Experience a day as a coffee farmer near Bogotá, Colombia with this well-loved tour costing $145 per person. For about 8 to 9 hours, you’ll journey from the city into the scenic hills of Choachi, where a family-run organic coffee farm awaits. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll get to pick coffee cherries, learn every step of the process from bean to cup, and taste the final product fresh on the farm.

Two things we particularly appreciate about this experience are the hands-on coffee picking—it’s not just a show but an active part of the tour—and the delicious local meals included, which give a real taste of Colombian hospitality. One possible consideration is the lack of a hotel pickup service, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the meeting point.

This tour works best for coffee lovers, curious travelers, and those seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience outside Bogotá. It’s perfect if you want to see how Colombia’s world-famous coffee is produced and to enjoy a peaceful day in beautiful natural surroundings.

Key Points
– Authentic involvement: Pick coffee cherries and see the process firsthand.
– Local cuisine included: Enjoy organic breakfast and lunch made on the farm.
– Small group setting: More personalized attention from guides.
– Stunning scenery: Drive through the hills with changing landscapes and great views.
– Educational and fun: Learn about coffee from cultivation to brewing.
– Value for money: For $145, you get a full day of interactive learning, meals, and coffee souvenirs.

A Deep Dive Into the Coffee Farm Experience Near Bogotá

When considering whether this “Be a Farmer for One Day” tour is worth your time, let’s break down what you’ll encounter and why it stands out. This tour offers more than just sightseeing; it’s an active, educational look into one of Colombia’s most iconic products, with plenty of opportunities to engage directly with the process.

The Journey Begins: Scenic Drive into the Hills

Starting at The Cranky Croc Hostel in Bogotá, you’ll leave the bustling city behind and take a drive up into the eastern hills. The route alone is part of the charm — the changing scenery offers views of Colombia’s lush landscapes and diverse plant life, as several reviews highlight. Expect a ride filled with commentary from guides like Nick or Marilyn, who share insights about Choachi and the local environment.

Travelers often remark on the stunning vistas during this part of the trip. One reviewer describes the scenery as “full of beautiful vistas” and notes how the drive sets the tone for a peaceful, nature-filled day ahead. This initial segment is perfect for those who love seeing Colombia’s varied landscapes and learning about its ecosystems.

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Arriving at Choachi: The Heart of Colombia’s Coffee Culture

Once on the farm, the real hands-on begins. You’ll visit one of the most “original Colombia coffee farms,” as described in reviews, which means authentic, family-run operations rather than glossy commercial plantations. Here, you’ll learn about all the steps involved in coffee production, from planting and harvesting to processing and roasting.

One of the standout moments is picking coffee cherries. Not only does this give you a sense of the labor involved, but it also makes the experience more personal. Multiple reviews mention the joy of handpicking cherries—something many travelers have never done before. As one reviewer puts it, “we got to pick coffee,” turning the process into a real activity rather than just a demonstration.

Learning the Coffee Journey: From Bean to Cup

Your guide will walk you through the entire coffee manufacturing process. Expect details on beneficio del cafe (processing the beans), drying, and the varieties of coffee. You’ll see the stages that transform raw cherries into the roasted coffee you’re familiar with. Several reviews praise the knowledgeability of guides, who explain complicated processes clearly and engagingly.

One visitor from the UK summed it up: “I learned how much work goes into a cup of coffee,” emphasizing how eye-opening this part of the tour can be. It’s especially satisfying for coffee enthusiasts who want to understand the nuances of cultivation, harvesting, and roasting.

Delicious Food — Organic Breakfast and Lunch

Food is a big highlight. Expect a hearty organic breakfast at the start, with fresh ingredients that reflect Colombia’s farm-to-table ethos. Later, a lunch featuring local dishes is included, offering a chance to savor Colombian flavors. Several travelers mention how good the meals are, describing them as “delicious,” and appreciate the opportunity to eat in such a tranquil, farm setting.

Coffee Tasting and Take-Home Souvenirs

Of course, tasting fresh coffee is a major part of the experience. During the visit, you’ll enjoy coffee and tea tastings, often described as “excellent” and “delicious” by reviewers. The tour includes a coffee bag to take home, which is a thoughtful souvenir that keeps the memory alive.

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Planting a Coffee Seedling

One of the more interactive moments involves planting your own coffee plant—a fun activity that leaves a lasting impression, especially for families or those wanting a tangible connection to what they’ve learned. This activity, along with observing the full harvesting process, makes the tour more memorable than a simple observation.

Final Thoughts on the Experience

Many reviewers—nearly all giving 5 stars—highlight the guides’ expertise and friendliness, with mentions of guides like Marilyn and Karen making the experience both fun and informative. The peaceful surroundings and picturesque views add to the appeal, making it an ideal escape from Bogotá’s urban buzz.

Practicalities and Considerations

While the tour offers great value and a comprehensive look into Colombian coffee culture, keep in mind that the tour does not include pickup or drop-off at your hotel. Travelers should plan their own transportation to the meeting point at The Cranky Croc Hostel. The tour is scheduled to start at 8:30 am, so arriving on time is important.

The small group size (max 30 travelers) enhances the experience, allowing guides to give more personalized attention. The tour is suitable for most travelers, including those with basic mobility, as it involves walking around the farm and participating in picking cherries.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for coffee aficionados, curious explorers, and families wanting a meaningful day outside Bogotá. If you’re interested in seeing how coffee is grown and processed firsthand, this tour offers an authentic peek into Colombia’s coffee industry. It’s also suited for those who appreciate delicious food, stunning scenery, and engaging guides.

It’s less ideal for travelers seeking a quick, superficial overview or those unable to manage a full day away from the city without organized transportation. But overall, the positive reviews and detailed itinerary suggest this tour provides excellent value and memorable experiences for those who want to learn, taste, and see Colombia’s coffee roots in action.

FAQs

Do I need to bring anything special?
Just bring comfortable shoes for walking and a sense of curiosity. The tour includes transportation to and from the farm, but you’ll need to arrange your own way to meet at the starting point.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention enjoying the experience with family and teenagers. The activities like picking coffee cherries and planting a seedling are engaging for all ages.

Can I participate if I don’t drink coffee?
Absolutely. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker, you’ll gain insights into Colombian agriculture and enjoy the scenic drive and delicious meals.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes breakfast, lunch, coffee and tea tastings, a coffee bag to take home, and a knowledgeable guide. It does not include transportation to the meeting point.

How long is the drive from Bogotá?
The scenic drive takes you through changing landscapes before arriving at Choachi, providing a relaxing start to the day.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations later than that are typically non-refundable.

Is the group size manageable?
Yes, with a maximum of 30 travelers, the experience is intimate enough for personalized attention but still social.

All in all, if you’re after an authentic, hands-on look at Colombia’s coffee industry combined with great scenery, tasty food, and friendly guides, this tour is a winner. It rewards curiosity with knowledge, offers delicious local flavors, and leaves you with a real connection to Colombia’s favorite drink.