Stepping into Divino Café Especial in Bogotá offers more than just a caffeine fix; it’s a chance to taste, learn, and appreciate Colombia’s coffee heritage through the eyes of a third-generation producer. Priced at $30 per person, this tour lasts about 90 minutes and is perfect for solo travelers or groups eager to deepen their coffee knowledge in an intimate setting. Meeting in the historic La Candelaria neighborhood, you’ll find yourself in a cozy café where passion for coffee is palpable.

What stands out most about this experience is the expert guidance delivered by Leandro, who combines family tradition with a genuine enthusiasm for sharing Colombia’s coffee story. You’ll love the interactive tasting, which helps even the most casual coffee drinkers differentiate aromas, flavors, and textures with confidence. Plus, the tour delves into the entire coffee process, from planting the seed to brewing a perfect cup—something that elevates this beyond a basic tasting.

One thing to consider is that the tour is limited to 8 travelers, which makes for a very personalized experience, but it also means booking well in advance (typically 16 days ahead) is recommended. The tour operates daily at 9 am in English and at 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm in Spanish, so timing is flexible but must be planned ahead. This experience suits coffee lovers of all levels—whether you’re a casual sipper or a seasoned connoisseur—and those interested in Colombia’s rich coffee culture.

Key Points

Authentic Approach: Guided by a third-generation coffee producer, offering genuine insights into Colombia’s coffee heritage.
Interactive Tasting: Learn to differentiate coffee aromas, flavors, and textures through sensory exercises.
Multiple Brewing Methods: Taste four different coffees prepared with various techniques, including espresso, Japanese siphon, Chemex, AeroPress, or French press.
In-depth Knowledge: Understand the entire coffee chain, from planting and harvesting to roasting and brewing at home.
Personalized Experience: Small group size ensures a friendly, flexible, and engaging atmosphere.
Value for Money: At $30, you get a meaningful, educational experience that’s akin to a high-end wine or craft beer tasting, but with Colombian coffee.

Location and Meeting Point
The tour begins at DV Café Especial in the heart of Bogotá’s historic La Candelaria. This neighborhood, filled with colonial architecture and vibrant streets, provides a charming backdrop to your coffee journey. The meeting point is easy to find, near public transportation, making it accessible even if you’re arriving from elsewhere in the city.

Duration and Structure
Spanning roughly 90 minutes, the experience is designed to be engaging without feeling rushed. It balances theory with practical tasting. You’ll start with a brief introduction, then dive into sensory exercises, followed by tasting four varieties of specialty coffee prepared in different ways. The guide, Leandro, maintains a lively, informative style, making each step feel accessible and fun.

The Coffee Tasting
What makes this experience especially valuable is the focus on sensory education. You’ll learn to recognize fragrance, aroma, flavor, and body—terms often used but seldom explained in casual coffee drinking. As one reviewer said, “Leandro’s passion and knowledge are second to none,” making it easy to trust his guidance.

You’ll sample coffees prepared with techniques such as the espresso machine, Japanese siphon, Chemex or V60, and the AeroPress or French press. This variety illustrates how brewing method influences taste and aroma, offering a practical understanding that can be replicated at home.

Sample of the Experience
Leandro pairs these tastings with stories about Colombia’s coffee history and his family’s farm experiences. His approach is interactive, encouraging questions and participation. At the end, you’ll get tips on making better coffee at home—a thoughtful touch that adds lasting value.

Food Pairing
A delicious house cake accompanies the tastings, providing a sweet balance to the coffee and making the experience even more pleasurable. It’s a small but appreciated detail that elevates the tasting beyond just coffee.

Educational Material and Memories
If you wish, the guide can send you a file with your tasting memories, including notes and photos. This is especially handy for sharing your new coffee knowledge back home or with friends.

Reviews consistently praise Leandro’s expertise and passion. One traveler noted, “His knowledge is second to none,” while another added, “We all learned so much and gained a new appreciation for coffee.” Many describe the experience as “interactive,” with engaging explanations that demystify the entire coffee process.

The small size of the group creates a cozy environment, perfect for asking questions or just soaking up the atmosphere. Several reviewers mentioned how this experience set the tone for their entire trip to Bogotá, as it offered a deep dive into Colombia’s coffee culture right from the start.

Book early, as this tour fills up quickly, especially during high travel seasons.
The tour operates daily at specific times, so plan your day accordingly.
Arriving in La Candelaria is easy via public transit; the meeting point is well-signposted.
It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and bring a notebook if you want to jot down tasting notes.
The $30 fee is quite reasonable considering the depth of knowledge and tasting variety offered.
Remember, the tour is limited to 8 people, ensuring personalized attention, so don’t delay your booking.

This coffee experience is ideal for anyone curious about Colombia’s coffee industry, from casual drinkers to serious enthusiasts. Travelers seeking a local, authentic activity will appreciate the intimate setting and genuine storytelling. It’s also perfect for those wanting a relaxed yet informative introduction to Bogotá’s vibrant café culture.

If you’re keen on learning practical brewing techniques or understanding the story behind each cup, this tour offers both education and entertainment. It’s equally suited for solo travelers looking for social interaction or small groups seeking a shared experience with lasting memories.

The Coffee Tasting Experience at Divino Café Especial delivers much more than just tasting good coffee. It’s a well-rounded, educational, and delightfully personal introduction to Colombia’s coffee roots. Guided by someone who lives and breathes coffee, you’ll walk away with new skills, new appreciation, and perhaps a new favorite brew.

While the small group size and bookings made well in advance might require some planning, the value and authenticity of this experience make it well worth the effort. Whether you’re a coffee aficionado or just someone eager to explore Bogotá’s local flavors, this tour will leave you with a deeper connection to Colombia’s most famous export.

Is this tour suitable for coffee beginners?
Absolutely. The guide explains concepts clearly and makes the tasting accessible for all levels.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 90 minutes, providing enough time to enjoy the tastings and learn.

What is included in the price?
You get four different coffee tastings prepared with various methods, a house cake, and educational guidance from Leandro.

Can I book this tour on short notice?
It’s best to book about 16 days in advance to secure a spot, especially during busy periods.

Is the tour accessible for non-Spanish speakers?
Yes, there are English tours daily at 9 am, ensuring non-Spanish speakers can participate comfortably.

What is the group size?
A maximum of 8 travelers, ensuring a personalized and interactive experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes are recommended, especially since you’ll be tasting and learning in a casual café setting.