So, I’ve always been fascinated by coffee, not just the drinking part, but the whole process, you know? Like, where does it come from? How’s it made? That kind of stuff. And I heard so much about the “Zona Cafetera” in Colombia, the Coffee Triangle. Everyone says it’s the heart of Colombian coffee. So, I finally decided, screw it, I’m going. Booked a flight, packed my bags, and off I went.
First thing I did was land in Pereira. Man, the airport is small. I got my rental car, nothing fancy, just something to get me around. And I drove to this little town called Salento. It was a bit of a drive, but the scenery? Amazing. Green hills everywhere, like something out of a movie. I found this cute little finca, which is like a coffee farm, you can stay on. The family running it was super nice, welcomed me with a fresh cup, naturally, and settled me in.
The next day, the real fun began. I woke up early, had a hearty breakfast, that fresh arepa, you know and set out to explore the farm. They showed me the whole shebang, from the tiny coffee plants to the mature ones. I even got to pick some coffee cherries myself. They’re surprisingly heavy! They explained how they select the best beans, the whole process of washing, drying, it’s way more work than you’d think.
- Walking through the coffee plants
- Seeing the different stages of growth
- Learning about the different types of coffee beans
After that, they roasted some beans right there. The smell, oh man, the smell was incredible. And then, the best part, we brewed it up and I got to taste the coffee that was made from the beans that I probably helped harvest. That was an experience, the freshness, the flavor, nothing like the stuff you get in a regular cafe. I got a whole new appreciation for my morning cup after that.
I spent a few more days just soaking it all in. I hiked through the Cocora Valley, with those giant wax palm trees, took a cooking class, learned how to make some local dishes. Honestly, just relaxed and enjoyed the peace and quiet. That was my way of experiencing what they have got in that region.
Leaving was tough. I bought a few bags of coffee to take home, obviously. But more than that, I left with a whole new understanding of coffee and the people who make it. It’s not just a drink, it’s a whole culture. If you ever get the chance, go to the Zona Cafetera. You won’t regret it. It’s an adventure, a learning experience, and a delicious cup of coffee all rolled into one.
My Takeaways
- It’s hard work growing coffee!
- Colombian people are very welcoming.
- Freshly roasted coffee is the best!
That was my journey to the Colombian Coffee Region, I really enjoyed being there. It was quite an eye-opening experience. I would recommend anyone to go and check it out themselves if they have the time to.
