THE COFFEE ZONE

The ‘Zona Cafetera’ offers beautiful landscapes, fabulous nature and fascinating coffee plantations.

Famous for its coffee, a luxury holiday to Colombia would be incomplete without a trip to experience the quaint ‘fincas’ (traditional coffee farms) nestled in the verdant valleys and rolling hills. Visitors can observe the 200 year old coffee production method, or get hands on and take part in the process themselves on a full day experience. Walk out into the coffee plantations, pick the coffee and follow its journey from crop to cup. There are 100 year old haciendas which have been transformed into some of the most charming hotels, offering an experience like no other. Even if you are not a coffee drinker, this area has an endless list of alternative activities, making it perfect for a family holiday. Hiking trails and horseback trekking to view the outstanding natural beauty and spectacular landscapes of this region are fantastic, and also a great way to see hummingbirds, butterflies and other wildlife. Colombia is home to almost 2,000 species of bird – the most of any country in the world – and the coffee zone is an excellent place to observe some of these colourful feathered inhabitants. One place not to be missed, is the magnificent Cocora Valley. This verdant region is home to a landscape unlike any other; rolling hills are covered in bright green foliage and dotted here and there are the tallest palms in the world, the wax palm. These towering plants can reach an astonishing height of almost 200ft, and are now a protected species. Aside from the beauty of places like this, the small and vibrant towns that are dotted throughout the ‘coffee triangle’ offer a different kind of visual delight to any tourist, photographer or artist. Quaint painted houses and wooden buildings in pastel colours are simply stunning, and often surrounded by a selection of laid back cafes, local restaurants and quirky shops.

WHERE TO STAY

Our favourite luxury hotels

Hacienda Bambusa

This traditional hacienda, boasting a stunning location in a sweeping valley, is an unspoilt paradise. Hidden away in the southern coffee region, Hacienda Bambusa is accessible only via narrow winding roads, bordered by verdant hillsides and fields of pineapple, manioc and bamboo. The herds of white cattle that belong to the estancia wander freely, armadillo and monkeys are occasionally spotted alongside over 100 species of bird that are found in this area. The hacienda has 7 impeccably presented rooms which are spacious and comfortable, ideally arranged for rest and relaxation, with a view of the swimming pool or the hotel gardens. All of them have private bathrooms, a private balcony, a small sitting area, and a hammock.

Hotel Boutique Sazagua

Colonial charm and contemporary styling come together in this colourful hacienda situated in the heart of Colombia’s coffee region. Ideally located, it is also close to Pereira, allowing guests to easily spend a day exploring the shops. The beautiful landscaped gardens of Hotel Boutique Sazagua are home to a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and spa, perfect for relaxing and enjoying the tranquil surroundings. In the evening, the haciendas own restaurant serves up delicious locally sourced dishes. The boutique hotel has just 10 rooms, decorated with local artwork and periodic items of furniture. They are opulent and extremely comfortable, with spacious bathrooms and individual décor, making each room unique.

El Nido del Cóndor Ecolodge

El Nido del Cóndor Ecolodge is located in the tourist corridor of “La Ruta del Condor” close to Manizales, just north of the coffee region. Situated on a high plateau the lodge offers a 360º landscape view which is accessed via a cable car over a canyon or by a 2.7km trek. The lodge gets its name due to the closeness to the nest of a beautiful couple of Condors that fly over the 2 canyons that make up the plateau. The property has 5 identical safari tents, (81sq metres) featuring 2 outdoor terraces, one that looks towards the canyon where the condors fly and one towards the hotel gardens. The lodge has various trails to explore plus e-bikes and is a perfect spot to relax and combine with a visit to the coffee zone.

Hacienda Buenavista

Hacienda Buenavista, is a luxury boutique adults only hotel in Quindío, Colombia. Situated high above the river and with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, Hacienda Buenavista offers tranquility and comfort for all guests. Offering just five uniquely designed, furnished and decorated suites, this hotel is exclusive and boasts excellent hospitality. Each suite comes with a spacious private terrace overlooking the gardens and surrounding mountains. In addition, they have air conditioning, cable TV, complimentary Wi-Fi and large comfortable beds with luxury linen. Encircling the property are impressive gardens and a full working farm, growing many different types of trees, flowers and fruits.

Hacienda San Jose

Located close to the city of Pereira, this beautifully restored two story hacienda has a rich history based on the old coffee culture of Colombia. Surrounded by beautiful tropical gardens, this hacienda offers guests a tranquil escape which provides modern comfort mixed with traditional luxury. Guests can enjoy a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, plus a restaurant which serves Colombian inspired dishes. Due to its location, the Hacienda San Jose is the perfect base for exploring the stunning coffee region of Colombia. The rooms here will make you feel like you’ve taken a step back in time, richly furnished with colonial pieces, expressing their own charm.