Medellín Coffee Farm Tour with Tastings & Local Lunch

Summary

Colombian coffee culture up close on a Medellín day trip

You’ll walk coffee fields near Medellín, pick ripe beans with locals at a family farm, taste freshly roasted coffee with a barista, and share a traditional lunch overlooking green hills. Expect laughter, earthy smells, and genuine moments—plus hotel pickup so you can just relax into it all.

What’s the experience like?

“If you pick the red ones, you’ll taste the sweetest cup,” Don Hernán grinned as he handed me a little basket and showed me how to tie the scarf. I’d never worn a poncho or that funny machete cover before—felt like I was playing dress-up at first, but everyone else in our group looked just as out of place (except for Don Hernán’s daughter, who made it look easy). The air smelled green and earthy, and there was this low hum from cicadas somewhere in the trees. It’s only about 40 minutes from Medellín, but honestly it felt like another world.

We wandered between rows of coffee plants at La Arrinconada farm, trying not to squish any of the tiny seedlings underfoot. There was a picking contest—my hands got sticky fast and I definitely didn’t win, but Li from our group did and got a little prize (she laughed so hard when she tried to say “cafetera” right). Our guide explained every step: planting, pulping, drying—he even let us try grinding the beans by hand. The smell after roasting is something I still think about; it’s deeper than anything from my kitchen back home. Oh, and when we finally tasted three different brews with the barista? I never realized coffee could taste like fruit or chocolate without adding anything.

Lunch was fiambre paisa—wrapped up in banana leaves—and we all sat outside looking over these rolling green hills that just went on forever. Someone’s dog kept wandering around hoping for scraps. After dessert (I’m still not sure what it was called), we had time to buy some beans to take home. The souvenir they gave us is sitting on my shelf now—a small reminder of that quiet hillside and the way everyone seemed to know each other by name. It wasn’t fancy or staged; just real people sharing their everyday life with us for a few hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coffee farm tour and tastings

• Departure from Medellín
• Welcome drink
• Introduction to coffee history
• Receive typical attire
• Visit coffee crops
• Visit coffee seedbeds
• Participate in coffee picking contest
• Process collected coffee
• Coffee cupping with barista
• Enjoy lunch
• Have dessert
• Receive souvenir
• Visit shopping area
• Return to hotel or pickup point

Top questions

How far is the coffee farm from Medellín?

The farm is about 40 minutes from Medellín by car.

Is transportation included in this Medellín coffee tour?

Yes, round-trip hotel transfer is included in your booking.

Do we get to pick coffee beans ourselves?

Yes, you’ll join in harvesting ripe beans during the visit.

Is there lunch included during the tour?

Yes, a typical regional lunch called fiambre paisa is served.

Are children allowed on this day trip?

Infants and small children are welcome; strollers are allowed.

Will we have a guide during the tour?

A local guide leads you through each part of the experience.

Can I buy coffee at the farm?

Yes, there’s an area where you can purchase local coffee beans.

What should I wear for this tour?

You’ll be loaned typical attire like ponchos and hats for activities.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking on uneven ground.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from Medellín, guided visits through coffee plantations at La Arrinconada family farm, hands-on harvesting with typical attire provided, tastings led by a professional barista, a traditional fiambre paisa lunch with dessert, a small souvenir to take home, and time to shop for fresh local coffee before heading back in comfort.