Cali: Sugar Cane Museum & Hacienda La María Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Romantic novels, sugar cane stories and wine in Cali’s green valleys

You’ll walk where Colombia’s most famous love story was set, taste smoky local wine in a sleepy town square, and see how sugar cane shaped Valle del Cauca. With hotel pickup and a guide who knows every corner, expect real stories—not just facts—and moments that stick long after you’re back in Cali.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the air felt—warm but not heavy, with this sweet grassy smell as we drove out of Cali toward Hacienda El Paraíso. Our guide, Camilo, pointed out the rows of guadua bamboo flashing by the window. He told us about “María,” that old Colombian novel everyone here seems to know by heart. I’d never read it (still haven’t), but walking through those creaky wooden corridors and shaded gardens where the story supposedly unfolded… it felt like stepping into someone else’s memory. There were birds everywhere—so loud I had to laugh—and a gardener who nodded at us with a smile like he’d seen this all before. Maybe he had.

We stopped in a little town for a quick look at a monument—María and Efraín cast in stone, holding hands. It was smaller than I expected. Someone handed me a cup of local wine (not sure what grape) and it tasted earthy, almost smoky? Li laughed when I tried to say “vino artesanal” in Spanish—probably butchered it. The sun was already high by then and everything felt brighter, even the dust on my shoes.

Piedechinche was next—a 300-year-old hacienda turned sugar cane museum. The main keyword here is “sugar cane museum near Cali,” but honestly it didn’t feel like a museum at all. More like wandering through an old storybook: faded maps on the walls, antique presses you could still touch, that faint molasses scent clinging to your fingers after they let us try some panela. Camilo explained how everything changed when sugar arrived here centuries ago; his voice got quieter in those cool hallways lined with old photos. I still think about that—how something so ordinary shaped whole towns.

I left with sticky hands and a head full of odd details: the way sunlight hit those red tiles at noon, or how quiet it got in the wine cellar when everyone stopped talking for just a second. If you’re looking for a day trip from Cali that isn’t just ticking boxes—well, this one lingers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit sugar cane museum and haciendas

• Tour Hacienda Piedechinche sugar cane museum
• Explore Hacienda El Paraíso romantic novel setting
• Stop at town monument of María and Efraín
• Taste artisanal wine at Santa Solera cellar
• Visit 310-year-old museum house

Top questions

How long does the Sugar Cane Museum & Hacienda La María tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours including travel time from Cali.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Cali?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation are included.

Are entrance fees covered during the tour?

All entrance fees to both El Paraíso farm and the Sugar Cane Museum are included.

Will there be opportunities to taste local wine?

Yes, you’ll visit Santa Solera’s wine cellar for an artisanal wine tasting.

Is this day trip suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible and infants can join with prams or on laps.

What should I wear or bring for this tour?

Wear comfortable shoes and light clothes; bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water bottle, and possibly rain gear.

Does the tour operate if it rains?

The tour runs rain or shine; bring an umbrella or poncho if needed.

Who leads the tour?

A knowledgeable local guide accompanies you throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Cali’s hotel zone, entry fees to both Hacienda El Paraíso and Piedechinche Sugar Cane Museum, guided visits through historic houses and gardens, plus stops for local artisanal wine tasting before heading back in the evening—all handled so you can just take it in.