Tour 7 Days - Coffee Zone Off The Map

Immerse yourself in the captivating embrace in off-the-map destinations within the Colombia Coffee Zone. Encounter the perfect blend of warmth, flavor, and cultural diversity within the renowned Coffee Triangle in locations most tourists don't discover. Venture through the undulating landscapes, you'll be immersed in a symphony of sensory delights — from the earthy fragrance of coffee blossoms to the vibrant rhythms of local traditions. These hidden gems transcend the ordinary, extending beyond the well-trodden paths of standard popular destinations. They unfold into a canvas painted with the rich hues of community and passion, providing a distinctive and off-the-beaten-path experience for those in search of the soul-stirring allure of the Coffee Zone.

DAY 1

Welcome to the Off-the-Map Coffee Zone!

Step into the extraordinary allure of the Off-the-Map Coffee Zone, where the warmth of Colombian hospitality and the rich flavors of the world-renowned Coffee Triangle converge to create an unforgettable and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Bienvenidos a Zona Cafetera!

You'll be collected from the airport and taken to your hotel with a stop along the way for a wonderful view at Belalcázar!

Trip to Viterbo passing through Belalcazar

To enjoy the spectacular view of Belalcázar, you will go through a winding road between plantations of coffee and platano (similar to bananas) to the top of Cerro del Alto del Oso. You will find a fantastic view along the way, but nothing to compare with the spectacular view from the top of the mountain.

Here you'll find a giant 45.5m-high (148ft) statue of Christ the King, which was built over a 7-year period, from 1947 to 1954, in hopes of ending political bloodshed and restoring peace. In colombia.

The view from the base of the statue is quite amazing, since on a clear day you can enjoy observing hundreds of kilometers in all directions of 4 regions of Colombia: Caldas, Quindío, Risaralda and Valle del Cauca.

If you dare to climb to the head of the Jesus statue you will also be able to see the Chocó region, along with Los Nevados del Ruiz and Santa Isabel. Yes, you read that right, you will also have the chance to climb to the top of this giant statue .

But a word of warning: if you suffer from claustrophobia, you may not enjoy the narrow stairs or the limited space, which gets smaller and smaller the higher you go.

Viterbo Entrance

Arriving to the entrance of Viterbo, you'll be greated with amazing tunnel of trees known as the “Tunnel of the Samanes” the road is lined with huge Saman trees, with some close to 100 years of age.

Here you’ll discover astounding works of art along this passage of road. When these giant trees are dying or have fallen, a local artisan, with the help of his chainsaw, creates colorful wooden sculptures ranging in size from 2-8m (6-26ft). You’ll find everything from a 7.5m (24ft) tall Jesus Christ, brightly colored butterflies, peasant farmers picking coffee beans, and an indigenous man, to cups of steaming hot coffee.

Check In - Off-the-Map Coffee Zone Hotel

Embark on a journey into the Off-the-Map destinations of Colombia's Coffee Zone, where quaint towns extend a warm invitation to savor their distinctive hospitality amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the landscape. Nestle into the bespoke comfort of thoughtfully crafted boutique lodgings or steep yourself in the genuine coffee culture by choosing to stay at an authentic hacienda.

DAY 2

8:00 - 5 hr

Artisan Coffee & Cacao Tour

After breakfast, your tour will continue off down another gravel road to a wonderful Finca that produces not only prize-winning coffee but wonderful, sweet cacao and an unimaginable variety of organic fruits. You’ll be greeted with a smile and a refreshing freshly made juice before starting your tour of this astounding farm.

Walking down into the valley you’ll feel like you are on another planet surrounded by cacao, coffee, exotic fruits, wonderful nature, birds, and wild bamboo. Your guide will be explaining to you the complete process of the production of both the Cacao and Coffee, as you’re walking through this lush paradise. You’ll cross a small hand-made bridge to continue your journey through the plantations and into a forest of thick bamboo.

Next, you’ll begin your journey up and out of the valley to discover more trees with exotic fruits, along with many wild-growing fruits such as pineapples. You’ll come to a 120-year-old house made of Bahareque (a mix of timber, bamboo, mud, and cattle dung in the construction of the walls). Once here you’ll not only be shown, but you'll also get involved with roasting the cacao and coffee beans on the 100-year old stovetop, and actually make the freshest coffee possible, along with some of the richest chocolate you'll ever try in your life.

This isn't just a tour where you watch and learn these wonderful artisan methods. This is an experience where you'll get the chance to make and enjoy the coffee and dark chocolate as they have for hundreds of years.

2 hr

Panela Factory - Bonus Tour if available

The operational schedule of the Panela Factory can vary from week to week. If the factory is in operation, this is a Bonus Tour at no additional cost:

Next, it's off into town for a bit to eat before heading to another gravel road in search of a Trapiche (Panela Factory) surrounded by an ocean of sugar cane.

The production here runs all year long and begins in the fields with the backbreaking work of cutting the sugarcane by hand with a machete. The sugarcane is then transported to the Trapiche on the back of a mula (a cross between a donkey and a horse) where it is pressed to allow the green sugarcane juice within to escape, and the discarded stalks set aside to fuel the fires burning for this day's production.

Then starts the process of boiling, stirring, mixing, and scooping the liquid from pan to pan. Continuing until the syrup has processed enough to be removed to a tray where it begins to cool and thicken. At this time, it is twisted and turned until it begins to take a new fudge-like form and is molded into Panela patties.

15:30 - 2 hr 30 min

Horseback Ride Through The River

Following lunch and a bit of relaxtion, you're traveling to a Finca just 10 minutes out of the town to meet your new 4-legged best friend that will accompany you on the next 3 hours of your journey through this lush landscape.

Already saddled and ready to go you'll be introduced to your horse and given instructions (if needed) on how to mount and ride this beautiful animal.

Beginning your ride along these gravel roads you'll enjoy the passing landscapes filled with mountains of forests, and plantations of coffee, plantain, avocados, and so much more. Your path will lead you past traditional fincas and across small creeks that sometimes flood the road during the heavy rains.

Turning off this road you'll travel along the side of a river before entering into a forest of giant Guadua (bamboo). You'll immediately feel the temperature cooldown by 4-5 degrees, as you ride into this beautiful and surreal location. You'll dismount and enjoy the Guaduales (forest of Guadua) on the banks of the river by foot for a short time, before mounting your horse again and continuing your journey into the river, and passing through the other side of the Guadua forest. You'll continue your ride up the river for a while before coming out onto the banks and into a plantation of sugar cane. Following a path through this sweet plantation, you'll enjoy new landscapes as you slowly begin your journey back home.

Recommendations:

Long pants and long sleeve top

Sunhat or cap

Change of socks and shoes (unless you have waterproof boots)

DAY 3

9:00 - 3 hr

Transfer to Salamina Caldas

Following a relaxing breakfast in Viterbo you'll check out of your hotel and start your journey to the mountain-top town of Salamina.

Salamina Caldas

Upon your arrival in Salamina, indulge in a delightful lunch, setting the stage for a leisurely exploration of this picturesque haven of colonial charm and cultural heritage. Often overshadowed by mainstream tourism, Salamina beckons travelers to step into a meticulously preserved world frozen in time. Admire the captivating Spanish colonial architecture as you stroll along cobbled streets adorned with vibrantly colored houses and ornate balconies that echo tales of centuries past. Nestled amidst lush coffee plantations and surrounded by panoramic landscapes, this quaint town encapsulates the essence of Colombia's rich history, offering a serene escape for those in search of authenticity and tranquility.

Following your explorations, check into your hotel and enjoy a free afternoon, immersing yourself in the serene atmosphere of this wonderful destination.

Check In - Salamina Hotel

Discover the beauty of Salamina with its charming colonial hotels as you check into your accommodation in the early afternoon, promising two delightful nights in this enchanting destination. Immerse yourself in the allure of this picturesque town and savor the unique blend of history and tranquility that each colonial hotel offers.

DAY 4

9:00 - 8 hr

Valle de la Samaria

After enjoying a relaxing breakfast, you'll set off to the Valle de la Samaria, passing through the small town of San Felix along the way. Arriving mid-morning, you'll enjoy an introduction to this active farm dedicated to the preservation of the majestic Wax Palm and its surrounding ecosystem. The Valle de Samaria emerges as a haven for conservation enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The farm not only serves as a vital guardian for these iconic palms but also provides an animal sanctuary, offering travelers the opportunity to spot birds such as golden Plumed Parakeets, Toucans, and many more.

Your guided walking tour will seamlessly blend explanations of the farm's conservation efforts with panoramic views showcasing the palms at every stage of their development within their natural forest habitat.

You'll enjoy a wonderful lunch of self-produced food before enjoying another tour of the Wax Palm Forest, but this time on horseback!

Next, it's back to Salamina after a quick stop in San Felix for a coffee, arriving in the late afternoon and in time for a beautiful sunset.

DAY 5

5:00 - 11 hr

Paramo Route

Journey through one of Colombia's paramos. Half of the world's paramos are in Colombia. The snow in the paramo is a primary water source for the country, feeding into major rivers.

Your adventure kicks off in Salamina at 5:00 AM. After 3 hours drive, you'll make a stop at the Laguna Negra viewpoint—a stunning glacial lagoon in the high coffee zone paramo, near the impressive Nevado del Ruíz. It's a perfect spot with a special mix of high Andean wetlands, short forests, and paramos.

You'll take a moment at this spot for your first glimpse of the breathtaking paramo. Marvel at wild birds and soak in the serene atmosphere over the Andes Mountain range.

You will drive for an hour, and have the chance to appreciate stunning scenes of mountainous, rocky terrain adorned with frailejones, then onto the Termales Del Sifon.

This thermal river has a turquoise color, located within Los Nevados Natural Park, near the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano.

These waters flow underground near the volcano, warming up before emerging from the ground. The water is notably hot and enriched with athe strong smell of sulfur from the volcano. Entirely natural, and free from any human intervention, they truely are one of Colombia's untouched gems.

Your trip continues for for around 30 minutes reaching a level of 4000 meters above sea level. Walking and breathing can be a little difficult, so it's important to keep yourself hydrated. You might feel very tired due to the altitude.

Your next stop is one of the most beautiful lagoons, where you can appreciate the water plants that grow inside, giving it the appearance of having five different colors. The weather here is very cold, so make sure to wear a warm jacket. Swimming is not allowed.

You'll continue driving for 20 minutes to Laguna La Lorona. We will stop to admire this beauty and then continue our journey to Murillo.

Check In - Murillo Hotel

With limited accommodation options in Murillo glamping is a good choice. Waking with wonderful views of the Navada del Ruiz and surrounded by nature.

DAY 6

Termales De La Cabaña

Waking early to enjoy the best time of day for this tour you'll depart your hotel at around 06:30am to travel the short distance to the Termales De La Cabaña, located within Los Nevados National Natural Park—one of the most beautiful parks in Colombia. On arrival you'll enjoy a some breakfast before starting on your 6-8 hour return hike.

From the starting point of the trail, you will walk for an hour and a half through the Murillo paramo, ranging from 3,800 to 4,300 meters above sea level. This walk takes you through a frailejon forest, a fascinating fact is that these plants grow 1 centimeter per year, and many of them are over 2 meters high, meaning they are over 200 years old, also, Colombia has over 50% of the frailejones world population—a truly magical experience.
The path to these hot springs can be muddy in some parts, so it's essential to wear hiking shoes and a good jacket.

Upon reaching La Cabaña Hot Springs, you'll find a shop where you can buy hot drinks and other food to recharge. Also, you can bathe in the hot springs. For those diving in the hot springs, it's important not to apply sunscreen or bug repellent, as it may alter the natural balance of the place.

The Quebrada de los 7 Colores descends directly from the mountain and is characterized by its uniqueness. Its waters contain sulfur, creating a beautiful effect that translates into a rainbow of colors. It's an impressive place, ideal for photography and contemplation.

DAY 7

Check Out - Murillo Hotel

Paramo Return Route to Pereira

Today's journey will take you on a 4-6hr transfer back to Pereira. You'll revisit the páramo road, having a second opportunity to capture stunning pictures of this unique landscape in case of unfavorable weather conditions. We will revisit the following places:

Laguna La Lorona, we will stop to admire this beauty and then continue our journey.

Our next stop is one of the most beautiful lagoons, where you can appreciate the water plants that grow inside, giving it the appearance of having five different colors. The weather here is very cold, so make sure to wear a warm jacket. Swimming is not allowed.

Termales Del Sifon, this thermal river has a turquoise color, located within Los Nevados Natural Park, near the Nevado del Ruiz Volcano. These waters flow underground near the volcano, warming up before emerging from the ground. The water is notably hot and enriched with sulfur from the volcano (very smelly). These thermal springs are entirely natural, free from any human intervention.

We'll take a moment at this spot for a glimpse of the breathtaking paramo. Marvel at wild birds and soak in the serene atmosphere over the Andes Mountain range.

Finally we will visit Laguna Negra viewpoint—a stunning glacial lagoon in the high coffee zone paramo, near the impressive Nevado del Ruíz. It's a perfect spot with a special mix of high Andean wetlands, short forests, and paramos.

This journey without stops will take approximately 3.5 hours. With photo, bathroom, and food stops it can be up to 6 hours, or sometimes more.

OPTIONAL TOURS

4:00 - 15 hr

Hiking to the Santa Isabela Glacier

This imposing snow-capped volcano is located inside the Los Nevados National Natural Park. You'll be starting your 7.4km hike at an altitude of 4,100 masl, and climbing to the border of the Santa Isabela glacier at 4,730masl.

During the walk, you can have beautiful panoramic views of the Nevado del Ruiz and the mountains that are part of the central mountain range. Passing through the páramo ecosystem, super-páramo reaching its own snowy landscapes, there is the possibility of spotting flora and fauna characteristic of the sector such as frailejón, senecios, arnicas, water mattresses, golden eagles of páramo, condor of the Andes, ravines of páramo, hummingbirds, wild hares among others.

The Plan:

Departing your hotel at 4:00 am, you'll travel in a 4 × 4 vehicle to a farmhouse close to the starting point of your hike for breakfast. This is where you'll enjoy breakfast before continuing on to the National Parks cabin to receive instructions and information given by an official of the National Natural Parks of Colombia.

Next, it's off to start your 3.7 km ascent walk until we reach the edge of the glacier and 3.7 km down, 7.4 km in total (5 hours of walking on average according to the physical capacity of the tourist). At the end of the walk, you'll go back to the farmhouse for a filling lunch and to depart for Salento once again. The approximate arrival time on average is 7:00 pm.

RECOMMENDATIONS:
→ Eat a good level of calories beforehand, preferably 5 days before
→ Hydrate beforehand and during the activity (bring a bottle with water
→ Sleep very well
→ Do not ingest alcohol or psychoactive substances before, during, or after the activity
→ Do not consume energizers
→ Wear glasses with UV400 protection (hopefully, they cover all eyes)
→ The footwear must be closed and with good grip
→ Clothes must be warm and at the same time comfortable, including gloves and hats
→ Bring sunscreen and lip balm
→ Bring change clothes

GENERAL INFORMATION AND CONDITIONS OF THE TOUR:
▪ The activity is not suitable for children under 10 years old or people over 65 years old, pregnant women, people with heart problems, chronic high pressure, acute respiratory problems, and with recent operations.

13 hr

Salento to Cerro de Machin

This is not just an adventure in a 4x4 into the Colombian wilderness. This is an adventure where you will be hiking through some pretty tough locations. But it will provide you with some of the most unique and unbelievable memories and photo opportunities that few people have ever experienced. This truly is a once in a lifetime experience, that should be grabbed with both hands.

One of the first stops on today's adventure is "La Cabonera". Here you will enjoy an unbelievable view of the largest Wax Palm Forrest you will ever see, and a bit of a break with a coffee and a sandwich.

Another amazing view (photo opp.) and another amazing coffee stop. "Alto de Techo" (The top of the roof) will feel like you are really on top of the world.

Your next stop, Toche, simply a classic Colombian mountain town. "Toche" is a wonderful mountain village and the perfect stop for breakfast. Make sure to bring a jacket, as it can be chilly.

Climb to Cerro Machin, is an absolutely fantastic experience, and not for the light-hearted. "Cerro de Machin" is a simply magnificent volcano which is the destination of this wonderful expedition. Here you'll be hiking through some rugged parts for approximately 1.45 hours.

Back to "Toche" that doesn't just provide you with a great place for your breakfast and lunch. But here you will discover natural jacuzzis that will be perfect to rest your bodies for an hour more or less, before making the ride back home.

8:00 - 5 hr

Paragliding Apia

Climbing up into the Cordillera Occidental (Western Andes mountains), you’ll discover amazing breathtaking views, grand fields, and mountainsides full of coffee, platano, avocados, oranges, and so much more. Looking down into the valley far below you’ll see the wonderful town of Viterbo, and up in the distance Sanctuario (gateway to the Tatama National park) and the Cerro de Tatamá, with a peak of 4,100 m (13,500 ft).

Arriving in Apia you’ll enjoy its super views and a quick stop for a cup of fresh mountain coffee, before starting your journey up into the mountainside to the perfect location to launch your paragliding flight at a height of 1,880 m above sea level (6,168 ft). Depending on the day of the week you’ll be leaving Apia for your flight at 10am (weekdays) or 8am (weekends).

Photos and a short video of your flight are included in the cost of this tour!!

Once here you'll be introduced to your paragliding pilot who will accompany you throughout this amazing adventure.

You’ll be flying for between 15-25 minutes depending on the weather conditions, such as the wind direction and speed.

All of the pilots are certified with many years of experience, and the equipment is top of the range and checked after every flight. Your safety is our number one priority, so you can rest assured that you'll be landing in one piece with a giant smile on your face!

Following this, you’ll make your way back down into Apia and enjoy a walking tour of this mountain town before making your way back to Salento, with one more item ticked off your bucket list!

7 hr

Nevado del Ruiz Day Tour

The Nevado del Ruiz is the largest of the 5 ice-capped volcanoes in the Andes mountain range which make up Los Nevados de Colombia. As it is a stratovolcano, it has a conical shape consisting of many layers of volcanic ash and hardened lava.

For the first stage of this mammoth journey to the magnificent Nevado del Ruiz, you’ll start your day early with a 4:30 am pickup from your Salento accommodation, or 06:00 am from Pereira.

Your first stop will be around 8 am for some traditional Colombian breakfast of hot Aguapanela or Hot Chocolate with Cheese. Following this, you’ll start your ascent passing many eco-systems and beautiful transitional landscapes such as primary and secondary forest, semi-paramo, paramo, and super-paramo. Although there may not appear to be enough natural habitat and food for animals to survive at such great heights and with such scarcity of vegetation. The Nevado del Ruiz is home to 27 endemic bird species, along with threatened animals such as the Mountain Tapir and Spectacled bear.

In the past visitors were able to make the ascent to the highest point of its snowfields in a vehicle. But since volcanic activity started in 2010 the Nevado del Ruíz volcano has been in alert level Yellow (III). The consequence of this is that visitors can only enter as far as the Valle de las Tumbas sector at 4,400 MASL. This sector does not have access to snow or to the edge of the glacier but does provide an amazing panoramic view of the interglacial valley and on clear days a sensational view of the Nevado del Ruiz volcano.

During your ascent, you’ll be making a number of photo stops including at the Laguna Negra for a hot cup of Coca Tea to warm you up and help with the adjustment to the altitude. Once you have reached the Valle de las Tumbas, you’ll enjoy a wonderful crisp stroll around this surreal location before heading back down the mountainside with a new perspective on nature and life.

Whats Included

Accommodations

Breakfasts

English-speaking guide during all excursions.

All entrance fees

All airport transfers

24-hour support group

Whats Excluded

International & Domestic flights

Travel Insurance

Meals and Services not mentioned