New Coffee Experience in Támesis, Jérico and Jardín (Antioquia)

 
Southwest Antioquia – full of green valleys, mountains and rivers – is one of Colombia’s most beautiful landscapes. Far away from mass tourism, one of the most important regions of coffee cultivation in Colombia is located here. Discover hidden waterfalls, mysterious cloud forests and an untouched world of idyllic mountain villages where time seems to stand still. Explore the region through unpaved roads and immerse into the traditional life of the local peasants. Hike on pre-Hispanic paths through Andean cloud forests full of orchids, bromeliads and colourful tropical birds. Marvel at villages, nestled in the green hills, and learn everything about coffee, from the coffee bush to coffee cup

Day 1: Day on a Colombian Coffee Farm (-/L/-)

A scenic ride through lush green mountains takes you into the coffee region of Souhwest Antioquia. After two hours you reach the Andean village of Fredonia located high up in the hills surrounded by coffee- and fruit plantations. Discover the whole coffee processing from the plant to the cup with a local family. Before lunch you stroll through the coffee fields learning more about growing and harvesting the coffee beans. After a traditional countryside lunch, you get an insight into the roasting process and furthermore about the best way to prepare the coffee. Head on to the idyllic Andean coffee village of Támesis located high above the Cauca River Valley. Spend the night in Támesis.

Day 2: Ancient Pre-Hispanic Petroglyphs & Cultural Heritage Village Jericó (B/-/-)

Támesis is known as one of the places with the greatest density of indigenous pre-Hispanic petroglyphs in Colombia. After visiting the archaeological museum, a local guide leads you through a tour of the surroundings of Támesis to visit the archaeological sites in the region. Observe different types of petroglyphs and travel back into the ancient times before the Spanish invaders came into Colombia. After lunch travel to the precious coffee village of Jericó – already listed as Cultural Heritage Village with the 16 most beautiful chapels of Antioquia in its town centre. Take a guided tour of the historic centre with its traditional facades and the local “carriel” workshops. These special leather accessories are handmade in Jericó and it’s the best place to get a different Colombian gift for family and friends. Try the famous “Luisa” pastries and unique cardamom sweets of the region. Spend the night in the historic centre of Jericó.

Day 3: Antioquia´s green heart - Jardín – Cultural Heritage Village (B/-/-)

This morning hit the road towards Jardín a beautiful village in Antioquia and surrounded by coffee and banana plantations. Jardín is famous for its colourful houses and balconies and has already been declared a national monument. Visit the local museum where the history of the colonization of the region comes to life. After a sample of Doña Mariela's prize-winning sweets, you will take the traditional cable car to the other side of the valley and walk back to the village Jardín. Experience the unique atmosphere on the main square and feel the serenity of Colombia´s coffee region. Spend the night in a family-run hotel close to the main square.

Day 4: Colonial Colombia - Santa Fé de Antioquia – Cultural Heritage Village (B/-/-)

On the last day travel along the Cauca River banks into the Western highlands of Antioquia to explore the colonial treasure of the region: Santa Fé de Antioquia. Founded in 1541 on the Western bank of the Cauca River, it became the first capital of Antioquia in 1584. Continue with a guided tour around the city, which is declared a national cultural heritage thanks to its colonial architecture with many historic churches, plazas and monuments. Visit the famous “Puente del Occidente”, the longest suspension bridge in Colombia before returning to Medellín in the evening hours.