Finca El Ocaso: Coffee Tour With Jeep Willys, Harvesting And Coffee Tasting

Board a classic Jeep Willys, the quintessential vehicle of the Coffee Region, and embark from Salento's main square. Our guide will greet you there with a sign. In about 30 minutes, you'll travel down scenic rural roads alongside the Quindío River until you arrive at Finca El Ocaso, a family-run farm boasting over a century of history. Nestled at 1,900 meters above sea level, it is situated in the heart of the Coffee Cultural Landscape, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Upon reaching your destination, a bilingual guide (Spanish/English) will lead you through the shade-grown coffee plantations. This cultivation method safeguards the farm's biodiversity and facilitates the slow growth of coffee beans, crucial for achieving premium quality. You'll gain insights into identifying the Tabi and Castillo varieties thriving on these slopes, explore their entire life cycle, and, if visiting during harvest season, have the chance to handpick coffee beans yourself.

The exploration continues with the post-harvest process. The guide will thoroughly explain each phase of the bean's journey, from pulping and fermentation to drying, threshing, and artisanal roasting. Here, you'll also delve into the history of Colombia's coffee industry and uncover the secrets that have earned its global acclaim.

The experience wraps up with a tasting of specialty coffee directly prepared using filter methods on the farm. In your cup, you'll savor the unique notes of El Ocaso coffee: caramel, red berries, balanced acidity, and a creamy body. This experience will help you discern the difference between regular coffee and a truly exceptional one.

Finally, we return in a Jeep Willys to the meeting point at Salento Square.