Medellin Coffee Tour: Palmitas Farm Tasting & Lunch Pickup

Summary

Colombian coffee fields, muleteer hats, and real farm life near Medellin

You’ll head out from Medellín for a day trip into Palmitas’ green hills—tasting fresh Colombian coffee right at the source, meeting local growers, dressing up like a muleteer (poncho included), enjoying a traditional fiambre lunch on the farm, and maybe even trying horseback riding if you want. It’s warm, real, sometimes muddy—and you’ll remember those flavors long after.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the faint smell of roasted beans drifting through the open window as our van climbed out of Medellín. It’s only about 45 minutes to San Sebastián de Palmitas, but you feel the city drop away fast—suddenly it’s all green hills and that kind of quiet you don’t get downtown. Our guide, Andrés, greeted us at the finca with this easy smile and handed out ponchos and those wide-brimmed hats. I’ll be honest—I looked ridiculous, but everyone else did too, so we just laughed and went with it.

Walking through the rows of coffee plants, you hear this soft crunch underfoot—damp earth mixed with fallen leaves. Andrés explained every step from picking to roasting (I didn’t realize how much goes into one cup). There was this moment where he handed me a handful of raw beans; they’re sticky-sweet and nothing like what I expected. The air smelled earthy but also sharp from the nearby citrus trees. At some point I tried to say “caficultor” right and got a look from one of the workers that said “nice try.”

Coffee tasting at the farm is nothing like what you do in a city café—it’s stronger, almost syrupy, but not bitter. We had fiambre for lunch (rice wrapped in banana leaf) while chickens wandered around and someone’s radio played old vallenato songs in the background. If you want to do the horseback ride part, it’s optional—I skipped it because honestly I’m not great with horses. But watching them move through the hills was its own kind of peaceful. On the drive back to Medellín I kept thinking about how different coffee tastes when you know who grew it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Colombian coffee culture

• Travel from Medellín to Palmitas
• Learn coffee making processes
• Enjoy guided coffee tastings
• Dress as local muleteer
• Optional horseback ride

Top questions

How far is Palmitas from Medellin?

It’s about 45 minutes by car from central Medellín to San Sebastián de Palmitas.

Is hotel pickup included in this Medellin coffee tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

What food is served during the tour?

You’ll have snacks during the visit and a traditional fiambre lunch at the coffee farm.

Can I join if I don’t speak Spanish?

A basic English-speaking guide is available; some guides may be multilingual.

Is horseback riding required on this day trip?

No—it’s optional if you’d like to try it; otherwise you can skip it.

Are there any age or fitness restrictions?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for people with mobility problems.

What should I wear for this coffee tour?

Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes—avoid shorts or flip-flops due to slippery terrain.

Is travel insurance provided?

Yes, travel insurance is included as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup from Medellín, guided visits through Palmitas’ coffee fields with tastings at the finca, snacks along the way, a homemade fiambre lunch on-site (with vegetarian options possible), plus travel insurance so you can just focus on soaking up all those sights—and smells—before heading back to town.