Medellin: Coffee Farm & Horseback Day Tour with Lunch

Summary

Ride mountain trails and taste Colombian coffee with local farmers near Medellin

You’ll ride horses through Medellin’s green hills with a local guide before sharing lunch at a family-run coffee farm. Taste freshly roasted beans brewed four ways, join every step from picking to roasting, and swap stories with your hosts. It’s an honest day out—muddy boots included.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound—birds somewhere in the trees, and the soft clop of hooves as our little group set out on horseback into the green hills outside Medellin. I’m not exactly a horse person (I think my horse knew), but our guide, Andrés, kept things easy. He laughed when I tried to pronounce my horse’s name—something like “Lucero,” but I never quite got it right. The air was cool, not cold, and it smelled faintly of wet earth and something sweet I couldn’t place. Riding up those winding paths, you get these sudden views over the valley that just stop you for a second. It’s hard to explain, but there’s this quiet out there that feels different from city quiet.

After about two hours (maybe more? time felt weird), we left the horses behind and drove a bit to a small coffee farm run by a family who seemed genuinely happy to see us. Lunch was simple but good—rice, beans, grilled chicken, plantains—and served at this long wooden table under a tin roof while rain started tapping above us. The farmer’s daughter poured us coffee in four ways—Chemex, French Press, Moka pot, and something called Japanese Syphon (which looked like science class). I liked the Moka best; it tasted kind of chocolatey? We tried picking beans ourselves—harder than it looks—and got our hands sticky during the washing part. There’s something oddly satisfying about watching raw beans turn into that familiar smell as they roast them right in front of you.

I didn’t expect to feel so welcome. The family told stories about their land—how their grandfather planted the first trees—and even let us try grinding beans by hand (my arms still remember). Andrés translated when we got lost in Spanish. At one point someone asked if we could ever drink coffee the same way again after seeing all this work go in—I don’t think so. We left with bags of their coffee tucked into our backpacks and mud on our shoes. The drive back was quiet; everyone sort of staring out at the hills or dozing off. I still think about that view from the saddle sometimes—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Horseback riding and coffee farm tour

• Horseback ride through mountains
• Drive to coffee farm
• Enjoy traditional Colombian lunch
• Learn coffee planting and picking
• Participate in depulping and fermenting
• Observe drying and threshing
• Watch roasting and grinding
• Compare coffee brewing methods

Top questions

How long does the Coffee & Horses tour in Medellin last?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours including all activities and transfers.

Is hotel pickup included in this day trip from Medellin?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour price.

Do I need horse riding experience for this tour?

No experience is needed; guides help both beginners and experienced riders.

What kind of lunch is served on this tour?

A traditional Colombian lunch prepared by the coffee farm family is included.

Can I participate in every stage of coffee production?

Yes, guests can join each step—from planting seeds to roasting and tasting coffee.

How far is the horseback ride near Medellin?

The horseback route covers around 11 miles through mountains and fields.

Are there guides during both activities?

Yes, there are always two guides during horseback riding plus staff at the farm.

Is insurance provided for participants?

Insurance is included for all guests during activities.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Medellin, all entry fees for horseback riding and the coffee farm visit, guidance from local experts throughout each activity, insurance coverage for peace of mind, a traditional Colombian lunch cooked by your hosts at the farm, plus tastings of freshly brewed coffee using four different methods before heading back to your hotel in time for an evening rest or night out.