Kuoda’s Guide To Coffee in Colombia: How To Taste The Best Brews In The World

October 22, 2023 | by: Kuoda Authors

While many of us can’t imagine a morning without our favorite cup of coffee, Colombian coffee culture takes it to the next level. Colombia is synonymous with exceptional coffee, and exploring its coffee culture is an enriching journey for any traveler. From the lush Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero) to the bustling cities like Bogotá and Medellín, Colombia offers an array of destinations where you can taste the best brews and delve into the world of coffee in Colombia.

When you travel with Kuoda, we’ll make sure you taste the best coffee the country has to offer? The “how” of making sure that happens, is all in the details.  Read on as we take you through the best time of the year to visit, how to pick the finest coffee beans, why Colombian coffee is so renowned, and where to savor this beloved beverage in various destinations across the country. Sit back, sip on your favorite brew and let Kuoda do the planning – send us a message today to start planning your coffee experience in Colombia.

The Best Time of the Year for Coffee Enthusiasts

Embrace Colombia’s coffee rhythm: Harvest seasons in April-June & October-December offer coffee adventures, but coffee culture blooms year-round with tastings and tours.

Colombia’s coffee regions experience two main harvest seasons each year, making it crucial to plan your coffee adventure around these periods if you wish to witness the coffee-making process in action. The primary harvest season occurs from April to June, while the secondary season takes place from October to December. During these months, coffee farms are abuzz with activity as the cherries ripen, and workers meticulously pick the coffee beans.

Visiting during the harvest season allows you to engage in coffee-picking activities and observe the entire coffee production process. However, even outside of these months, Colombia’s coffee culture thrives year-round, with coffee shops, tastings, and tours available at any time.

How to Pick the Best Coffee Beans

The quality of Colombian coffee is largely attributed to the country’s ideal coffee-growing conditions, known as the “Coffee Belt.” Here, high-altitude regions with rich volcanic soil and diverse microclimates create the perfect environment for cultivating premium coffee beans.

When selecting coffee beans to savor or purchase, keep these factors in mind:

• Altitude: High-altitude coffee beans (above 1,200 meters) tend to have a more complex flavor profile and a brighter acidity. They are often considered superior in quality.
• Bean Variety: Colombian coffee primarily consists of Arabica beans, known for their smooth, mild flavor. However, you can also find specialty varieties like Geisha, which are prized for their unique and intricate flavors.
• Processing Method: Coffee beans can be processed in various ways, such as washed, natural, or honey-processed. Each method imparts distinct flavors to the beans, so exploring different processing methods can be an exciting tasting experience.
• Single Origin vs. Blend: Single-origin coffee comes from a specific region or farm, allowing you to explore the nuances of that particular terroir. Coffee blends, on the other hand, combine beans from multiple regions for a well-rounded flavor.
• Freshness: To enjoy the full flavor potential of coffee, opt for freshly roasted beans and grind them just before brewing.

What Makes Colombian Coffee Different:

Colombian Coffee Essence: Perfect conditions, quality focus, Arabica excellence, diverse flavors, sustainability commitment—crafted for discerning coffee enthusiasts

Delicious Colombian coffee’s worldwide acclaim stems from a combination of factors:

• Ideal Growing Conditions: Colombia’s Coffee Belt provides optimal conditions for coffee cultivation, including the right altitude, temperature, and rainfall, resulting in consistently high-quality beans.
• Quality Control: The Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC) plays a pivotal role in ensuring coffee quality. They support local farmers with training and resources, maintain strict quality standards, and promote sustainable farming practices.
• Arabica Dominance: Colombia primarily grows Arabica coffee, favored for its mild and well-balanced flavor. This emphasis on quality over quantity has solidified the country’s reputation for producing top-tier beans.
• Diverse Microclimates: Colombia’s varied geography and microclimates contribute to the diversity of coffee flavors, making it a treasure trove for coffee connoisseurs.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Many Colombian coffee producers prioritize environmentally friendly and sustainable farming practices, ensuring the longevity of their coffee farms and the well-being of the ecosystems around them.

Tasting Colombian Coffee in Various Destinations: Where To Try The Best Brews

Where To Try The Best Brews: Colombian Coffee Delights: From coffee farms in the Coffee Triangle to vibrant cafés in Bogotá and Medellín, experience a rich coffee journey.

The best places to try coffee in Colombia range from the picturesque coffee farms of the Coffee Triangle, where you can witness the entire coffee-making process, to the vibrant coffee shops of Bogotá and Medellín, offering a diverse selection of Colombian beans and brewing methods, ensuring that every coffee enthusiast finds their perfect cup of java. Here are some of our favorite places to try your favorite beverage:

1. Coffee Triangle (Eje Cafetero) – A Coffee Lover’s Paradise

The Coffee Triangle, comprising the regions of Caldas, Quindío, and Risaralda, is the epicenter of Colombia’s coffee culture. Here, you can explore picturesque coffee farms, learn about the coffee-making process, and indulge in tastings.

Best Places to Try Coffee in the Coffee Triangle:

• Salento: This charming town offers a gateway to the famous Cocora Valley, where you can hike amidst towering wax palm trees and cap off your adventure with a steaming cup of local brew. The town itself is dotted with cozy coffee shops and artisanal roasteries.
• Manizales: Known for its excellent coffee, Manizales boasts numerous cafes and roasteries where you can enjoy freshly brewed Colombian coffee in a welcoming atmosphere.
• Filandia: This picturesque town is home to boutique coffee shops and is an ideal spot to savor the flavors of the region.

2. Armenia – The Heart of Colombian Coffee

Armenia, nestled within the Coffee Triangle, is an excellent base for coffee enthusiasts. You can take day trips to nearby coffee farms, participate in interactive coffee experiences, and enjoy freshly brewed Colombian coffee while surrounded by lush green landscapes.

Best Places to Try Coffee in Armenia:

• Finca El Ocaso: This historic coffee farm offers guided tours where you can learn about the coffee-making process and enjoy tastings with breathtaking mountain views.
• Cafe San Alberto: Known for its premium coffee, this cafe in Armenia provides a curated coffee experience with an emphasis on sustainability and quality.

3. Medellín – A Coffee Culture on the Rise

While not a major coffee-producing area, Medellín has several specialty coffee shops where you can savor top-notch Colombian coffee. The city’s coffee culture is growing, and you’ll find baristas passionate about their craft, eager to introduce you to exceptional Colombian coffee beans.

Best Places to Try Coffee in Medellín:

• Pergamino: This renowned coffee shop is a pioneer in Medellín’s specialty coffee scene, offering a range of single-origin coffees and brewing methods.
• Devoción: Located in the trendy El Poblado neighborhood, Devoción is known for its dedication to freshness, with an on-site roastery and an impressive selection of Colombian beans.

4. Bogotá – The Capital of Coffee Exploration

The capital city of Bogotá also has a burgeoning specialty coffee scene. Numerous coffee shops dot the city, offering a variety of Colombian coffee beans prepared using different methods, from pour-over to espresso. Some shops even organize cupping sessions where you can learn about tasting notes, flavors, and the art of coffee appreciation.

Best Places to Try Coffee in Bogotá:

• Amor Perfecto: A pioneer in the Colombian coffee scene, Amor Perfecto offers an extensive coffee menu and hosts coffee-related workshops.
• Azahar Coffee: This cozy cafe focuses on sustainability and offers a diverse selection of Colombian coffee beans, all roasted in-house.

5. Santa Marta and Sierra Nevada – A Coastal Coffee Experience

On the northern coast of Colombia, Santa Marta and the Sierra Nevada region offer a unique coffee experience. Here, you can visit coffee farms perched on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, providing a stark contrast to the traditional Coffee Triangle. Enjoy a coffee tour while taking in breathtaking vistas of the Caribbean Sea and lush jungles.

Best Places to Try Coffee in Santa Marta and Sierra Nevada:

• La Victoria Coffee Farm: This family-owned coffee farm in Minca offers guided tours where you can learn about coffee cultivation and processing while enjoying panoramic views.
• Cafe San Alberto Santa Marta: An extension of the renowned Cafe San Alberto, this cafe in Santa Marta offers a coastal twist on Colombian coffee, with beans sourced from the Sierra Nevada region.

Exploring Colombia’s coffee culture is a journey that encompasses not only tasting exceptional brews but also delving into the rich history, traditions, and sustainable practices of coffee farming. Whether you find yourself amidst the lush landscapes of the Coffee Triangle, the bustling streets of Bogotá, or the serene coffee farms of Santa Marta, Colombia offers an inviting and diverse coffee culture that will leave a lasting impression on your palate and your heart. So, embark on this coffee adventure, savor each sip, and discover why Colombian coffee is celebrated worldwide as one of the finest brews the world has to offer.