearby town called Salento, next up is horse riding in Valle de Cocora. I have never been on a horse and I can honestly say I was petrified. But after the first few minutes and several prayers later, it was one of the best decisions of my life. My horse loved to eat so he stops frequently throughout the ninety minute journey up and deep into the forest. That meant I was able to admire the surrounding view while sneaking in a few photos without expecting to be thrown over the mountain edge or into the riverbank.

My horse, Cappuccino

Besides the region being famous for its coffee, I came to realize that there are many other wonderful and eye opening activities one can enjoy here. There are nearby places for white water rafting, outdoor rock climbing, and zip lining across and into the river. Sadly, I did not have a chance to try these activities but there is always the next time as I plan to return one day. Nevertheless, I leave you now with some of my other favourite moments of the trip.

A Vespa well traveled by a local and still going...

Most memorable moment as we were heading back to Bogota

What this trip has taught me is that while beautiful things can be made, natural beauty is rare...it is a gift that must be respected and preserved by mankind.