Mary in Vancity

As I sat down for my farm-to-table lunch at Cafe de la Cima feeling completely famished, I reached out for my glasses, only to realize that I left them on top of the mountain we just hiked. I could write an entire book of the places I’ve left my glasses when I travel. Hotel in NYC? Check. Bubble Tea Shop in Philadelphia? Check. Boat in France? Yup. And now Colombia.

I just have to tell you about my recent travel adventure. I went on a coffee farm tour just 58 km from Medellin, in this little municipality called Fredonia, La Toscana; home to Cafe de la Cima. My visit was organized by OutInColombia, which promotes LGBTQ+ travel and unique cultural experiences. Their team was incredible, and I enjoyed every moment with them.

The journey to Cafe del Cima was an adventure in itself. After a two-hour bus ride through the scenic countryside, we transferred to an old jeep for the final stretch up the mountain. The road was super narrow and twisty – I was gripping my seat and laughing nervously with the other travelers. It felt like we were on a reality show called “Coffee Farming: Extreme Edition”!

Now, if you’re ever looking to truly savor Colombia’s rich coffee culture, this full-day trip from Medellín is a must. It’s perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the experience. The farm we visited produces high-quality, Rainforest Alliance-certified beans, and we learned about everything from growing to harvesting and roasting. Plus, we got to taste a cup of ‘tinto’ (black coffee) and enjoy a delicious lunch inside the farm’s beautiful main house. The trip included entrance fees, lunch, coffee, and round-trip hotel transport –OutinColombia really thought of everything.

Coffee literally fills the slopes of Medellín’s hills. The Jesuits brought the plant to Colombia in the 18th century, and it became a cornerstone of the Antioquia department’s economy in the 20th century. Today, 114,000 hectares of Antioquia are covered with coffee, spread across over 95,000 farms and tended to by over 76,000 coffee growers, according to La Federación Nacional de Cafeteros.

Colombia is one of the few countries that grows only Arabica coffee beans, known for their sweeter, lighter taste and higher quality. These beans also have half the caffeine and stronger acidic notes compared to Robusta beans. However, not all Colombian coffees taste the same. The flavors can vary greatly depending on soil conditions and altitude. The Colombian Coffee Region, with its differing microclimates, produces beans with several distinct flavors. Even coffee from neighboring family farms can taste different!

When we finally arrived at Cafe de la Cima, we were greeted warmly by its founders, Octavio Acevedo and Rubiela Pareja. This couple has dedicated their lives to coffee farming, and you can feel their passion. Octavio gave us a fantastic tour of their self-sustaining, environmentally friendly farm. I learned so much about the coffee transformation process, from cultivation to cup. It really made me appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into producing a single cup of coffee.

One of the best parts of the tour was picking coffee beans and even planting a few coffee plants ourselves. It felt so good to get my hands dirty and know I was contributing to the process. Feeling the rich, fertile soil in my hands was incredibly grounding and satisfying.

The views from the farm were breathtaking. Rolling hills, lush greenery, and distant peaks created a stunning panorama. The fresh mountain air and the rich aroma of coffee made the whole experience even more magical.

After all the morning’s activities, we had a traditional peasant lunch that was simply amazing. It started with a vegetable broth that was, hands down, the best I’ve ever tasted. The flavors were rich and comforting, made with farm-fresh ingredients. We also had fresh orange juice and lemonade, made from fruits picked right from the garden. The natural sweetness and freshness were the perfect complement to our meal.

But you know what struck me the most about this experience? It’s not just about enjoying coffee and a beautiful farm. This kind of Agrotourism is important because it supports local communities and sustainable practices. By visiting places like Cafe de la Cima, we contribute directly to the livelihoods of coffee farmers like Octavio and Rubiela. We learn about their traditions and challenges, gaining a deeper understanding of their way of life.

Tourism also helps preserve cultural heritage. Places like La Toscana and Cafe de la Cima are more than just destinations; they are repositories of knowledge and history. By visiting and engaging with these places, we ensure that their stories continue to be told and cherished for generations to come.

It’s unbelievable that Medellin was once synonymous with drug cartels and associated violence. However, the situation has drastically improved in recent years due to the government’s efforts to combat drug trafficking, dismantle major drug cartels, and increase security measures to deal with drug-related violence. I would highly recommend going with a guide like OutInColombia for additional security. I felt very safe throughout the entire excursion

If you’re looking for an authentic and immersive coffee experience in Colombia, you really need to visit Cafe de la Cima – and please let me know if you find my glasses. And if you want a seamless and enriching travel experience, OutInColombia is the way to go. Their commitment to promoting unique cultural experiences and supporting the LGBTQ+ community makes them a standout in the travel industry.