30 Aug 2025
This experience in Bogota was wonderful. Our guide, Lorena was knowledgeable, friendly and energetic. The drive to the farm took us through some unique fauna as we drove through the clouds up 2000 feet (600 meters) above Bogota and then back down to about 6000 (1830 meters) feet. We saw a whole new environment as we crossed the top of the Andes. Upon arriving at the coffee farm we were greeted by the owner and her security patrol: five of the happiest, most laid-back dogs I've known! Although there is a tour here almost every day, you'd think that we were the first people they'd seen in years. We were served a traditional Colombian breakfast then began our immersion into the growing and preparation of USDA Certified organic coffee. I got to dig a hole and plant a baby coffee plant; his name is Charlie and he'll produce his first cherries in 2027. (Ask to see Charlie the Coffee Plant if you go.) The entire tour is interactive so you really do get to be "a coffee farmer for a day". After our time as coffee farmers we were served a delicious chicken and rice lunch, then participated in a proper coffee tasting. I now have a new appreciation for my morning coffee. The drive back to Bogota was as enjoyable as the drive up and we left with a bag of fresh Colombian coffee, a couple trinkets my wife picked out and a new memory.