Medellin Coffee Tour: Is it Worth It and Which One To Take

If you’re searching for the ultimate Medellin coffee tour, you’re not alone. As a self-proclaimed coffee lover who’s sipped and savored around the globe—from third wave tours in Portland, Oregon, to a less-than-impressive tasting in Indonesia—I finally found a tour worth recommending in Medellin, Colombia. Colombia is legendary for its coffee, and Medellin, perched on the edge of coffee-growing heaven, is the ideal base for a rich, immersive Colombia coffee tour.

I booked my experience through La Mesa, a trusted Medellin-based tour company that delivered a genuine and educational experience. What followed was a half-day adventure to a family-run coffee farm tour that not only deepened my appreciation for coffee but also highlighted the incredible labor behind every cup.

What to Expect on a Medellin Coffee Farm Tour

I took this particular Medellín coffee farm tour after wrapping up a great morning food tour with La Mesa through Envigado—perfect timing to keep the culinary discoveries going.

The tour lasts around four hours and includes transportation to the farm, an entrance fee, and a guided tasting—all for about $78 USD per person (prices vary depending on group size). Minimum booking is two people, which makes it perfect for couples or small groups.

We kicked things off with a warm cup of tinto, Colombia’s traditional black coffee, at the Observatorio Agroecológico El Cafetal. This working farm and eco-educational center sits in the Vereda El Vallano, a lush region of Envigado known for its biodiversity and rich agricultural heritage.

📌 Book Your Colombia Coffee Farm Tour Here

A Look at the Farm: Observatorio Agroecológico El Cafetal

Founded over 40 years ago, El Cafetal is a family-owned operation that follows strict organic farming principles. Their brand, Café Ayurá, is certified by Rainforest Alliance and produced using ancestral knowledge that respects both the environment and the local culture. They cultivate everything naturally, relying on composting, companion planting, and other agroecological practices.

The tour is hands-on. After learning about Colombia’s coffee history and the science behind different bean varieties, we were guided through the process of planting, harvesting, and processing coffee.

We walked through rows of lush, organically grown coffee plants perched on steep, rugged terrain. It’s one thing to sip coffee and another entirely to pick the beans under the Colombian sun. The average coffee picker here can collect up to 80kg (176lb) of coffee cherries per day—a labor-intensive job that gave me a newfound appreciation for every cup I drink.

Tasting the Bean—Literally

One surprising highlight was tasting a fresh coffee cherry straight off the plant. It’s sweet, juicy, and nothing like what you’d expect from a drink that’s usually bitter. This made me realize why animals, like the civets in Indonesia, are drawn to these berries (though I strongly oppose kopi luwak due to its unethical practices).

At first, I’ll admit I thought the hands-on portion of the tour might be a bit touristy. But after being outfitted with a traditional basket and heading into the rows of coffee trees, I quickly changed my mind. Picking coffee cherries is hard, meticulous work—especially on a hillside under the afternoon sun. It gave me a new appreciation for the labor that goes into every cup.

This experience really drove home one of the key values behind third wave coffee: transparency and respect for the people who grow and harvest each bean. Understanding the effort and care that farmers put into cultivating coffee deepened my appreciation for the entire process—from farm to filter. And yes, despite the sweat, it was actually a lot of fun.

Unexpected Wildlife and Fruit Picking

As we explored the farm, we spotted a rare Colombian monkey swinging through the treetops—a sight even our guide admitted was unusual. Bird lovers will also be delighted; El Cafetal is home to several species, including the bird that inspired the coffee brand’s name.

Another nice surprise was picking ripe tangerines right off the vine. The tool—a long pole with a small basket—made it fun and efficient. The tangerines were sweet, refreshing, and the perfect mid-tour treat.

From Bean to Brew: The Roasting Process

After the fieldwork, we were shown how the beans are washed, dried, and roasted. The aroma was very inviting. Watching the roasting process really ties together all the hard work behind a single cup. We wrapped up the day in the farm’s quaint shop, where I bought a bag of their single-origin beans to bring home.

Why a Medellin Coffee Tour is Worth It

Whether you’re a hardcore coffee enthusiast or just mildly curious, a coffee farm tour Medellin is a must. It’s more than just a caffeine fix—it’s a deep dive into the heart of Colombia’s economy, culture, and environment. The experience also underscores how little income often reaches the hardworking hands that pick the beans.

The third‑wave coffee movement has been pivotal in changing how we experience coffee. It emphasizes quality, single‑origin sourcing, transparency, sustainability, and fair pay for farmers. Supporting tours like this one from La Mesa helps keep money in local communities and educates tourists about the realities of coffee production.

Coffee with a Conscience

This Medellin coffee tour wasn’t just a highlight of my trip—it reshaped how I view my morning cup. Walking the same steep paths as the pickers, sipping freshly roasted brews, and learning the full lifecycle of coffee made this a memorable and meaningful experience.

Whether you’re here for the caffeine or the culture, a Colombia coffee farm visit will leave you with a new appreciation for the humble bean and the people behind it.

La Mesa offers plenty of great experiences in and around Medellín, which you can check out here.

📌 Book Your Colombia Coffee Farm Tour Here

Other Things to Do Around Medellin

While in the city, don’t miss other amazing experiences that tie in beautifully with your coffee tour:

• Consider spending 7 days in Medellin to explore everything the city has to offer.
• Try a food tour of Laureles or the unforgettable food tour with La Mesa.
• Dance the night away with some salsa dancing in local clubs.
• For an adrenaline rush, go paragliding in Medellin.
• Dive into culture by visiting Comuna 13, a powerful symbol of transformation.
• Take one of the many tours to Guatape, a colorful lakeside town with stunning views.
• Get hands-on with a Colombian cooking class to expand your culinary skills.
• Not sure where to refuel after your coffee tour? Check out where to eat in Medellin.

Where to Stay (and Sip) in Medellín + How to Stay Connected

If you’re planning a Medellín coffee tour and looking for a stylish, comfortable base to stay fueled and connected, The Landmark Hotel is a great choice. Free coffee in the lobby and excellent cafés just steps away made it easy to keep the caffeine flowing between adventures. Whether I was recovering from a food coma or prepping for another tasting, the hotel offered everything I needed—quick workouts in the 24-hour gym, quiet time in the coworking space, and relaxing rooftop views.

Staying connected during my trip was just as seamless. I used a GigSky eSIM throughout Colombia and had reliable data the entire time—perfect for navigating, translating, and sharing my food and coffee finds on the go. No need to swap SIM cards or chase Wi-Fi signals. For more details and to purchase a GigSky eSIM through my referral link, click here. Don’t forget to use promo code SHAU179 for a $3 USD credit!

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