Salento Coffee Tour: Finca Walk & Traditional Tasting

Summary

Salento’s coffee fields hands-on tour with tastings and local stories

You’ll walk Salento’s coffee fields with a local guide, pick ripe cherries by hand, learn how beans are processed right at Finca del Café, then taste two distinct coffees plus a special cold brew. Expect laughter over language mix-ups and small surprises in every cup—this isn’t just watching; you’ll feel part of it all.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway up the slope when I realized how much the air in Salento actually smells like coffee — not just roasted beans, but something earthier, almost sweet. Our guide, Luz Elena, handed me a poncho and this woven basket that kept slipping off my shoulder (she laughed and fixed it for me). She pointed to a row of bright red cherries and said something about “el grano perfecto” — I tried to repeat it, but honestly, my accent is hopeless. Still, she smiled. The finca was quiet except for birds and the low hum of distant voices from another group somewhere behind us.

I didn’t expect to get my hands dirty so soon. We picked beans under the shade trees while Luz explained why some leaves curl or why certain rows face east. There’s this moment when you crush a cherry between your fingers — it’s sticky and smells nothing like brewed coffee yet. Later, in the little processing shed (it’s more like someone’s garage), we watched the beans get washed and dried on these rough wooden trays. The whole process felt slower than I imagined — kind of meditative? Someone from our group asked if we could taste right away; Luz just grinned and said “espero un poco.”

The tasting was in a shaded corner with mismatched mugs set out on an old table. We tried two types — one light, one richer — both grown right there at Finca del Café. The lighter one surprised me; it tasted almost floral, which sounds weird but made sense after Luz described the soil here. They brought out a cold coffee drink too (not what I usually go for), but honestly it hit the spot after walking around under that sun. I still think about that first sip — cool, bittersweet, with this faint citrus thing going on.

Leaving was harder than I thought; maybe because Luz waved goodbye like we’d known her longer than just a morning. There’s something about seeing each step up close that makes you appreciate every cup differently afterward… or maybe I’m just sentimental today.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Experience coffee culture and process

• Learn traditional coffee cultivation
• Observe coffee processing methods
• Prepare coffee using traditional techniques
• Enjoy tasting coffee from seed to palate

Top questions

How long does the Salento coffee tour last?

The duration isn’t specified in the reference content.

Is pickup included in the Finca del Café tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby.

Are there coffee tastings during the tour?

Yes, two tastings of special origin coffee are included along with a special cold coffee drink.

Is this Salento coffee tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to provided info.

Do they provide traditional gear for visitors?

Yes, you’ll be loaned a poncho, basket, and hat during your visit.

Can service animals join the Finca del Café tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is insurance included in the day trip to Finca del Café?

Yes, insurance is included as part of your booking.

What’s included

Your experience includes two tastings of specialty origin coffee grown right at Finca del Café, guidance from a local expert throughout your walk among the fields and processing areas, insurance coverage for peace of mind during your visit, use of traditional poncho, basket and hat while exploring—and you’ll also get to try their signature cold coffee drink before heading back into town.