Coffee tour La Casa Grande — Restaurant in Medellín

This is the kind of place you can use as a remote work location, away from all the hubbub of downtown Medellin. The accommodations are offered in a huge refurbished historical hacienda, that affords gorgeous views of the hills and the mountain ranges (the "cordilleras").||||We spent a week here and thoroughly enjoyed it. The internet connectivity is top-notch, so even with 4 of us on concurrent conference calls to the USA (and a coffee-making 101 session being offered by the staff remotely), we had no issues with conference calls or just working.||||The staff is truly amazing and very helpful. Most do not speak English, but with a modicum of Spanish - or Google translate - it is not difficult to manage. We had most of our meals here, which was convenient. The meals are simple, but well balanced. The varied fruit juices was a real treat!||||Our most memorable moments were taking a break from work and going on a strenuous walk up the hills, and meeting some wonderful people along the way. An ice cream shop in a lady's house close by is very convenient, especially because the lady also sells wine! On our last day, we got one of the staff members guide us on a hike that involved climbing several hundred steps (yes, the terrain as you'd expect is hilly).||||Another great memory is coming out of our rooms and getting to see assorted animals (dogs, cats, a goat, chickens and koi in the pond.)||||||We were the only guests, so we got to enjoy the huge grounds pretty much to ourselves. The only time we had any other visitors was when tourists came on a day trip from Medellin, to get the coffee plantation experience.||||The only to keep in mind is that even though the city is close by, it takes a while to get there because of the terrain. Also some of the plumbing is old, so do not expect to get a shower like you would at a Marriott; of course, you are not coming to a quiet retreat like this just for a shower?||||We made use of the services of a local taxi driver, John. He does not speak English, but I would trust my life with him. He's very dependable and very reasonable...

La Casa Grande Hacienda Coffee Tour offers an exceptional and informative experience that immerses visitors in the world of coffee production. The tour starts with punctual pick-up, setting the tone for a well-organized and smooth day. Upon arrival, guests are greeted warmly with a fresh cup of coffee, a perfect introduction to the day's journey.

The hacienda itself is picturesque, surrounded by lush gardens, koi fish ponds, and friendly animals such as goats and cats. The ambiance is serene and inviting, making it easy to relax and enjoy the surroundings. The tour offers a comprehensive look at the coffee-making process, from planting and harvesting to processing and tasting, providing insight into where our beloved coffee comes from.

The hands-on aspect of the tour allows visitors to participate in planting and harvesting coffee beans, deepening their appreciation for the hard work and dedication involved in coffee production. Visitors also learn about the differences between commercial and high-quality specialty coffee, expanding their knowledge and appreciation of the beverage.

Valentina and Alle, the knowledgeable hostesses, guide guests through the tour with enthusiasm and expertise, making the experience engaging and educational. The comfortable ride back is a nice touch, providing a relaxing end to a delightful day. Overall, La Casa Grande Hacienda Coffee Tour is a must-visit for coffee lovers and anyone interested in learning more about this...

This was an amazing experience and one of the highlights of our trip to Medellín! Upon entering the property, you are immediately met with a beautiful house and a tranquil, bucolic pond. The air is crisp and fresh, providing immediate relief from the chaos and traffic of Medellín. Our guide, Valentina, received upon arrival. Throughout the whole experience, she carefully and patiently explained every step in the coffee process. Her English was excellent, and her knowledge of coffee was impressive and extensive. We truly learned so much about how coffee gets from field to table. Being able to enter the field to touch and harvest the beans, and then follow the process through drying and roasting, provided important context for gaining a greater appreciation of your daily coffee. The culmination of the experience was the tasting, where Valentina provided a master class in how to analyze and qualify the nuances of different coffees to help us make informed decisions when purchasing and consuming coffee around the world. I highly recommend this trip to anyone visiting Medellín and hope to return again with friends and family. One precaution: The trip to the property is an adventure by itself, as your driver will need to navigate narrow roads, sharp curves, and hilly terrain. Luckily, the trip is only about 30 minutes, but come prepared if you experience...