Adios, Colombia

Colombia bills itself el país de la belleza – the country of beauty. The South American nation features astounding biodiversity and cultural heritage, and topography ranging from the majestic Andes and the Amazon rainforest to the Caribbean coast. My second and more extensive visit to this country has only confirmed the impression left by my first: that Colombia rewards those willing to look past is reputation, revealing a place of extraordinary warmth, resilience, and richness at every turn. Some of the cafes that serves good Colombian coffee: And now for the food and accommodations during my visit: Two memorable meals in Medellin were…

Finca del Café

The main reason I wanted to visit Pereira, one of the coffee regions in Colombia – is to visit a coffee farm. When I first visited this country 13 years prior, I was disappointed in the quality of coffee I had. At that time, I was told, rightly or wrongly, that the best coffee is exported. And today, I have dropped by a few coffee shops and have noticed the quality and taste is much better. Visiting a specialized single-origin coffee farm and learning about planting, harvesting, pulping, and up to roasting.

Pereira

Valle de Cocora is located in the central mountains of Quindio. Part of the Parque Nacional de los Nevados – where the national tree of Colombia “Quindian Wax Palm” can reach a height of 60 metres and also home to a great number of species of birds – including hummingbirds, orejiamarillo, or the endangered palm parrot. Filandia, a traditional town with its colonial houses in the coffee region. Another town visited is Salento. Sadly, the town church was damaged by the recent earthquake.